Memorial and Beyond

I have never really spent much of a Memorial Day at the cemetery.  That’s not to say I don’t remember my family and friends no longer physically with us; I just don’t.

Yesterday was different.  Yesterday many things happened.  I was in the hospital Thursday evening into the wee hours (6p-5a) of Friday morning.  I slept most of Friday and was careful the rest of the day with whatever went into my stomach.  But, Saturday I went to a movie with a good friend, ate at my beloved Cracker Barrel (carefully), and stopped by Mom’s to check on her.  I intended to only stay a bit, but she and I started talking and, before we knew it, we were at the cemetery taking care of Sis, Dad, Mom’s parents and my Great Aunt and Uncle. All were lain straight in a row. We put up flags and such.  It became a part of the rest of the cemetery, all alight with the best plastic flowers, cloth flags, and  even some metal pots of memorial bouquets.  The once-solemn and mostly green plots lit up with brightness, sending joy to those empty bones lying below, but also being noticed by their souls surrounding all of us.  It was nice.  I took a moment and remembered.  I will try to remember it next year as well.  In fact, perhaps, more often when I feel the need for nonjudgmental company.

Speaking of judgments, I have to mention that very early today (Sunday) I received notice that a short story I wrote for a person on fiverr.com was accepted for publication. No money involved, just a complimentary issue, but published nonetheless. It has been a memorable weekend.

Namaste,

Scott

Life is perfect, but sometimes, it Sucks

Last Thursday my Sister, Darci, died from cancer.  It had been a couple years of battle, since just before Dad passed 2 years ago last July.  Mom, at 83, has had a rough time taking care of both of them, I had my stroke almost 9 years ago, now – finding out that the funeral for Sis will come on a high of 0 Degrees with significant windchill has made it even rougher.  Topping it off, I fell yesterday, hit my right brow, took 19 stitches, I look like Frankenstein, and today it hurts like … well…it hurts.

I don’t write all of the above for pity or condolences, rather I write the above to perform some catharsis and come to grips with it all.

This is not a bitching post or hateful one or even a particularly sad one.  I write this because all of you out there (and the numbers keep growing) are my friends, people I share my life with and turn to when things get rough.

Well, I am turning.  I know and believe with all my heart that life is perfect, that it all works out in the end, even if we don’t see it.  Yep, I am one of those…

But even so, sometimes, life just sucks – this week is one of those weeks, topping off a no-so-great month and past couple of months.

So, call this what you will,  I had to share it with you all.  Thanks for being there.

Namaste,

Scott

My Year (and still going)!

Well, here we are to almost Christmas 2016!  I am still thinking back in April how I never thought we would make it here.  The year has been eventful, and for, those who are new or need catching up, here is a fairly brief summary.

The year has been kinda tough on all of us.  Major points:

1. My Sister has cancer.  I refuse to give it a capital “C”.  It doesn’t deserve it.  She been taking Chemo for many weeks and is over 1/2 done.  I am simply glad to have her around.  She, too, has a big following on FB and I am often amazed at just how many people care and talk to and about her.
2.  Dad passed in July after a long year of mostly being in the Nursing Home.  He had fallen twice in the last few years and surgery was not an option because of his missing kidney and low-functioning in the one that remained.  He did not care for his diet and often (really often) refused the food to have them bring him something he was “not supposed” to have.  What do you tell an 83 year old of sound mind?  We just let him enjoy himself.  He was really missed by a lot of people.  He earned the name “Candy Man”  or “Kiss Man” because he would take Hershey Chocolate Kisses with him to pass out to the “mostly” females at restaurants and such.  The local Cracker Barrel group actually told me how much they missed him!
3. I have been fighting my diabetes for about 7 years now.  That and my blood pressure led to my stroke in May of 2010.  This year I went through some rough times, both with Dad and Sis.  I ate off the charts, giving up nearly 2 years of wonderful blood sugar via vegan dieting.  It was actually low enough that, many mornings, I would wake up and have to eat something sweet and fast because it had dropped to under 60 (normal being 110 and normal diabetic about 120).  At present, my blood pressure is good (great) at 117/73 average.  I am now working out 2x a week at Planet Fitness (a really great place!), which fits even my tight budget.  The diabetes makes it difficult to lose weight or build muscle, so I have now declared war on it.  I have done my research online and read extensively.  I have found what I believe to be the best defense and offense for this bad situation.  My new diet/lifestyle begins with a protein shake-based cleanse followed by 2 months of strong high protein, low fat, low carb dieting.  Then, after that, I should see a dramatic drop in blood sugar and weight and an increase in muscle.  Sometime in the early spring I expect to reduce or illuminate my blood sugar drugs and testing (via Dr. of course).  It is my hope that by next Christmas I will be Diabetes free, down to a decent weight, have good muscle tone, and have, perhaps, stopped or reduced my blood pressure meds (that would stop this stupid leg swelling).  We shall see!  The diet started today about 5:30pm.  I know that cleansing over the holidays is no fun, but I want to get started!!!

I think that’s enough for a year.  I hope all are having a wonderful Holiday and may your Christmas be the most loving time and full of joy.

Namaste,

Scott