I think it is time to update you guys and the good news is…not much is happening in the TAJ department. The healing process is slow but steady. I really have not had much pain (in fact, I have taken no pain medication since the fourth day after surgery) and the level of pain I do have is a “dull tooth-ache” kind of sensation. Atlanta is providing a great backdrop for my daily walks and I have started working with my Pilates coach to get my body feeling normal again. My diet has changed dramatically for the good (although I know some of you would say “you call that GOOD?”), thanks to my oncology nutrition coach and my friend, William Spears – I am off all dairy, gluten, alcohol and sugar. Believe me when I say, there is life and fun without these!
This Thursday Tony and I are headed to Emory to see the oncologist there. I am fully anticipating a simple course of hormone related therapies…not chemo. We will keep you updated on what we find out.
Sabbaticals are a marvelous thing! I fully recommend them for all my good friends out there who are stressed out and need a break! New perspectives and ideas are coming to me daily. I know I will get back to my work sometime in “08, but for now I am allowing this TAJ (standing for This Amazing Journey) to settle into my bones and teach me a thing or two.
The following is a little story I obtained from my friends Faith and Marita at the Center for Right Relationship. “Who knows what is good and what is bad” has been a big idea guiding my journey. Enjoy.
Who knows what is good and what is bad?
When an old farmer’s stallion wins a prize at a country show, his neighbor calls round to congratulate him, but the old farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” The next day some thieves come and steal his valuable animal. His neighbor comes to commiserate with him, but the old man replies, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” A few days later the spirited stallion escapes from the thieves and joins a herd of wild mares, leading them back to the farm. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s joy, but the farmer says, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” The following day, while trying to break in one of the wild mares, the farmer’s son is thrown and fractures his leg. The neighbor calls to share the farmer’s sorrow, but the old man’s attitude remains the same as before. The following week the army passes by, forcibly conscripting soldiers for a war, but they do not take the farmer’s son because he cannot walk. The neighbor thinks to himself, “Who knows what is good and what is bad?” and realizes that the old farmer must be a Taoist sage.
From The Tao Book and Card Pack by Timothy Freke
All for now, Teresa
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As I think back over the last six weeks, I am truly amazed at how well you are doing, Teresa. When I saw you at Thanksgiving, I found myself even forgetting what all had taken place. You were your wonderful, healthy self, looking beautiful and enjoying life. I know you are still adjusting to the change in your body but, with God’s help, you are once again living life your way, giving and doing for others and enjoying entertaining.
Oh, how very thankful I am and how very proud I am of you…..much love…..mother