An Invincible Summer - A Woman's Journey

Sitting in the urgent care with the Boy Scout after he took a tumble. He’s trying to keep a stiff upper lip but I know he’s hurting. A gal walks by with an elderly lady on her arm, the strong resemblance is saying mother or maybe an older sister. Her charge, being gently guided, looks down with her eyes nearly closed, shielding herself from outside stimuli. I remember that with my mom. When her body was being assaulted by the vicious chemicals meant to, for just awhile, extend her life and also when it got closer to the end, she checked out and went within….deep within. I’m not talking coma here, she still was with us but only just. It scared me when she went inside and I would try to draw her out to alleviate my own fears but I understand better now. These bodies of ours, they know what to do.  Giving birth did that to me in a milder form. It is often a joyous occasion but it hurts…a lot. And everyone is there talking and encouraging, laughing and remembering. What I wanted most w...

The Boy Scout had been going to the same dog park for 25 years. People and dogs come and go at dog parks, for obvious reasons. For the most part, the owners know the names of the dogs but not their humans and it was not uncommon for folks to say things like “You’re Spots dad” or “Fifi’s mom is over there”.   But the Boy Scout single-handedly started connecting people in real and meaningful ways. So much so that they nicknamed him the mayor of Arroyo Verde park. He relished this new found role where so many folks truly liked hm for being him……just a really nice guy.  When we left, his community threw him a going away bash with champagne and food and stories. Even people who'd lost their dogs showed up. They made him a memory book with pictures of the dogs and their humans with notes. One of his friends ruefully asked, “Who will be the keeper of the names now?” He left that park a better place than when he got there.  On Sunday, we joined a group of new found friends (how I...

As we contemplate leaving this home, city and state we love, we are somewhat restricted by circumstance who we are allowed to share the news with. The few we have chosen have been loving and supportive. I am grateful. Had a long, lovely talk with my best girlfriend yesterday. We sat, ate our lunch, cried a little and just were present for each other. This morning I woke to this: Good morning my sweet friend. I’m having a very difficult time wrapping my head around this. Selfishly, I don’t want you to leave. You are my very closest friend. I enjoy and look forward to seeing you every week. And I look forward to our conversations. But more than anything, I want to support you in any decision that you make. This has got to be incredibly difficult for you and I am here to do whatever I can to help, support and encourage. Whatever happens within the next few months I have no doubt that our friendship will forever be! I love you Linda! Hang in there! I. Always and only a phone call away -- L...