The signs were there. But my bossy brain, as disciplined and intent as a Sumo wrestler assigned them to the wrong room, unwilling to admit she may have made a mistake. When the body revolted causing a scene, the doctor was called, and well-intentioned-rationalizing-I-Can-Do-It-Myself-Sumo-Me was sent to detention hall where I’m trying hard to blend.
It is not asthma, the drain of wind from great sails; it is not the gut gone tight and bubbly in the gladiator coliseum of social and political riot. No, it is the sweet, red pump that drives everything.
As often is the case in this world of doublespeak, the tests that had moments before been reported positive, coiled, rose and struck like a snake interrupting my happy dance; and the interpreter of medical lingo on the other end of the telephone, (her voice as calm and cool as a summer melon cut in half), explained that was bad news.
So now the road forks, one sign pointing toward doom, another toward freedom; but the third trail marked by the largest sign of all, its path rutted by the passage of thousands of determined feet. This is the direction I have chosen, the sign marked Onward, with Hope and Determination.
On June 26th, at 10:30 in the morning, my body will join the long line of silver headed warriors lying on gurneys in front of the alter of stainless steel doors that are as cold as a gnat’s teat, watching through a veil of numbing drugs, as the doors swing open then close like jaws around the lives of the hopeful. Just like a busy ice cream shop, or a government office, I’ve been assigned a number and will wait my turn for the Great Oz while my best friend/lover/husband grinds his teeth in another room the same way I’ve ground my own for him each time he has taken this trip.
My heart is huge. My heart is durable. My heart is not close to giving up. I’ll be back soon. You’ll see.
And PS, I love you all.
ittymac 
I am here for support, love you dearly mom.
I love you too, sweetie. We’re strong, all of us. I’m ready to fight.
Sending you love , good wishes and cyber hugs. Hope they help 🙂 You are a winner 🙂
Love, good will, and hugs, cyber or otherwise, always improve a situation. I gladly accept them, my friend. 🎈
Itty! I feel your fear, as I had surgery 1-1/2 years ago for the big C. Don’t worry — a feisty heart and soul like yours will bounce back sparkling like a diamond! Know you are in my (and all of our) hearts…please pop in now and then and let us know what’s up. Sending faeries your way….
You always see me…takes one to know one one, and we know each other! Send those faeries on over on this beautiful summer solstice! I’ll be up dancing in the garden again soon. ❤
You know it, girlfriend!!
We are a lot alike…I don’t know your email, but if you ever want to chat, I’m around… humoring_the_goddess@yahoo.com
I feel so strongly that it is all going to go well. Truly. I know that does not mean that recovery is easy, but ultimately, it will all go well. That is the comfort that hopefully can be extended to you at this time of great concern. I look forward to hearing of your improving health and all issues taken care of.
That sounds very, very encouraging. Thank you.