Pay It Forward: Honoring Mr. Hugh Sutherland

Mr. Hugh Sutherland’s birthday is today, September 26; and, and I chose to dedicate this post to honor his memory.

Through blogging, I met his wife, Karen Sutherland, and found out that she was “encouraging family and dear friends to honor his memory with acts of kindness.”

So, I decided to join other bloggers in the first annual Pay It Forward Tribute

My Act of Kindness: Friday, September 26

When I moved to Orlando, almost five years ago, the first person to reach out to us was our next door neighbor. Not so long ago, I wrote a post about our unusual friendship.

It didn’t take long to find out that we had something in common – Breast Cancer. I was a two-year survivor, having been diagnosed in 2008. And she was a seven-year survivor, with a recent recurrence. Today, she is under 24-hour hospice care in her home.

She lost her mother, the only remaining member of her family, to breast cancer maybe a year-or-so before we met. But she has a strong support network in the neighborhood. In addition, her over 35 years of working with a worldwide christian organization has led to forming many long-term friendships throughout this country as well as others.

Today, I made the weekly delivery to my next door neighbor’s home — flowers and a card:

Last week, when I made my delivery of pastries from Paneras, she was feeling well enough for a short visit. But, I left with a heavy heart for her conditioned had worsened.

Two weeks ago, I sit with her for almost five hours laughing, talking and sharing photos of my summer vacation in Martha’s Vineyard. She is originally from Boston and now says she regrets never taking the time to visit this Island.

I will continue my weekly deliveries, always with a note, that Hubby and I are just a Hug Away.

Thank You, Karen Sutherland

I am grateful for the opportunity to honor your husband by sharing this Act of Kindness. Karen, I so look forward to your comments on my blog posts. I am always uplifted, enlightened, motivated and inspired when I hear from you. One day, I hope you will decide to create a blog that I could follow. I value your written words.

Poetry – September 22, 2014

Me and My Obstacles

I have Breast Cancer, but it doesn’t define ME.

Happiness, joy and peace guides ME.

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, but it doesn’t limit ME.

Exercise, prayer and meditation moves ME.

I have Fibromyalgia, but it doesn’t control ME.

Yoga, mindfulness and music distracts ME.

Living in the Present Moment empowers ME.

Grateful, my obstacles do not restrict ME.

And, believe it or not, this works for ME!!

–Poem by: SeasonedSistah2

Tenney Park: Sad and Happy Memories

The Photos

A long-time friend, sent me an e-mail with the attached photo:

She took the photo early one morning, on her long, long walk to her job at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Getting to work is not the only reason for her early morning walks. She also uses this time to meditate and felt this might be an option for me. Something to consider. But, for now, I plan to sit on the lanai at 5:00 a.m. with the fans swirling overhead, to meditate until the weather cools down in Florida.

Let me move from walking and meditating to the photo. Having lived in Madison for more than thirty-five years, I emailed and asked, “What Lake — Monona or Mendota?”

She didn’t answer, but sent the following photos. Then, I knew the answer – Lake Mendota.

Summers 1970 – 1973

I remember, the summer afternoons, spent with our three children, in this park and on that beach. It was many, many years ago; and, I have Sad and Happy Memories

Hubby and I were both full-time students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We were living, I am certain, below the poverty level for a family of five (GI Bill, student loans/grants, and Hubby’s part-time jobs).

Sad Memories:

Mentally, I allowed worrisome and non-productive thoughts to enter my space; and this disengaged me from spending quality time with my family. Unanswerable questions controlled my thoughts. Like, WHAT IF —

We made a mistake by returning to college at our age?
We can’t find a job after graduation?
Hubby can’t find another part-time job when this one ends?
We can’t pay back the student loans?

Sadly, my WHAT IF questions were continuous and endless. And, regretfully, I was not able to enjoy and embrace what was happening in the present moment during this period of my life.

Happy Memories

Even though I was not always in the present moment during these summer days, I know our children enjoyed the time we spent at Tenney Park.

Regardless of the WHAT IFs, I have many Happy Memories of those sunny afternoons, sitting quietly, and watching our Happy children — wading in the lake, creating in the sand, and playing in the park.

