I received this beautiful orchid plant back for my birthday October 19 (which is when this photo was taken). Amazingly, it is still alive, fresh, unwilted, and every one of those little buds you see has blossomed into another beautiful bloom. Just amazing. I received it from my Aunt Lorna Mae and Uncle Tom, and I am especially thinking of them and all of their family this weekend.
It is a cold, snowy, grey day here, not what could really be consdered beautiful, but I find that these days, when I wake up, almost every day looks beautiful to me, maybe that is one good thing about being in somewhat rough conditions.
I did have chemo on Friday (good news, I recovered from the pnuemonia enough to go ahead)..... it was my 8th of that drug mix, and likely the last, as a body can only stand so much of the one drug. It's a little scary for me as I am at least staying stable on this one..... fear of the unknown is always hard to cope with. However, I always know that no matter what, there will be beauty to see in every circumstances.
Best wishes to all of you - I'll be laying low for awhile, just the usual post-chemo recovery, and I am sad to report that I am still trying to manage a very painful back and shoulder. I begin massage therapy on Monday, and am hoping that will help or at least find what might be exaggerating the pain I've been having in that area all along.
Here's to the beauty all around us, and in each of us. Joanne
12 comments:
Hi Joanne,
Thanks for the update. I hope that the next few days aren't too rough for you. Sorry to hear that the pain is lingering. Hopefully the massage therapy will help.
The flowers are beautiful. I too am thinking of and sending postive thoughts to the Reidy family.
I was glad to read your commentary on the beauty all around us. We are all reminded of the need to take stock of all of those things that are truly important.
Take care....
Darryl
Hi Jo,
The orchids are beautiful. We are thinking about all of the Reidys right now as well and sending our prayers and support.
I hope that the next few days go quickly and without event. The massage therapy will hopefully do the trick for the extra pain.
We are thinking about you - hope you get to watch some of the game tomorrow. We'll be watching in our green and white! The game is close to a sellout and they are encouraging everyone to wear orange to counteract all of the green that will be in the stands!
Take care Jo and talk to you soon,
Kelly
HI Joanne, So great to receive another blog note. I am sorry to hear that you are still in pain. I hope that the massage therapist his some magic tricks to deal with this.
I know that you are right that we neglect to see the beauty all around us everyday. Thanks for reminding us of this.
I wish you a speedy recovery from your last chemo treatment and I am sending healing thoughts your way.
Lots of Love, Loretta
Dear Joanne - Sorry to hear about your pain. It must be very painful, because you never complain - we hope the massage will help relieve that some. Yes the orchids are beautifu - Aunt Donna has some beautiful orchids that last and last. I was only able to keep my one plant for a couple months, and then no more flowers - what is your trick?
Yes we are all thinking about the Reidy's and hope all goes well.
Riders just won, and can you believe Wpg & Regina will go next week.
Take care over the next few days and gain some strength Joanne. Thanks for the reminder that we should stop to smell the "orchids" - you are a great motivator, and writer.
Love P & G
Hi Jo,
In our busy, hectic, and fast-paced lives, you're right, we zoom right past all of the beauty in our lives and take it all for granted. When you face challenges and illness, as you are currently facing, we are mindful and more appreciative of the beauty in our lives. The cold, snowy and grey days make us thankful for the warm heat of our homes and the joy and love of our family within that home. Thanks for bringing all of that into perspective for us.
Sorry to hear you're having all of that pain, somthing one so sweet and beautiful as you should not have to endure. My prayer is that your angels will come and sweep that away and help you rest comfortably. Hope the massage therapy works. Try a warm soak in lavender bath salts too, if you haven't already.
As for the chemo, you have proved over and over that your body is not just any ordinary body... you are "SUPERWOMAN" and you will overcome the nasty rigors of chemo as you have before.
Had some "green" basil pesto yesterday during the game and thought of you! But ours was from Classico, not the Joanne Special, and not nearly as good, I'm sure! But it was green! Go Riders!
Prayers and love to you (and to the Reidy family). Stay strong.
Jan
Hi Joanne, what a beutiful orchid. Just like you, special and so strong. I know how much you love this time of year with all of the festivities fast approaching. Curl up and I hope the pain goes away for you soon. Take care...
Judy
Joanne, thanks for those words of wisdom. There is beauty all around us and not noticing it is all too common for most of us. I continue to send strong thoughts, prayers and love your direction (directly west).
We are looking forward to the game this weekend. Some of the family have very strong Roughrider roots. Should make for some interesting fun. Claire
Hi Joanne,
Thinking about you, as always, but especially as you endure all the side effects of your recent chemo treatment. Hopefully, the back and shoulder pain will soon be under control too. You are so right about stopping to enjoy the beauty around us; this is especially difficult to remember when one is suffering in one way or another but recognizing this beauty in its various forms always provides some comfort. We send our love. Can't wait for the game on Sunday - Go Riders Go! Love, N & L
Hi, Joanne,
What a beautiful orchid - and an unforgettable reminder of how the world around us has so much beauty if we take the time to see it.
Hoping this note finds you beginning to recover from the chemo, and that the pain levels are diminishing. May you soon have a return to an energy level that lets you enjoy the things you like to do - like cheering the Riders this Sunday!!!
Always thinking of you with special good thoughts and prayers,
love,
Pat
Hi, Joanne,
What a beautiful orchid - and an unforgettable reminder of how the world around us has so much beauty if we take the time to see it.
Hoping this note finds you beginning to recover from the chemo, and that the pain levels are diminishing. May you soon have a return to an energy level that lets you enjoy the things you like to do - like cheering the Riders this Sunday!!!
Always thinking of you with special good thoughts and prayers,
love,
Pat
(Forgive the duplicate. Still learning.)
love,
Pat
Joanne.....you truly are an inspiration and a truly amazing person. I loved your reminder to see the beauty all around.
Sorry to see the pain is lingering but am so happy you are starting massage therapy.....I hope it provides some relief.
I'm thinking of you and praying and hoping this chemo does it's work well and allows you a rest and break from further drugs for a long while.
Love,
Janice
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