Life gives you Lemons, make it meringue pie!
When the pandemic hit, we buckled down. We were still in touch with our self-imposed bubble as it dragged out. There were a few friends who stopped in, and I continued the process of getting in touch with our single friends and neighbors. Much older than us, yet so very concerned, I learned a long time ago that as we age, our lives do get smaller and smaller. Adult children are raising children and experiencing their careers either in changes, or longevity.
It seemed that once the pandemic was declared neutral, life was opening. 2022 just brought us further into Chris's health crisis. First spine surgery, then 10 months of Chemo, remission declared this Spring. It was fantastic news! Then he went in for a Bone Marrow Transplant, which was a success. It took more stamina this year, but I had to remove myself from my community participation to ensure he moved forward to good health. He took his rehabilitation like a champ.
Here it is December - 18 months after his first diagnosis. He is now participating in household routines, and even driving to the store for errands. Yes, this year went by relatively fast, my next question is how to assimilate into my old self. I just can't now (or perhaps I like to call myself a victim and use it as an excuse). I managed several doctor's appointments this year, to deal with my own issues, but I am thankful that I have not had the catastrophic illnesses that I have witnessed within my distant family, and then right here in our home.
I am grateful for the advice and service that the local Cancer Center AND UC Davis Health have delivered for Chris. I believe that hesitating any treatment or casting doubt on the process would have prolonged this life event. Of course, it helps with laughter and being just plain happy - no matter what - which Chris does very well.
The one thing that I do believe, is that getting myself into a happier mindset got me through the last 4 years. I often did that, allowing nothing to distract me from "my happy" mode. So before the New Year comes, it is my personal promise to myself, that I can make lemon pie - mainly since my lemon tree is now producing more this year. I hope the holidays give us all renewed positivity, and that we all can surpass the darkness of the past. Happy Holidays, and I look forward to writing more in the new year.