It has been a while since I have updated my story on this blog. As you may know, I have been struggling for nearly ten years with an incurable blood cancer, multiple myeloma. I am on my third chemotherapy which so far has been keeping the disease under control. But this one will eventually fail, too, and I will have to decide about whether to go on to the next chemo, which I understand will be harder to take than the rest have been, or just let the disease take its course.
My husband died nearly three years ago. I have often wondered how I would have taken care of him as my own health failed. I no longer drive, so I have sold my car. The only way I have been able to manage life is with the help of my friends and family. One friend takes me to chemo- therapy every week. She sits by my side for hours and we talk about life. Other friends come to visit and we talk about politics or spirituality or our mutual friends. When they leave they often take my garbage or my recycling bag and dispose of them for me. A relative comes to cut my hair regularly.
So far I am able to take care of my apartment on my own. People often comment on how clean everything is. Inside I raise a fist of congratulations. My goal is to stay here on my own and I am determined to prove that I am able to manage that. Once and a while I even take my walker out to the front porch and sweep or shovel. (My son would have a fit if he saw me doing that!)
One joy is that I have so much time to read. A friend gets me books that I have put on hold at the library and returns them for me – or reads them!. I have splurged on some magazines. In my former, more active life, I always felt guilty about reading a lot. No more! I also keep up with politics more than I ever have. I come by that naturally. My grandfather was a senator and lieutenant governor decades ago. I remember as a child listening to election results on the radio. He was also a business man; I still have memories of riding along with him when he went calling on customers or riding my tricycle in state capitol as he chatted or debated with other politicians.
One new joy is reading Immerse. It is a unique Bible study using the New Living Translation that doesn’t look like a Bible study – or even like a Bible. I love the introductions to each of the books and their authors – especially in the Old Testament. Some of my friends are in Immerse groups in church, but I find it fascinating to read and underline until I my eyes can’t take it anymore.
Well that about all that is new and/or worthy of sharing with you. Thanks for reading my blog. I am now over 118,000 views. Totally boggles my mind! Keep reading and commenting.
Living as Apprentices 