It’s my every other Wednesday treatment day at Swedish Cancer Institute. It’s my 69th chemo treatment, gosh really? And the last few months I have been in this rut of thinking my visits here were looking like the repeating day in the movie Groundhog Day. Remember? Yea, it was my own little pitiful movie, “Treatment Day”.
Anyway, walking through the parking lot this morning I decided that that had to go, go far away. I needed to remember that this was treatment for me, for my benefit and the alternative of not having treatment would bring radical changes to my well being. So, I made the old attitude adjustment, right there in the time that it took to walk across the lot, no muss no fuss.
Then inside shortly afterward a woman came up to me and asked, “How come you are so happy?”. Like here you are with cancer and you’re happy. Aren’t you supposed to be glum? I was lost for words at first but realized that it was an incredible compliment. I was happy on the inside and it was spilling out. Nice. Thank you.
So, yea, life at the hospital, trying to make it fun. How can that be? Well, here for instance, I just absconded with an AARP mag from the waiting room and what does it say on the cover? It says, “Best Sex Ever! We Show You How Page 52.”. OK then, groovy, this could be better than the sixties.
And one nurse I just learned was an English Major so I am hitting her up for help with the blog, gramer and speeling stuff. And she has a great singing voice and we decided that there needs to be a musical called Cancer Treatment Center. Maybe the least likely place in the world, where you think that there would be a musical, bursts into song! We need to work on this. This could be the next big project after Phil’s Camino documentary. We have a vision!
So, life goes happily on and love you, Felipe.
You’re on to something Amigo! Check out all the “flash mob” scenes you can find on FB, where the orchestras and the huge choirs just assemble out of the background like mushrooms popping up and take their respective places and WhaLa!!! it’s music where music wasn’t expected to be, which, paradoxically, makes it so much the better and oh-so-Special! Live, Happy, Music springing from the walls and squeaky clean floors of Swedish General. Yeah, man, that’s stuff dreams are made of. Only caveat on the whole shebang is that sweet-singing-Annie and I, PFJ, MUST be a part of it. Hell! I thought of it, didn’t I???
Carry on. Make it happen.
SF,
PFJ
Skipper ~ what’s happening? Yikes, you guys have had too many funerals lately. Will put prayer rocks on the pile for them as we walk Phil’s Camino in a few moments.
Yes, a musical! Why not? I need another hobby though. And this is going to make them nervous at the hospital board room. “Now what’s Phil up too?”. No shakin the boat they say!
Had a great Hunter Ed class last night. Wiley and I did the Archery Chapter. He and his buddy are going over to Eastern WA to go bowfishing over the weekend. Hard work but a blast. They have some of the fish tagged so you can win a prize. It’s an attempt to clean up the carp infestation in what is known as the Potholes Reservoir.
OK, have to go jump on the blog. Best to the fam and your little corns. Love up you man, Felipe.
Brilliant idea!! I agree with Pilgrim Farmer John!! Must make this happen. I will help from afar or maybe just pack up my Ellie dog, Justin and cruise on up to Washington! Miss you friend. And your lovely wife.
Love,
Erica
Erica ~ Hi hi. So great to hear from you a leading member of Austin Nation. Fond memories of our visit there with you and family and friends and fellow Caminoheads. Alperfect! Have to tell you how much I loved “God’s Hotel” by Victoria Sweet. She really fed me. Am reading “Walking In A Relaxed Manner” by Joyce Rupp. You might enjoy her book, it’s available on Kindle.
Just got back from a great visit to Dubuque, Iowa to be with our film at the Dubuque Film Fest. Had a great time and met many great folks, including Pilgrim Farmer John. So just like Austin made a great connection. Next I am off to San Fransisco.
Yes, the musical idea has great possibilities, yes? Let’s think about it. Say hello to all the great folks there for me, love, Felipe.
Glad that English Major Nurse helped you with your “speeling”! I can see the musical now. Can I have a bit part? Anything will do; I just want in be in your show. Thought of you all day. Sending love and thanks for tapas last evening. See you soon.
Catherine ~ yea, speeling, thats right isn’t it? Haha, back on the happy trail! And yes we have a part for you and listen we need writers, write? Come walk, Love, Felipe.
Sending you buckets and towers and oceans of love.
You are so dear to me, and you are so dear to so many. More every day, actually <3
Love love love ya-
annie
Annie ~ I’m a fool for you! Love, Felipe.