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Pragmatist
Pragmatist

Thank
Thu Sep 25 2003

Thank you all my readers for your words of comfort. I really hadn't intended to share my woes, but I guess I really needed to. And all the thoughtful, kind words from all of you are deeply appreciated.

Question: Where are you Ironweed? "Search" doesn't find you. I guess I have to thank you this way for reading and responding. All the other people who send me notes are known to me through personal acquaintance, or through emails and chats. But you--who are you?

Today the Rabbi's wife and their newest child, and another woman from the congregation went to visit Friend. According to S., Friend was very happy to see them, but they didn't stay long as Friend seemed to be very tired. Friend has told me repeatedly that she doesn't want any visitors (except me), so it pleases me that she was happy for visitors today.

And...other news. It was considerably cooler today. Maybe summer has finally decided to say bye-bye. I hope!! I haven't noticed any color changes yet, but the tree outside my apartment continues to drop leaves. It has cooled off tonight to the point I may put the blanket back on my bed. Oooh! I love sleeping in a cool room--a cool room not made that way by a fan.

Wonderful news by email today. My former neighbor and good friend will be back in town in October. She plans to spend an overnight with me. I'm so excited. I can hardly wait for her to arrive. She had a malignant tumor attached to her chest wall and ribs. In order for the tumor to be removed, she lost part of two ribs and part of her sternum. But, thank G-d, she is well and in remission now.

This is a woman who is so full of joy, she radiates. I don't think I've ever heard her chuckle. What amuses her brings a hearty, all-out laugh. She's a single mother who put herself through college with the help of some grants and some part time jobs. She now has a Master's Degree and teaches at the college in her hometown. Among other things. This is not a person who is satisfied to do just one job. She has her fingers in a couple other pies. Amazing person! And I am soooo! looking forward to her visit. It's been two years sincce we've seen each other. Oh, my! I can hardly wait until 16 October.

Well, that's it for today. All in all, it was a good day. Thank you.

Shalom

5 Comments
  • From:
    CovertOps (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 25 2003
    Dear Chaya,
    Well, Friend must be feeling a little better about herself if she's happy to receive guests. I'm sure the Rabbi's visit brought her some measure of comfort and peace of mind.
    I am happy too that your old friend will be visiting you soon. Wheee! One is never too old for sleepovers!
    Most people prefer summer to the cold season, but I guess you're different.
    As for your question about Jake, why yes, of course he knows I'm a neat freak and understands what I am about to do to his room! I'll just have to make sure his things can easily be found. I don't want him howling for his glasses or keys or wallet each morning.
    I love you, my friend.
    Take care.
    Love,
    E.L.
  • From:
    Sezrah (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 25 2003
    your old neighbour sounds like a fabulous woman!
  • From:
    Becoming (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 25 2003
    That is happy news all the way around! I am glad your friend was happy to see the Rabbi and family. I have not had a lot of experience with death, but my father did die of lung cancer so I can appreciate what your friend is going through. I remember that the visits from dear friends were so important for my father at the end. I also remember that he began to have discussions with friends who had gone before him and would reach toward the ceiling. It was as though he was transitioning from one life to another, and it was comforting to see. I have heard this is common in cancer patients near the end.

    Your upcoming visit with your friend sounds wonderful! Isn't it great to be around people like that? I am sure she feels much the same way about you.

    I have noticed one beautiful tree turning on the road to work. It has yellows, reds and oranges in it. Here, the dogwoods are turning right now. I too am happy for Fall, as I have never been a hot weather type of person.

    And to Ironweed . . . if you are reading this . . . maybe you could open a second diary that is not private just for comments? Ironweed2? *smile* I always enjoy reading what you have to say in my own diary as well as others.
  • From:
    Becoming (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 25 2003
    P.S.: Also, my father was saying he didn't want people to visit, didn't want people to see him the way he was, didn't want to face the prospect of death at all . . . but then when the visitors came, it cheered him so much all that was forgotten for the moment.
  • From:
    Ozone (Legacy)
    On:
    Thu Sep 25 2003
    I'm glad that the Rabbi and his wife went to vist your ailing friend. Facing death is so dificult and spiritual help might make it a little more comforting. I am not sure that a pamphlet left on my night stand would be something that I would want to deal with either.