March 23, 2010
Spring is here, officially and unofficially. The remaining snow is like small doilies under the denser trees in the forest and in a few shaded spots along the road. We have waited with longing for this season to come, and we view with delight the newly born shoots of lilies, daffodils and crocus. Alphie is removing his coat, hair by hair, and even with daily brushing, surfaces all over the house are adorned with signs of his preparation for warmer days.
The antibiotics that I consumed last week did their work, and by Saturday my voice returned and my lungs no longer felt like hollow stones. “Pneumonia, Bronchitis, Other Fatal Respiratory Stuff and no immunities!” I agonized. . . again. I have yet to get fearing the worst under control. My blood transfusion has “held” now for 40 days. I want to make it to 50 days or more if possible; that would be about six days less than between the last transfusions. This time frame is literally the measure of my days.
First Holy Week, then Easter comes, and on that morning, the grandest music of the church leads the celebrations. It’s as though musicians have tried to aurally move from earth to heaven and take all the rest of us along. There are so many hymns that appear in my memory, but my recent favorite is a text by Brian Wren; “Christ Is Risen! Shout Hosanna!” *
Christ is risen! Shout hosanna! Celebrate this day of days!
Christ is risen! Hush in wonder: all creation is amazed.
In the desert all-surrounding, see, a spreading tree has grown.
Healing leaves of grace abounding bring a taste of love unknown.
Christ is risen! Raise your spirits from the caverns of despair.
Walk with gladness in the morning, see what love can do and dare.
Drink the wine of resurrection, not a servant, but a friend.
Jesus is our strong companion – joy and peace shall never end.