As this drain issue has dragged on, I have taken on a new mantra. “Be like Birdie.” Birdie the puppy lives in the moment swinging wildly between crazed action and sound sleep. So, I am trying to be more like her. Living in the moment. Doing what I can do when I can do it. This has meant short days at work if I’m able to go at all. And resting in the wonderful care of God’s people.
Yesterday, I had chemo again and my hemoglobin was very low so I had a blood transfusion today. My drain also stopped working yesterday, so after a CAT scan following chemo I had a new drain put in and then removed to have a different drain placement this morning. It has been two long days at the cancer center for me and my favorite mom.
Last weekend, during my lovely sister’s visit, my hair made a mass exodus from my scalp. This means I actually let Becki near my head with a scissors and I am now wearing hats and waiting for my scalp to be less tender so that I can try the wig Mom got me last fall.
Through all of this I feel rather calm. My new drain is comfortable and drains from the front rather than from my back so that I think I will sleep better at night. I’m not terrifically upset about my hair coming out. When I do get to work, I love it just as much as usual and my wonderful colleagues pick up my slack with grace and kindness.
I’m hoping that I can continue to “be like Birdie” until the drains are out and my hair is in.
However, I do know that there is one Birdie thing that I will not do. I will not climb up onto the grill to survey my fiefdom and get a good look over the privacy fence (as pictured below–Dad took the photo through our garage window–she’s hard to catch up there once you open the door). I’ll let that be Birdie’s special thing.
8 replies on “Be Like Birdie”
thanks for this Tash. carrot or potato, just keep living in the moment. i like that. so glad your sweet sister could be there with you. did you read from Jesus Calling today? i thought of you…
dear sweet tash. how is it that you can give strength to others through all of this? i admire your courage and spirit, and as always, we’re praying.
Catching up on your blog and thinking about you and the family… and the dog I grew up with; Maxine. She was a rescued beagle with the best disposition in the world. You could dress her up, pick her up, pull on her ears, and put your hand in her mouth while she was eating. All she would do was look at you and wag her tail a little. She ate whatever she wanted, slept like a log, only got excited when on the trail of a rabbit and snored loudly. Your “Be like Birdie” has made me want to “Be like Maxine”: tolerant, happy, well fed and rested. :-) Thanks for the inspiration when I let the little things get to me. So many things to learn!
Peace and aloha friend.
Praying for you every night, and hoping to copy your “be like Birdie” attitude!
This makes me miss you. I remembered driving in MI with Naomi, Becki, and you….I think I was a sophmore in HS. We all “strategically adjusted” our ages when we talked to Calvin boys. Omygoodness. And who could forget our magnificent gymnastic routines and dismounts from my dad’s propane tank? I think you are RIGHT ON with this Birdie idea. (Thad always joked that he envied the life of a dog). love to MI from OK
Love that Birdie girl dog and love you!
Does being like Birdie mean you will snap the food off other’s plates with your quick-paced jaws? Just curious.
Thinking of you and your favorite Mom today. Saying prayers for strength for both of you.