As I thought about yesterday’s post I wished that I would have said a few more things. But that is how the blog goes. It unfolds over time. One post never reinvents the wheel.
We have snow in the forecast this morning so I am keeping one eyeball on the window to try and catch the first flake. The woodstove is burning away trying to warm the place up. A lot of the wood that I am burning now is the firewood recovered from that big snowstorm last February. It did a lot of damage and I still am cleaning up from it. We shall see what the day brings.
But back to yesterday’s topic. The braiding of the three lifelines was where we were. So thinking about it I wanted to explain the third one better. I think that I had said that the Camino was now my job. And I think that is how Sister Joyce first said it although she went on to explain it better and I may have been out of time yesterday to get there.
One way to think about it is that the Camino represented a focus for me at that time when most of my being was in turmoil. It gave me something to do, to cling to, to work on when things for me were in cancer chaos (new term). It gave me the opportunity and excuse to exercise which proved very important. It represented something that I was involved in that was bigger than myself. The Camino got me outside myself and my worries. It also represents a gift that I am giving to those around me. So, saying that it was now my job needed to be explained and amplified.
Well, and there may be more lifelines to add to the braid. There are braids with more than three parts. There are all those factors that were discovered by Dr Kelly Turner in her book Radical Remission for instance. So, this is all still a work in progress.
Walking in a few minutes. I’ll get bundled up and get out there. Maybe I won’t do the usual three laps, see how I feel.
braiding loves, Felipé.
New to your blog. “I’ll get bundled up and get out there” was what I needed to hear today to get moving myself and take my regular walk, around 3 miles. At a balmy 37 degrees here in Oregon City, I was without excuse :).
Curt ~ welcome Oregon City Curt. How did you hear about us may I ask? We don’t make much money but we have fun and occasionally find something in the mud. So read along for a while and pick up the flow. And comment again, Felipé.
Hi Felipe,
Thanks for asking. A year ago in September I was diagnosed with a rare, terminal illness, Amyloidosis. No cure. The amyloids were attacking my kidneys, heart, and gastro system. I was given weeks to months to live. I went through 6 months of chemo and a stem cell transplant this last July. The goal was not to cure me, but to extend my life. Overall, this last year has been brutal, but I’m currently in remission! I’ve written about my journey here: https://www.basicskills.net/curts-journey-with-amyloidosis/.
Last fall I was reading a book from one of my favorite authors, Robert Farrar Capon, titled The Youngest Day. Terry Hershey wrote an endorsement at the beginning of Capon’s book. I googled Terry and got a copy of his newest book, This is the Life. He mentioned you in it so I googled your name which led me to your site. Your story drew me in.
What’s ironic is that last January 2019, I need a walker and at times a wheelchair to get around. Only months before the diagnosis I was giving snow board lessons up at Mt Hood Meadows Resort. Today in January, 2020, I’m gaining strength, and able to walk regularly.
I’ve learned to embrace and lean deep into the “sacrament of the present moment.” That is, laying aside my preoccupation with the future and instead, realizing and appreciating what God is giving me today. He is truly good! In the present moment he comes to me through wonderful people like yourself. He daily shows up in the so-called mundane things of life, taking care of my needs. Matthew 6:25-34. It’s a mind blower!
My life has changed radically and is truly different. “Different,” though doesn’t mean “bad.” In saying this I’m not minimizing my suffering of this past year. Chemo, Amyloidosis, and the side effects suck. But at the same time, my life is far better, richer and deeper!
Take care, Felipe. So glad I came across your blog.
Curt
Curt ~ thank you for your heart felt message and bringing me up to date on your journey. It sounds like your spirit is strong despite your challenges. Please continue being here with us and commenting when you can. I have more to say and we will be in touch. You’re awesome, Felipé.