For the first time in forty-seven days, that’s right, 47 days, I was outside for almost an hour. I love being outdoors. But since August 23, just before I went back into hospital, I have not been outside except for going to and from medical appointments. On a fine, sunny October afternoon that felt very much like fall, Mary and Scott took me for a walk along the Victoria Park boardwalk. I was in a wheelchair and with tank of oxygen, but I was outside. The sun on my face, the cool westerly off the water, the sound of ducks and geese and gulls all made for an uplifting adventure. I hadn’t felt this good in many days. After we travelled the boardwalk down to the lighthouse and back, I didn’t know whether I’d be down for a serious nap or what. Turned out all that fresh air had a given me a good appetite. We are now looking for another place to walk a wheelchair. Suggestions are most welcome.
It’s feels strange to be counting the rest of my life in weeks and days and curling games on TV. While we haven’t finalized the date for MAiD we are aiming for early November. Some examples… Last week, confirmation of my cataract surgery arrived by mail with a date later in November. Nope. I won’t be here for that. A couple of days ago, a friend and former colleague dropped off some cookies and stayed for a brief visit. She said she would be out of province for about six weeks. As she was leaving, she said she would see me later. Nope. I won’t be here when you get back. The other evening I was asked why I was staying up so late. I replied that I was watching a women’s curling game and for me there were just a few games left in my life to watch so I was staying up. And all of a sudden it doesn’t feel as if there is enough time to make sure all the other things are looked after. One major item has been checked off the list: organizing and pre-paying for cremation. All I needed was for
Great to see you out on the board walk and enjoying a beautiful October day.
ReplyDeleteYou were talking about sharing memories and while driving into Summerside today, there is one part of the drive that almost always invokes a curling memory, a memory from 2008. When driving into the Silver Fox for our games, as we rounded Reeds Corner, a certain member of our curling team, (I believe it was the third) would start playing the "Tournament of Hearts" song by the Weakerthans. I think it became our innspiration anthem song which propelled us to a win and a fantastic trip tp PA, Sask. Many fond memories of curling with and against you Craig and I will always cherish our friendship. Thinking of you on your "journey" and enjoy time with your family.
"Why, why can't I draw right up to what I want to say?"
"Why can't I ever stop where I want to stay?"
We roll right through our years
We drift right through our months
I slide through our days
I'm always throwing hack weight
Right off, no never never ever ever
Right off, no never never ever never
Right off, no never ever never ever
Right off