We've had quite the week: Geoff started out his plan to spend more time at home by putting his back out accidentally, which included a trip by ambulance to the Carleton Queensway Hospital Emergency department. He is now resting at home, with strong medication, and trying to walk a bit and do light exercises. Ada also had a calamity - she fell badly on a sidewalk in Montreal last weekend and broke her clavicle - so she is in a sling and in pain. I am more or less OK, using a cane around the house and a wheelchair for distance, and getting massage treatments for the lymphadema that is causing swelling and pain in my left leg. I am a bit whacked from chemo this weekend. This leaves Franck as the only healthy human in a house full of gimps!
Friends and family have come through in spades. I had a wonderful, cheering visit with Robin Pike from Sidney, BC. Greg Golding picked up Geoff from the hospital. Kurt Walther spent a whole day cooking up food for days. Eshete and Yige Hailu brought lunch and soups and helped drive me to appointments. Others have called or sent supportive emails. My cousin Linda arrives today and knowing her, will be pitching in whole heartedly and will keep us laughing. Mum and Dad sent a joint email - this is a breakthrough for Dad!
We are so fortunate to have the network we have here in Ottawa and elsewhere. I am feeling the grace and kindness of our friends and family very deeply these days. Some of you have heard this metaphor from me before - I think of you all as a giant trampoline - that I can bounce off, have fun with or lie down and rest on if I need to, where I feel safe just being myself. So grateful for all of you.
Love
Robin
PS The potatoes are up, also my first planting of beans, lettuce, swiss chard, snap peas. Both squashes and the zucchini are up. The cherry tomatoes are thriving. I need more herbs. Life, in all its promise and beauty goes on and sears my heart.
6 comments:
Very sorry to hear about all the incidents this week...you should put Franck in a bubble!! On the upside, your garden sounds marvellous. Hugs to all of you!
- Kathleen
Oliver backs. Not good.
Sorry to hear that you have all been 'in the wars', as the Brits say.
Sister Sarah has sprained her ankle, and her daughter Samantha broken hers ...
Will we see you this weekend, or is that a silly question?
Do let us know if we can help, driving ... whatever.
Love to you all
Peter
I agree with Pete - Oliver backs are very poorly made. I feel for Ada as well - I have broken my clavicle and the pain can be intense.You in your wheelchair, Ada in a sling, Geoff in bed - quite the picture!
Are you growing herbs in the garden as well?
Have fun at the family birthday party!
Love, Sar
Dear Robin: just read your June 4 posting and couldn't believe what I was reading. First thought is was a script for a Monty Python skit, but no it is serious! Here you are, chief family nurse, in a wheelchair with a cane! All my best wishes to all the sickies! May you all bounce back soon!
Sorry to hear about all this Robin! We are thinking about you as we work about our garden. We wish we lived closer so we could at least give you some fresh garlic greens.
Gardens are amazing things - that's great that you've got all those vegetables coming up.
love Nora and Jamie
Yikes! It never rains, it pours! Glad that you're managing to keep a sense of humor (in spite of all) and that your Ottawa pals and family are rallying around to help out. Wish I was there to lend an extra pair of arms or legs. I'd gladly weed that wonderful garden. Thinking of you & sending best wishes. love Karen Skinner
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