Today we watched videos of Dr. Tonia Young-Fadok perform colorectal surgery. Turns out she is Chair of the department. Also watched a post-op video and have a pretty good idea what to expect. Today I have felt poorly all day and took frequent naps. When my energy wanes I accept it and lay the body down to rest.
I did get in a walk yesterday and today a short one. Doctor’s orders – exercise as much as I can. It will help a lot with post-op.
I thought my gratitude list yesterday was quite long. But after I posted it I realized I have so much more to be grateful for.
I’m grateful I live in Hawaii. For the sunshine. For the fresh air. For the trade winds. For the blue ocean. For the abundance of green life and animal life. I’m so thankful I found the studio cottage where I now live with everything within reach and a great view of the ocean with the sound of ocean waves wafting past at times. I am especially grateful for Bobby, owner of the property and who lives in the main house, who has become a very good friend. He has done many things above and beyond for me. Just don’t ask him to fix a toilet!
I’m grateful for Alice, a dear friend from Morristown, New Jersey. We worked together in 1986 to create the Morristown Macrobiotic Center and have remained good friends. I’m thankful for her inquiries about my well being.
I’m grateful for Michael, who made my meals for me for twelve years & traveled with me to many poker tournaments. He always did everything with enthusiasm. I’m grateful for Tina who cleaned up for me for twelve years. No matter how much I harassed her, she loved it!
I’m grateful to my Uncle Jerry who i have never met but is always encouraging as I meet challenges. I’m grateful for my step brother, Chip, who I haven’t see in forever but his kind words resonate always. I’m grateful for Aunt Jean and Aunt Connie who I got to visit with in 2001.
And I’m grateful for my father Frank and my stepmother Blanche. Blanche, who essentially was my mother, encouraged him to take me and my brother Tom into a house already full of five children in a middle class neighborhood in the suburbs of Philadelphia shortly after they married. Who knows where I’d be if it wasn’t for their generosity. I’m grateful for Joyce even though she had many marriages and many emotional issues throughout her life. I’m grateful I got to know her for a brief period of time and genuinely felt her love for me.
There are many more friends, family, teachers and guides I’m thankful for. Thank you all for contributing to my life.
Most of all I’m grateful to be alive. As the caption states, it’s about how we climb and not about reaching the top. Thankfully I am able to continue practicing observing, accepting and releasing whatever life presents as I journey through this life. And in the process connect with others in a meaningful, joyous experience of sharing our oneness as human beings.
Indeed, life is bery, bery good!
