September 16, 2008
Nebraska delivered a perfect autumn day for us, so we lived within it with gusto. I am naming some of the landmark trees in Sanctuary – the weeping willows by the bridge are the “Two Wandas”, the old creek willow with its shape reminiscent of those in Victorian paintings has been named “Victoria” (what else?) and so forth. This personalization of the flora is perhaps another step away from the life of logic and reality; when I begin to report conversations with these trees, and I hear them speaking back to me, then I am sure someone will come forward with an intervention.
This present phase of my life with cancer is a bit odd. I look good, and I feel quite well with nice energy, but the blood still reports “no immunities”. Life without interaction with other people would be a lesser one, so contrary to the doctor’s recommendations, I continue going forth into public places, visiting with others and hugging granddaughters as often as possible. There is a heightened awareness of the possibilities of illnesses that seem to multiply with school beginnings and summer’s end, and both Charles and I do a lot of hand washing while avoiding places of tightly packed humanity. So far, so good.