The newest idea that has popped into my head is that I want to write a song. I absolutely love my ukulele and spend endless hours plucking away, finding new chords that that I love to hear. Words and feelings from my blog posts also echo in my head, so why not try to combine the two? The problem is finding the right chords and melody to go with my somewhat established lyrics! I have signed up for a Masterclass subscription and have gained insight as to how others write songs, and am now searching for a user friendly, affordable app that might help to suggests chords for my lyrics--very much a work in progress that I will share as soon as there is something that is somewhat pleasant to listen to... Meanwhile, I have two trips coming up with my sons individually. I didn't realize how much I missed camping until Karl and I returned from our trip out east, so instead of putting away all of the gear, I started planning another trip by myself. But after talking to my son Eric, my solo fairly local trip evolved into a backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains on the shores of Lake Superior accompanied by my son and grand-pup! We leave next Sunday for 5 nights off the grid! Four days after the our return, I head to Universal Studios in Florida for the trip Mark has been wishing for for many years. We are staying within the park, so no need to rent a car--just hop on the Hogwarts Express or a water taxi. With four days, we'll have plenty of time to explore and relax. I already hear the lazy river calling my name! These are polar opposite trips doing thing that my polarly opposite children want to do and I anticipate equally! By the time I return, I will be ready for the next phase of my medical adventure--I'll keep you posted... For the last year I have been looking at a tree across the street with the recurring urge to climb it. Finally on Sunday, at the prompting of my husband, I crossed the street to reach for my dream. Upon closer look, the lowest branch was much higher than it appeared from afar and I asked Karl for a boost. He refused my request stating that if I wanted to climb the tree, it was all up to me. I circled the tree multiple times making numerous awkward attempts of pulling myself up until at long last I hoisted myself to the first branch where I rested longer than I care to admit before dragging myself a little higher to conquer my challenge with Karl standing by to catch me if a faltered. While I physically climbed the tree myself, Karl did give me the boost I asked for by letting me know I could do it myself, with him standing by. For now I'll resist the urge to try to do a cartwheel!
I am the luckiest girl on the planet. The weeks leading up to vacation were filled with three hour lunch dates with former patients, Sunday dinner with a kindergarten friend, a long call with my Turks vacation friend, and a lunch date with my neighbor driving in his convertible Corvette! Everyday I encounter something that sparks an incredible sense of happiness and joy. Once again I am reminded of the moment that my life changed forever—when I read a poster in my dorm, and decided to call and ask for a ride to a Halloween party in 1982. That was the day I met Karl, the perfect man for me, the love of my life, my forever friend... Seize your moments of joy and cherish them! We had a perfectly paced vacation including a stop in New Jersey to visit with Karl’s aunt and cousins, camping in Acadia National Park, leisurely walks around Boston, a return to a much loved campsite in New York. Upon our return home, we scurried to prepare for the 5K and afterparty. I was beyond thrilled when Marge, a former patient and dear friend came with her daughter. Marge is always in my head and I have recently come to the conclusion that Marge is the only person whom I consistently take advice from and is a complete joy to be around. When I was too stubborn too use a cane, and Marge suggested it, I swallowed my pride and used it. She was right of course! When I was first diagnosed and showed Marge my manifesto, she suggested that I write and share my story. Over the last two years that idea would suddenly pop into my head, but would leave just as quickly. When Strive to Thrive became my motto, I decided to give it a go. I have gotten over the disappointment of slow growth and have decided that going forward, I will shift gears and only post on this site and will no longer share to the facebook group or page. Those who wish to follow my journey can, but I will no longer clutter their facebook feed with my ponderings. Social media is definitely not my forte! For updates, either check back periodically or subscribe to receive email notifications. From the start I have been optimistic, but realistic about this cancer journey that I’m on, knowing full well that the highest likelihood of recurrence would be around the 18 month mark. On rare occasions I hate being right, this being one of them. While not confirmed yet, I am quite certain that my liver is once again under attack. Once again pain struck while on vacation, this time only when lying on my side--not severe, but significant nonetheless. When given the option of moving up my November scan, I decided not to change the schedule so I could proceed with a trip I had planned with my son Mark in the beginning of November. I am completely prepared for whatever the results are, especially knowing that I have options other than returning to traditional chemo. After reading this last paragraph, you may be asking, does “Lucky Me” still apply? Yes it does! I am lucky to be surrounded by people who love me and encourage me. I live every day with the intention of finding joy! Determination is powerful. |
AuthorBarb Schlatter Archives
May 2022
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