I’ve been hearing from some of you wondering if there’s still life on Anthem Ridge Drive. Yes, Jerry and the kitties are alive and well; and finally, I too am beginning to join the land of the living. Over a month ago I got bronchitis that didn’t want to clear up even after two different kinds of antibiotics. When bronchitis finally cleared up, total lethargy had set in and I’ve rarely left the house until just the past week and only for very short jaunts at a time. And it has been fun stuff like doctor, dentist and physical therapy with a dose of musicals and church tossed into the mix. Jerry has been an amazing and devoted caregiver, cook, and chief bottle washer!
I will share this once and then hope to refrain from speaking about it for a VERY LONG TIME. A year ago my oncologist put me one oral chemo capsule per day for a rare blood disease. Then it was increased to two a day. The numbers kept creeping up so eventually on 70 capsules a month. The latest prescription is 90 capsules a month. Thus the reason for the lethargy and difficulty snapping out of a simple thing like bronchitis. My immune system has been weakened, but my spirit remains strong and optimistic (most of the time but with a few weepy, pity party sessions sometimes). Unfortunately my appetite also remains undaunted so I’m not exactly shedding pounds like a normal person with this condition would experience. Ah, but normal is so boring. Alas, I have lost a few pounds but nothing to write home about. Six down and twenty to go!!!! Big sigh……
Being a “shut in” truly does get lonely. I’m blessed to have my Jerry, the cats, and lots of books to keep me company, but it’s truly wonderful to have friends and neighbors stop in for a coffee or chat. What I have hopefully learned from this experience is the importance of remembering those in our community who can’t get out much. I’m more keenly aware of those in assisted living or senior apartments near us who cherish visits. Let me encourage you to visit those folks. Henri Boulard, a Jesuit priest, had this to say “Never say that you have no time. On the whole it is those who are busiest who can make time for yet more, and those who have more leisure time who refuse to do something when asked. What we lack is not time, but heart.” Seriously, don’t you love that little challenge? It spoke to my heart and hope it will to yours also. I do apologize to those of you who wanted to visit, bring food, etc. who were turned away. It’s just that I was honestly too tired at the time. All that’s changing now. Praise the Lord!
There have been some crying jags, but I found this quote from Brian Jacques (born in 1939), and while I have no idea who he is or his claim to fame, the words are quite lovely: “Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others.”
My prayer for you and me is a great heart and compassion for others. Thanks for listening! I seriously love you!
Dearest Charlotte,
We do indeed miss you. Perhaps sometime we could bring lunch to you!
Love you
So glad you’re doing better Char. I am not a drop-in or drop-by type of person. I guess this is because I do not like for people to drop by on me unannounced. So please forgive me for not coming to see you! Terry and I have missed you and Jerry at our Monday night Bible Study so hopefully you’ll be back soon! Much love to you!
I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling better. I can’t picture a Char who is lethargic! Hopefully you will continue to get better.
Thank you for the update. I will be praying you are able to be at peace with what you are able to accomplish each day and enjoy the people you are able to see. ~ Hugs ~
P.S. Brian Jacques is an author of children’s books. The Redwall series for one.
Oh my, what an absolutely touching message. Charlotte, you have gone thorough SO MUCH and still keep an honest and optimistic attitude. God is so good. I love the quote from Brian Jacques “Even the strongest and bravest must sometimes weep. It shows they have a great heart, one that can feel compassion for others.” It is good to weep, to sob, to feel human. Love, Linda
Dear Charlotte. You are in my prayers. Jerry too. I’m sorry for
your difficult times. Interestingly here is what tears do;
“One chemical found in emotional tears is leucine-enkephalin, an endorphin that reduces pain and works to improve mood”. So cry we should. Love Jacque
Beautifully written Charlotte!! Makes a person put thoughts into action and understand!!! You are one special person and I am so very happy to have met you!!
Wondered where you went!
Thanks for your incredible story and your capacity to share with us!
So happy you are feeling stronger and
hopefully will be rejoining a life you want to live.
My love to you ❤️
Another post that touches my heart. Thank you so much for reminding us of what is important…take time for friends. We must all find time for compassion and love.
Oh Charlotte what a wonderful letter to us. You developed a sense of purpose through experiencing your serious illness and instead of fretting, you turned it into thoughts and caring for others in the community. Thank you for sharing and a big hug from Ohio.
Sorry to learn of your on-going heath issues. God keeps those tears on his bottle. They are in his book! (Ps.56) Did you know emotional tears are different than tears that cleanse the eye? God designed them with hormones and protein and other stuff that reduces stress and calms us. That’s why we feel better after a good cry! Isn’t he a good, good, Father?! Keep cryin’, friend. God is with you!
Just this morning, I said to myself, “I must email Char to ask her when her next blog will be coming to my inbox. It seems such a long time since her last one.” What an amazing talent you have to be able to write about unpleasant times in a way that can lift your readers spirits.
Sorry to hear you have been home bound, glad you are feeling better. You are an inspiration, and of great humor in the midst of a trying time. Love you, Diana
My dear ‘ole college roomie; Your blogs always touch my heart-how I wish I had known what all was happening with/to you (I’d have been a better “prayer”)!
It also touched a spot within me about visiting those who ‘can’t get out ‘. We need to have a chat on that subject when you’re up to it. E-mail me when you are feeling up to it and I’ll call you (on my dime-not yours)! Much love to you. Hi to Jerry. So glad the Lord gave you such a good care-giver (more than 50 years ago)!!!
My dear ‘ole college roomie; Your blogs always touch my heart-how I wish I had known what all was happening with/to you (I’d have been a better “prayer”)!
It also touched a spot within me about visiting those who ‘can’t get out ‘. We need to have a chat on that subject when you’re up to it. E-mail me when you are feeling up to it and I’ll call you (on my dime-not yours)! Much love to you. Hi to Jerry. So glad the Lord gave you such a good care-giver (more than 50 years ago)!!!
So good to hear from my friend. I’m so sorry for your health struggles. Being housebound for too long is the worst 😩 Praying that each day finds you feeling stronger and ready to take on the world. Love your blog and I’m sure your writing from your heart has touched so many other lives. Blessings to you and Jerry! We hope you will be in Minnesota this summer so we can see you! 😘
I looked for you again at Bible study this week and, of course, missed you. I’m sorry to hear you are having such health challenges. I hope your health will continue to improve and you will soon be back to your normal schedule. Thanks for the update. Take care and get stronger!
So sorry to hear that you have had more health struggles-difficult to stay away from those germs! Glad to hear that you are improving. Maybe you need more Nut Goodies-although they aren’t low calorie they do help the spirit! Glad Jerry and the cats are there for you. Take care.
Glad your on the mend…miss your smile😘💕
So happy to hear you are feeling better, Char. Sending hugs to you and Jerry. Love and prayers. Vicky
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Yours are very inspiring and i admire you’re positive outlook despite the challenges. I hope you get well soon and smile always.