In response to last week’s posting, I received many lovely heartfelt and sincere wishes/prayers for my speedy recovery. Some tender souls went so far as to hope for the swift end to my suffering. I think I owe you all (the aforementioned in particular) an apology (clarification) as I never meant to portray my condition as anything more than annoyance and inconvenience - but clearly not suffering.
Throughout our daily lives, either directly or indirectly, we are surrounded by way too many examples of true suffering; emotional, medical, familial, political, financial, religious, parental, etc. I had a cold (note the purposeful use of the word “had,” as I am now, just 7 days later, finally breathing easy - free and clear); the sniffling has stifled. I can’t thank you all enough for your concern, compassion and commiseration.
Part of what keeps me grounded throughout my cancer journey is working hard to maintain a perspective on: what this means, how it is affecting my life, and where it fits on the barometer of earthly challenges (or not). I strive to avoid overstating any given passing moment that I may share as something more than it is - or characterizing that my circumstance is more than anyone else has to deal with (cancer patient or otherwise). Trying to confront and articulate my feelings, hearing myself “say” them out loud (in plodding Rosen prose), posing the pros and cons of a given dichotomy, and using that bifurcated dialogue as a crude form of therapy, has helped me over some humps and through some woods. I just want to be sure, dearest readers, that my exposition never comes off as anything more than me just working through some schitt, and appreciating your understanding while I navigate to the other side.
The cold is gone, life goes on, and here we are - another day older, maybe a little wiser, and hopefully more tolerant.
