Archive for November 18th, 2008

Relieved once again. We do this often and the relief is always palpable.

Hadn’t picked up our mail for several days – thumbing thru the bills and junk – then I saw “it” – plain brown paper envelope with it’s symbol of hope or devastation – the Cancer Agency. I always kind of get the jitters to open it.

I opened the envelope, pulled out the letter and peaked at the end of the first line: NORMAL – the caps are theirs.

Relief.

PS Have you gone for screening this year?

Our friends and family have lived our journey with us, trying to put normal on the face of every day, action and event. This may sound like a strange comment but not everyone is so accepting – Alzheimer’s is a scary word, I couldn’t even type it at first without checking my spelling.

Dear DIL called yesterday, spoke with Dad. The telephone is not his friend, although people may not realize how very stressful it is for him to make conversation.

Anyway, my point is, blessings to you, MiHwa.

He ended his conversation as he always does, “Do you want to talk to anyone else or have you talked to everyone? Ok, goodbye, —–” (long pause, as he has forgotten who is on the line).
Then he hands the phone to me and and announces to her, “I’ll let you talk to, uh, (has forgotten my name) MiHwa (Jean) now.”

We pick up the conversation where we left off – never missing a beat. Glad she doesn’t mention it as I’m on the verge of tears at that point – but instead we discuss Christmas, gifts, secrets and and other things.

I teased her, “I have your gifts already.”
“You do?” (She loves Canadian Christmas traditions.)
I ask if she wants to know what they are? “Can you do that???” We burst into laughter when I say,”No!!!”
Anyway, they will be here for Christmas.