December 22, 2006
Winter came to Sanctuary in mists that moved through the trees and left drops of moisture falling from the tips of the branches. The ambiance was that of the ocean side on a cool morning though the ears were not touched by sounds of moving waters but rather by the traffic on the highway to the south. The fog brought the movements of trucks and cars into the forest, overriding the usual smaller sounds of creature activities in the grasses and trees. It is fine to walk just as dawn breaks because the slow increase of light changes everything from black and white to color and what may seem drab in the light of midday can make a statement in muted golds and grays that far surpasses no colors at all.
Alphie has come to enjoy greatly the toweling down that he receives at the end of the walks, and I think, “Well, who wouldn’t like a full body massage with special attention to the feet?” Sometimes a dog’s life doesn’t appear to be too bad.
The end of this strange year is coming quickly, and our final days of 2006 will be enriched by worship services, family, friends, gifting, and feasting. A year ago, the MDS was just beginning to manifest itself, and we didn’t know what was ahead; now we still aren’t sure what lies in the future but we are very pleased to have had the past several months with the days that have passed so quickly. My present reality is one in which the body in remission is functioning reasonably well, though physical pain joins me every day at some point, and the energy is always far less than the mental plans would dictate. My blood count went up again this week, a fine Christmas present! The next round of chemotherapy resumes on January 9, and the journey continues.