Let_the_Games

Sometimes life seems like one trying ordeal after another.
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Working in the big bureaucracy of state social services is challenging for people who expect things to be logical, to make sense or that planned changes will improve either client outcome or the work place. We are constantly inundated with minor changes, new rules, new ways of implementing the same old rule, etc. For this we should be thankful. The latest research indicates that having an active mind somehow is at least somewhat protective against Alzheimer's disease. So, in the final analysis, the job I am in is, in essence, therapeutic for the workers...

Valentine's week is the one year anniversary of the esophageal cancer diagnosis of my lovely friend, Craig- his back at left with the markings made on his back for his radiation treatments, otherwise known as the X-ray Tatoo Picture. Craig called with the news way back last February, shattering preconceived notions of the flow of life, the not good odds given by the doctors were daunting. After weeks and months of waiting, chemo, radiation, surgery, prayers, Cathy's tireless caring, friends' vibes, meditations, kindness, determination, and finally the lengthy surgery and post-op recovery including tube feedings that went on forever, Craig continues to grace my/our world today.

The journey was intense, with low, low valleys, and peaks that made you cry.

From Craig's Webpage, Entry June 24th, 2001:
"My recovery is at a point now that I have virtually no restrictions on stretching/exercise ("short of bungee jumping"). It is just a matter of working through the pain. No further treatment is indicated and no further visits with either the oncologist, radiologist or surgeon. It is wait and see, pray and hope.

And so this 4 and a half month nightmare winds down to a gentle conclusion, at least phase one. As far as they can tell all cancer has been removed. I have been to hell and back, and it is so good to be back."

Quotes Craig Likes:
"Language is a virus from outerspace" -William Borroughs
"You think I threaten you with complicity?" -Brain Gyson

June 24, 2001 e-mail:
"Drove the truck for the first time in a long time. Went down to Dom's Bakery for an apple fritter, something I used to do regularly on my way to class or work. One of those mundane little routines that I haven't done for sometime. When I bit into it I suddenly felt almost like my old self and my eyes instantly welled up with tears. It really caught me off guard. How embarassing and silly and you might say unmanly, but the emotion was sweeter than the fritter. The feeling of regaining health is indescribable. I hope it lasts for a good while. The simple pleasures are the best."

The world finally stops to enjoy some peaceful cooperation, commencing the competition and comraderie of the multitude of nations participating in the Olympics. U.S. athletes and New York City police and firefighters carry the tattered American Flag from the World Trade Center into the stadium during the opening ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City Friday, Feb.8, 2002.

Country music outlaw, Waylon Jennings, died this week. He often played with one of my favorite musical artists, Willie Nelson. Click above for link.

"the effects of a healthy developed essence would be... true feelings which in turn has an effect not only on oneself but on others also" - This is very true, correct and lovely.

Life sometimes tends to beat the dreams out of people. I think it is best just to keep on dreaming- complacency never got anyone anywhere. I guess I am full of it, aren't I? Between my pages and my e-mails I have musings enough for the whole damn world, and enough to amuse myself too, but, alas, she is still seeking the elusive wisdom- and by God I intend to grab hold of it someday.