Hubby joined us for dinner at the end of his work day. Tenney Park was our evening dining place during the summer. And, we had some of our best times and meals there. Most days, I cooked something on our portable grill. And, occasionally we had enough money to treat the kids with pizza or burgers from a fast food restaurant.

Happy, that today, I am learning to:

Let go of the past;
Live in the present moment; and
Accept what may happen in the future.

***********

Postscript – Thank You to Two Special Friends

The Librarian, for the photos in this post.

Cupcake, for the photos taken in an earlier post, “July Vacation Days: Happiness in the Presence of Children.” (Special Note: We share a beautiful granddaughter, Little Cupcake.)

Thankful Thursday – September 18, 2014

Today, I Am Thankful for:

What Occurred on Wednesday:

My first-time visit to a dermatologist.
The diagnosis of Acne.
The newest side-effect of a medication prescribed in June to treat my Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Acne waiting until I reached the age of 72 to enter my life.
The topical treatment recommended, by the dermatologist, to correct this problem.

After leaving the dermatologist, I went to the local lawn and garden center to buy new plants.

What I Plan To Do Today:

Pot and add these beautiful plants to My Healing Container Garden.

“Be thankful for the morning light and the moonlight, for it reminds us that the beginning of everyday we are given the gift to shine bright but it is up to you to reflect from that gift and continue to shine through the darkness. Be the Sun and the Moon of your life. Please use it wisely.” (Unknown Quote)

Thought for Today: Tuesday, September 16, 2014

A Humongous Thank You to the People who have Liked, Commented and/or Followed this Blog

Gratitude Sunday – September 13, 2014

Saturday Morning Date

I express gratitude for all that enters my space — whether it brings me:

happiness or sadness;
order or turmoil;
panic or serenity.

Because, I believe everything is in accordance with God’s Plan.

Today, I am grateful for yesterday; and, the early Saturday morning outing with Hubby.

Our Saturday Morning Date begins with a stop at Panera’s Bread:

Our order is the same week-after-week — decaf coffee and a cheese bagel. The bagel (33 carbs/330 calories) is our weekly treat. While, it violates the healthy eating low-carb, low-cal diet plan that we follow during the week; we, make this choice without guilt. After all, we could have had:

When we finish breakfast, it’s off to the Neighborhood Y to fulfill the last of our four-day per week exercise program commitment:

We arrived when the doors opened at 8:00 a.m.; and, surprise our Friendly Greeter, who normally welcomes us with a beautiful smile at 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, was staffing the Front Desk.

All checked in and ready to workout. My first stop is 20 minutes on the Pre-Cor, followed by circuit weights, and ending with 20 minutes on the stationary bike.

Hubby deviated a bit from his normal workout, which includes 20 minutes on the bike. Instead, he did 20 minutes on the treadmill; and, then allowed the extra time for weights — circuit and free.

After our workout, we chose to relax and rest for the rest of the day. He watched football; and, I wrote the first draft of my weekly Monday morning post.

I am grateful for my wonderful Saturday Morning Date with Hubby. Though some may see this as an ordinary Saturday morning; for me, it was an extra-ordinary morning. Even after almost fifty-five years of marriage to my teenage sweetheart, I treasure every moment spent with him.

Thankful Thursday – September 11, 2014

I Am Thankful Today for:

The beautiful flowers and plants in my Healing Garden.

A wonderful Hubby who assembled my new potting table this week. It definitely will make what I love to do, potting plants, a little easier.

The imanikingblog for inspiring me to take part in Thankful Thursday, which I plan to continue weekly.

Thankful for the OLOGISTS in My Life

Before Breast Cancer Diagnoses

For more than fifty years, the only OLOGIST in my life was the GynecOLOGIST.

Annually, I scheduled appointments for three health care examinations. One with the GynecOlogist; and, the other two were for a yearly physical examination and mammogram.

For years, I chose to ignore the potential health hazards of being:

a smoker;
overweight;
overworked;
an exercise abstainer;
stressed out;
sleep deprived; and
spiritually undernourished.

In 1993, I was diagnosed with two chronic conditions — Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia. Now, I needed a second “OLOGIST,” the RheumatOLOGIST.

