I don't want to dwell on the last five months any more. Despite the fact that fear tackles me at unexpected moments, reminding me that the infections have come back three times now when we thought they had been taken down, I try not to let those reminders gain any real momentum. After nearly six months of H-E-double-L, my spirit tells me it might really be time to move forward. At last.
Barbara goes back to Nashville on Saturday, and I can't tell you I'm not a little scared about letting her go. After all, between her, Marian and Debby Mayne, I haven't been alone for more than an hour in nearly three months! Barb's visit being the longest (six weeks!), she's been the safety net every time my condition worsened. But it's time for her to go back to her husband and her life and her new career as a literary agent. And it's time for me to buck up and bravely face the unknown: A return to my life; and to good health.
So to cement that, Barbara and I drove out to Citrus Park today. I wore make-up and brushed my hair, and I wore clothes (real clothes; not sweat pants and a cotton nightshirt!). David drove over from St. Pete, and Debby Mayne and Julie Pollitt (two of my favorite writer buds) came as well. The group of us had lunch together and talked about our lives, about ACFW, we shared some laughs ... and it was WONDERFUL.
Friends. Lunch. Real clothes. These are the things that I'll forever remember as the kick-off to the renewal of my normal life. And those dark voices threatening a random fever or a twinge of pain to signal a different kind of renewal ... Well. They can pretty much (pardon my French) bite me. :-)So you know that cheeseball saying about today being the first day of the rest of your life? In my case, it's actually not so cheesy. It's kinda true. Who knew?
I am so glad you are doing so much better. You looked fabulous! You are always such a joy to be around. You always make me giggle and I love that about you. You are in my prayers. I love the way you tackle fear. Fear is something that can be so debilitating, but you're right, we have to tell it to take a long walk off a short pier. We are not havin' it.
ReplyDeleteGo Sandie! You look wonderful, and you're back to your old fun-loving girly self! I had a wonderful time at lunch today, and there's no doubt in my mind there will be more lunches in the very near future.
ReplyDeleteSandie, I am so glad that you are doing better! You have some wonderful friends.
ReplyDeleteFriends ... the best way to celebrate a return to real life. And wearing real clothes? That's always good too! None of that "The Emperor's New Clothes" thing for you!
ReplyDeleteYAY!!! Hey, I learned a new song recently, you may already know it, but it's so applicable for us when we're going through these storms of life...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yb4VvNq8WEM&feature=related
Oh, that look so fun! :-) You ladies are wonderful and sweet!!
ReplyDeleteIts so great to hear that you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your books. =)