I
adapt and I adjust to whatever environment I'm in. -
Kevin Gates
That's
my theme for today. I am writing this article from my temporary
bedroom at my friend, Judy's house in Winchester, Virginia. This
location is about 15 minutes from where I must be each morning,
Monday through Friday for the next five weeks. At exactly 10:15 AM I
am brought into the radiation oncology room where I'm bombarded by
radiation to kill this cancer tumor inside my stomach and esophagus.
Carolyn
drove me into Winchester this morning in time for my treatment. We
then made a quick stop at Costco before going to a place called
Mission BBQ that I wrote about last week. There I picked up a
sandwich for my dinner and one for Carolyn to take home for her
dinner. And, then it was off to Judy's house. Carolyn and Judy are
also friends. So, upon arrival, I carried my duffel bag in, along
with another bag carrying my computer and some other things and a
small portable file box. This is all I need to be portable and
temporary.
We
all chatted for a short time, then Carolyn headed back to West
Virginia with her little pooch, who came along with us today, to her
home. Her pooch, a beautiful little Pomeranian, is affectionately
called “Honey, I'm Home” by Carolyn and “Munchkin” by me. I'm
sure she has a complex over this.
Judy
headed out to the gym for a session she had planned. And, I was a bit
on the tired side, so I laid down and took a break in my room
upstairs. Judy and I chatted a bit between her commitments.
While
Judy was gone for a while, I had another, I guess I could consider it
a serendipity. My phone made an unusual sound like it was ringing.
I looked at the screen and there was, none other than the face of my
“brother from another mother,” Brian Morris, calling me on a
video call from Picton, New Zealand. This was a first-ever for both
of us. We've been snail mailing, faxing, emailing and even an
occasional Skype audio-only call since about 1988 or earlier.
We
had a delightful conversation from halfway around the world. He
showed me his house, his stained glass window art he created, a
painting he painted, his motorscooter that he's quite proud of and
other things. What a joy that call was.
Yes!
Today brought change. I moved my weekday location for at least the
next five weeks. I had a first time call with my New Zealand buddy on
video. We decided since we can do this, we need to do it more often.
That's a change. And, there were a few other minor changes that
aren't worth mentioning. But, as the opening quotation said, I adapt
and I adjust.
I
truly believe if we are so stuck in our ways and can't adapt and
adjust, life is not only going to be boring, but we'll find ourselves
in a rut. And, for those who are not familiar with a certain
definition of a rut, simply stated, a rut is a grave with both ends
kicked out.
The
radiation treatment went as planned. I may have felt a little tired
after the treatment, today, but I'm not sure if that had anything to
do with the treatment. I have to find lots of ways to keep my mind
and body active and activated through this treatment process – or I
might end up . . . in a rut.
Live
free and be happy. EH
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