I am Fine if Nick Fine - a new blog post

[Donna Thomson]

Hi Everyone,
I hope everyones' kiddos are well! (That will mean that you are well :) Thanks again Rose, for the inspiration!
Here is my new post: http://www.donnathomson.com/2012/08/...k-is-fine.html

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Donna))))))

Well done, as always!

Unfortunately, it appears that I don't have the brain cells to absorb the complexity of Ms. Kittay's work. I attempted to read her article on the transparent self, and I got pretty lost pretty fast!

I understood your explanation that we're tied as caregivers to our loved one, which dictates our own well being. I went to her article to understand the concept better. Ha! That didn't happen.

On another note, I've started walking again! It's wonderful! And as I meet up with neighbors, most of whom are in their 70's and 80's, whom I haven't seen these past 3 1/2 months, they each ask where I've been.

First, it's wonderful to be greeted with "so happy to see you" smiles, and then concern for my absence on the trails. Since they all know our life story, they immediately ask whether Jon is okay, or if he's been ill or in the hospital. How lovely it is to be cared about in this way.

Usually, I give more details than necessary, but they don't seem to mind listening. They shake their heads, give me sad eyed expressions of sympathy, and offer their prayers.

This time, I'm answering simply, "Jon was ill at home for awhile, as you know, and he got worse, and he ended up in the hospital for 10 days in June, but he's doing well now, and that's why I'm back on the trails."

They haven't asked for details, not that I would withhold any of them, so I feel it's just as well that I don't burden them. After all, they aren't spring chickens, and they have their issues too.

But after they receive my brief explanation, they ask, "And how are YOU doing?"

I reply, "As long as Jon is fine, I'm fine. And he's fine, so I'm walking!"

It works for them, and for me!

Love & Light,

Rose

[Donna Thomson]

Wonderful! I am so happy you are walking again. Eva Kittay is amazing and yes, her work is dense (well, she is a philosophy professor), but wow, she has a lot to say to us! xoPS Your neighbours sound lovely, I'm so happy that they asked about YOU!

[andromeda31]

Hi!

Glad to hear you can get out again! 25 more days until school starts...then I can exercise in the morning again! It really is a nice stress reliever. I love your brief answer for people asking about Jon...I need to work on a good answer like that for people. I don't want to just say, fine, when she's not, but your answer is telling it like it is but not oversharing.

Lisa O.

[Earth Mother 2 Angels]

((((((Donna))))))

We are blessed with some very nice neighbors, especially "original owners," like we are, who have lived here for 35+ years. I'm pretty congenial, and I can usually find a reason to strike up a conversation (dogs are the best conversation starters, and many folks here walk their dogs in the mornings).

I know their life stories too, and have shared their crises (one gal's husband had a heart attack a couple of years ago, an 82 year old gentlemen, who I meet in the park with his darling dog, has colon cancer, and his wife is having a hip replacement next week, etc.). We've also shared in grieving the passing of several of our neighbors. A very caring group of folks, and that is wonderful.

I think most of them look at me as a daughter figure, as they're generally old enough to be my parents! No wonder I feel old! I hang out with the senior senior citizens! Despite their age and/or health issues, they walk every day, and they walk a couple of miles at least! So they keep on ticking, and they inspire me.

((((((Lisa))))))

I know what you mean about exercise being a stress reducer, and I hope these 25 days go quickly for you. I'm sure you miss it. You need that exercise to keep up with 4 active children!

As far as finding a good answer, you'll come up with something that works for you. I find that keeping it generic is helpful.

I'm so happy that Caitlin is producing BM's! YAY!

Love & Light,

Rose