Update 21 March 2020: Pandemic edition
So, obviously the Morocco trip did not go ahead. I had been watching the news since late January and finally made the decision to pull the plug and cancel. At the time, there were only a few cases and things seemed to be ok but given what was going on in Italy and other European countries, I wasn’t comfortable about taking the risk of being stranded there. As it turned out, it was the right decision at the right time. Morocco turned into a hot mess in the meantime and many tourists remain stranded in the country. So, no trip to Morocco nor to Squamish for a retreat in May that I’ve been trying to go to for two years. We’ll be renting the cabin for 5 weeks this summer so I’m looking forward to that.
The pandemic has underlined one thing to those of us with metastatic cancer or other terminal/chronic diseases and even to the elderly - that if we catch the virus, we will be screwed. In the face of limited medical resources, the medical professionals will have to triage and we may not make the cut. That is a really ugly fact of life so we have to take measures to guard our health. Luckily, many of us already practice social distancing and know the value of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes. I am an introvert and can happily spend the day at home by myself without talking to anyone. (I have gone for years without talking to the people sitting next to me on planes.) I’m lucky to have that sweet wacky dog Ginger who makes me go outside a couple of times a day.
I've been so lucky to have family and friends nearby that can help me during this time. I really have been humbled by the number of people who have called or sent me messages to check on me and to see if I need anything.,
I recently read a lovely book, The Unwinding of the Miracle by Julie Yip Williams, about the life and death of an extraordinary woman. She was born with cataracts in post-war Vietnam where medical help was non-existent. Her family left by boat to Hong Kong and immigrated to the US. Despite being legally blind, she graduated from Harvard Law School, worked for a firm in NY, travelled the world by herself and had a family. She was diagnosed with Stage IV colon cancer when she was 37. She writes about her life, its challenges and the realities of living with and dying from cancer. And finding peace. It’s really quite an amazing book and I recommend it. While I have a different form of cancer, she writes about issues that concern many of us who have terminal diseases.
To continue on this theme, I have some interesting readings to suggest for you.
Swedish Death Cleaning - now would be a good time
Getting your things in order
What does it feel like to die - really interesting and not too morbid
In these difficult times, I wish you the very best. Be kind and patient with others, and yourself. And don't hoard toilet paper.
Deborah
Siblings at retirement party
Some family members still think I am a spy!
I was presented with the Cancer Card to get me out of awkward situations.
Update of my buzzcut.
Chatsis sisters like their Patagnonias.
