0 End of Summer Potpourri

The Cavalier Hotel, Virginia Beach, VA

This summer has flown by and it has been full. Full of love mostly. Early in June I flew to Chesapeake, Virginia to spend almost eight weeks with my beautiful daughter-in-law, Sierra and two extremely special granddaughters, Rosalyn and Bailey. Living so far from those girls makes me so very sad at times. On August 5th by Sailor son, Bill, came home to his young family. He had been away serving on the USS Carl Vinson for 7 months. He is on shore duty for the remaining four years of his service. When he retires in 2014 he and his family are moving to Durant. I'll have both sons and their families in the same town I live in. That, dear friends, is an answered prayer and a dream come true.

While I was in Virginia I finally got to visit the Cavalier Hotel in Virginia Beach. I wasn't able to stay as long as I wished. Maybe next time. The Cavalier is beautiful and historic. My desire to see it stemmed from the knowledge that Ernest Hemingway spent some time there. He wrote there. I think when I get the chance to return I'll take my laptop, my muse, and some money to sit in the bar and have a. drink with old Ernest. Can't you just imagine walking up those old steps and onto the marbled floors gleaming beneath crystal chandelier? Oriental rugs cushion tired feet. A large sunroom with white wicker furniture welcomes any person of any age. I must say my favorite area was probably an afterthought by the Cavalier designers. It is a very small library tucked into a corner. The shape is narrow and triangular. Dark mahogany shelves line the two walls. There is no room for a chair. The seclusion of the tiny space wraps visitors like a Pashmina shawl. Very nice.

When I returned home I took a day to attend a meeting of the Oklahoma RWA group in Oklahoma City. I had the honor and privilege of meeting several impressive writers. I felt welcomed and respected. An opportunity fell into my newbie lap within this group. Several members are writing a series of stories geared to The Wild Rose Press. I am writing a contemporary for the series. If my story is chosen /published I will jump and shout for days. At the very least I will learn a great deal. I'll keep you informed.

On a personal note I have to share the exciting news that my oldest son, Erick got married to a beautiful woman on September 3. So, I now have two sons, two daughters-in-law I call daughters, and two granddaughters.

Let the fall begin. Let my writing projects take off. Let my writing groups teach and nurture me. Let life continue with great happiness and opportunity.

I am adding several new links to the blog. Check them out when you have time. Until next time, writer friends, may the muse be with you.

Winona

Detail: End of Summer Potpourri

0 CANCER in our lives

Since returning to Oklahoma I've been involved with trips to M.D. Anderson Hospital in Houston every three weeks. I come with my husband's cousin, Ronny, and his wife, Tammy. The appointments are reminiscent of being rounded up as a herd of cattle would be for branding. Yet, there is method to the madness. M.D Andereson is choreographed well. It is no wonder they have an international reputation.

Ron is in the midst of a recurrence of nasopharyngeal cancer. This time it is impeding into the bones of his skull. Ronny is only 54. He and Tammy have three children aging 21 to 13. Until this time around we've felt hopeful. This time there is less hope. Since yesterday (Monday) Ronny has had multiple vials of blood drawn, seen three physicians, been fitted for a radiation simulation mask, had a dose of chemo, an MRI and plenty of hurry up and wait time. Today he had more simulation for the radiation, which will begin on March 10, followed by another MRI. Tomorrow is another busy day. We're trying to get finished and get home before the devastating effects of his chemo hit.

Watching the chemo ravage his body is almost more than I can bear. I have taken care of many patients over the years and had no trouble doing what was necessary to help them get better. On the other hand, doing things which may be uncomfortable for someone I dearly love tears me in half. For the next week he will lie very near death.

I try to stay calm and informed for everyone. It is hard.

When we are at M.D. Anderson the hell of cancer is visible and much like the proverbial elephant in the room. For every person sitting in the myriad of waiting rooms there is at least one family member or friend with them. Fear is tangible, but so is hope and courage. The employees are kind, understanding, cheerful and very knowledgable.

Cancer affects everyone. It doesn't discriminate. I have seen very wealthy people, including an entourage escorting a Sheik. And, I have seen those who seem to be homeless. All are treated well as best I can tell. I know my beloved cousin is in one of the best possible places to be treated for cancer. Yet, I wonder. I pray and try my very best not to succumb to fear or worry.

On a final note, I want to remember my own mother's courageous battle with lung cancer. She died in 1997, but she was happy and in touch with God until she drew her last breath. Should I ever acquire cancer, I hope to face it with the kind of hope, optimism, and courage of my cousin and mother.

Detail: CANCER in our lives