Welcome to the Community About Nothing, and Yet Everything.
At my core, I'm an optimist. No matter my snarky comments, and no matter my skepticism, I always have this belief that it will all work out. I have often referred to the conversation between Fennyman and Henslowe in the movie Shakespeare in Love...
"Henslowe: Mr. Fennyman, let me explain about the theatre business. The natural condition is one of unsurmountable obstacles on the road to imminent disaster. Believe me, to be closed by the plague is a bagatelle in the ups and downs of owning a theatre.
Fennyman: So what do we do?
Henslowe: Nothing. Strangely enough, it all turns out well.
Fennyman: How?
Henslowe: I don't know. It's a mystery."
Yes. The awesome power of that last line. On innumerable occasions in my life, I have seen cascading failure hurtling toward what appears to be a nearly certain disastrous fate only to be redirected like a pinball off a bumper back to solvency and even success. I credit a loving God, but you feel free to call it what you will (happenstance, coincidence, luck, karma, whatever). Everything always seems to work out as long as we keep breathing in and out.
(Side note here to say that these experiences make me sad for those who choose to end their own lives prematurely because they don't see the way out. It feels like they may have cheated themselves out of a great renaissance had they just waited a little longer. Topic for another day, perhaps.)
I find myself in a period of doing OK these days. This, after over 5 years of constant struggle. Sometimes, I had to make hard decisions about where to apply my limited resources to greatest advantage. I don't find myself with disposable money presently, but neither do I have to panic when I know it's time for the electric bill to arrive.
With great confidence, I believe that our country, as well as most great countries around the world, will rise like a Phoenix after this period of political, financial and medical turmoil in which we find ourselves. I will never lose this belief. For if I do, then what's the point of continuing? It will all turn out well. How?
It's a mystery.
"I am standing on the Mountain of Right, and you are standing in the Valley of Wrong." Deputy Frank Sloup, Pinal County, AZ
Why do I like this one? I have a primary residence on the Mountain of Right.
Of you who read my previous post, how many of you caught the quote I stole from a movie? Can you name the movie and who said it?
Bet you didn’t know there would be a test…..
So, I have completed 4 of 6 chemo infusions, and I have to say that the last one seems to have caused almost no side effects that cannot be otherwise explained by the disease itself. I remain exhausted all the time, and I go home at the end of the workday positively depleted. That, however, seems to be due to the anemia that somewhat existed before chemo started but certainly seems to have been exacerbated by it.
I presently sit at a 40% disability rating with the Veterans Administration with some big stuff pending. I am awaiting a decision on my hearing loss and the PTSD/Depression. The cancer aspect takes a step forward with an exam by a VA contracted provider who will provide a recommendation as to the service connection to the cancer. If it goes my way and I get to 100%, then as soon as the first check hits the bank, I’m retired. While this exam is scheduled for Monday, I have no assurance that a VA determination will be quickly forthcoming. Patience is the key.
My spirits ...