With these two diagnoses, the frequency of visits for health care treatment increased from three followup exams per year to monthly followup visits, bi-monthly lab testing, and a host of prescribed medications.

After being diagnosed, with two chronic health conditions, I made some healthy lifestyle choices. I —

no longer smoked,
found outlets for spiritual nourishment, and
committed to a formalized exercise program.

But, I failed to address some of the other health hazards —

Stress;
Overworking;
Weight Fluctuations; and
Sleep Deprivation.

Despite the continued health hazards in my life, for more than fifteen years, my two chronic health conditions were adequately managed and controlled with —

Medications;
Self-Management Tools;
RheumatOLOGIST Medical Management; and
Lifestyle Changes.

Then, the Breast Cancer diagnosis came in 2008.

After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Medication Side Effects

Between 2008 and 2013, I was diagnosed with five different health care conditions.

Each diagnosis, including breast cancer, was attributed to a side effects from a different medication; and, all were prescribed to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To treat these conditions, I had to add five more OLOGISTS to my healthcare team:

OncOLOGIST;
PulmonolOLOGIST;
CardiOLOGIST;
PsychOLOGIST; and
OphthamOLOGIST.

There may even be a sixth OLOGIST, after my consultation visit in two weeks with a DermatOLOGIST. A cluster of bumps appeared on the right side of my face several weeks ago. This may be a side effect of a new Rheumatoid Arthritis medication; which, was added to replace one that was discontinued because of a side-effect that affected my lungs. I will share the results of this visit in an upcoming post.

Despite the side effects and added health care conditions, I AM Thankful for the OLOGISTS in My Life

And, when, I Grow Tired of the OLOGISTS, I

STOP
BREATHE
EXPRESS GRATITUDE

And, quietly say, “I LIVE Because of the OCOLOGISTS in My Life.

What I Want for Everyone

I WISH that every underinsured or uninsured person, in this country, one day will have access, like me, to OLOGISTS and other health care providers.

Gratitude Sunday – August 31, 2014

My First Rocking Chair

Today, I am grateful for gifting me — my first rocking chair.

I visited my grandparents, as a child, every summer in Mississippi. On their front porch, sat four rocking chairs. One, reserved for my Grandfather; and, the other three were on a first come-first rock basis. I liked to read and listen to the sounds made by the rocker as I rocked on the wooden floor.

Love of the rocking chair resurfaced in my mid-fifties. While I didn’t buy a rocking chair, I couldn’t bypass a rocking chair at a Cracker Barrel Restaurant, furniture store, or an airport without sitting down and enjoying a rock or two.

For the past five years, I enjoyed rocking for seven straight days in rocking chairs on the front porch of the house we rent for our Mother-Daughter Vacations in Martha Vineyards

Eldest Daughter in Rocking Chair at Martha’s Vineyard

There are only two rocking chairs on the front porch in Martha’s Vineyard. Both daughters enjoy the rocking chairs, but when I am present — one rocking chair is for Mama. Like, my grandfather, I appreciate my rocking chair privilege. I view it as one of the many gifts of love from my daughters.

After returning from vacation this year, I didn’t want to wait another year to rock in the chairs at the rental house in Martha’s Vineyard or the rocking chairs at the Boston Airport.

Also, I didn’t want to rely on random rocks in public places for the next year. So, I gifted ME a rocking chair for reading and relaxing throughout the year.

Since I was not able to find a rocking chair locally to coordinate with the furniture on our lanai, I ordered one through the internet. It’s perfect. All I need to find is a seat cushion.

I can’t close this post without expressing gratitude to Hubby for assembling my rocking chair. (Side Note — Maybe, after reading this, he will assemble my new potting table delivered this past week and is still boxed up in the foyer.)

Most of all, I am grateful to God for his unconditional love, which has opened my life up to experiencing self-love.

Gratitude Sunday, August 3: Mother and Daughters

“Mothers and Daughters are Closest, when Daughters Become Mothers”

I am grateful this Sunday to begin the week in the presence of my two daughters as we begin our Fifth Annual Mother-Daughter Vacation in Martha’s Vineyard.