Defining Myself
A friend (my high school band teacher) recently invited me into her Facebook network. Despite everyone thinking I’m a computer nerd (I have also been called a ‘techno weenie’), I had not previously gone onto facebook (though, I had heard of it previously). As a result of her invitation, I created a Facebook identity and was recently completing some of the additional information about myself. One of the last things I completed was the “About me” information.
While it is still true that I am both a cub and boy scout leader, a karate instructor, and sometime photographer, when I went to completed the “About me” information, I began with, “In 2008, I was diagnosed with pancreas cancer…” Perhaps, at some point, I will get back to defining myself in terms other than my cancer, but it’s still pretty prevalent for me right now. I have been told that it’s most healthy NOT to define myself in terms of my illness, but that’s pretty hard to do right now.
As for going to work this week (I had mentioned the possibility in one of my posts last week), all I can say is that right now, that doesn’t seem likely. My day today started at 10a when my family and I went to church and then stayed for the after service potluck. Then we picked up my younger son after his weekend camping trip. I then had about 20 minutes at home before leaving to attend a 2 1/2 hour cub scout leader’s meeting. Then I went back home for another 30 minutes before leaving to co-facilitate the adolescent human sexuality course at my church. Honestly, I didn’t expect today to be so busy, but….Oy!
…and tomorrow, I rest!
Merle
Merle – It would seem incongruous to try to live in the moment, then not define yourself by what is most prevalent in your present moment. After my hip surgery in May, I believe most of conversations began with the hip, and I still define myself as a bionic hip-pie.
As far as still recovering, just keep in mind how many billions of cells are regenerating – heck, you’re rebuilding and reconnecting lots of parts – that puts great demands on your energy. It is truly amazing how much you are doing, and doing it all so incredibly well.
Someone once told me to “expect the best and prepare for the worst” – I know it sounds like a dichotomy, and it is a bit of one, but it helps keep things straight in my left-brain influenced life. I’ve never done too well with the unexpected things, so this philosophy helps keep those a little at bay. I know some of life’s richest experiences come from the happy surprises, but I do better when I’m prepared for it all – and aren’t scouts always prepared??
Sending healing vibes your way,
Lindy and Patrick
Merle — You continue to amaze me. You do more in one day than I do in one week! Keep up the strength — you are an inspiration. We are all keeping you in our thoughts, and we look forward to seeing you back at work. There will be lots of hugs awaiting you here.
Tamara
if i see you at work i’m going to throw the ceramic rooster of consolation, which Sharon is more than willing to part with, at you and chase you from the building.
go ahead & see if i don’t.
keep healing………..at home.
r