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August 30,
2006 - Day 1 - Week 22 - In Praise of Special People
(from Peter - it's Katy's
birthday!)
I threatened to write even
though I am not supposed to think on my vacation, so
I write from feelings which give me an exemption.
I’ve always believed that feelings are facts and
that to discount our feelings is an unwise
exercise. My feelings, especially during the months
of chemo therapy, have run the gamut from joy to
despair, residing the majority of the time closer to
the joy spectrum than the despair category. I was
blessed with parents who saw the good in others, the
joy in creation, and approached each day as if it
was a gift. I miss my mother and father on key
days, a day when something triggers the memory is
the most poignant, but these feelings are good and
belong in eternity.
But, I want to share current
feelings because without Katy my ability to bear up
to the challenges I have faced emotionally and
physically would have been futile. Today is her
birthday. Surrounded by some, though not all of our
small family, we raise a glass to toast a wonderful
mother, a thoughtful and caring grandmother, and a
wife who has walked the winding path with me these
past few months in a very special way.
I have not always been easy to
live with and the grumpy quotient has been
particularly high. Blood sugar fluctuations,
monthly system attacks by chemicals, dietary
restrictions and lack of exercises and sleep have
all contributed to my inconsistent and often lousy
demeanor. In other words, Katy has had to put up
with a lot, as does any spouse who is both bread
winner and partner simultaneously. We learn a lot
when in times of crisis, and I have learned that
supportive family and friends makes even the
toughest challenge palatable. On the other hand,
Katy has borne the brunt of my up and down
behavior. On this 49th plus birthday
(when I turned 50 Katy gave me a belt buckle
engraved 49 and hold’n) she is by my side at Cape
Cod, my place of rest and restoration.
During our sojourn on this our
fragile island home I am reminded of how important
the words appreciation and affirmation really are.
I deeply acknowledge the love, care and patience
Katy has offered through the long nights and
troublesome days of doctor visitations (and they
have almost been daily for a month). As this is her
day, I express my deep love, appreciation and
gratitude; and yes, though I have immortalized this
on the Kreitler Compact, I will tell her in person.
Every birthday is special, but
I think the next few will take on an added
significance in our household.
Back to Week
22 |
