Taking a deep breath

by Elouise

Dear Friends,

The last several weeks have been up and down, all around, and back again. Here’s a summary of what’s been happening.

  1. My wonderful integrative doctor has closed her practice in order to run the family business for the foreseeable future. Her husband had a stroke. The business is a walk-in emergency care center which included her own private practice. She is now running the family business and helping care for her husband. Dr. K. made a huge impact on my life after I broke my jaw and was quickly spiraling downward.
  1. On the brighter side, I’m enjoying my new diet, eating things I never thought I would be able to eat again. Mostly veggies, fruit, and wonderful soups. My weight, for the first time in several years, has increased to its ‘normal’ number and stayed there.
  1. The weather and air quality in the Philadelphia area is often atrocious. Still, I’m able to get out and walk several times a week. Sometimes alone, sometimes with David. Mornings are best, when the birds are singing their little hearts out and the cicadas are offering unannounced concerts whether we asked for them or not!
  1. What does it mean for me to be a senior citizen? I’m still not sure. Though I’m an introvert, being alone isn’t my favorite setting. In my experience, out of sight almost always leads to out of mind. I struggle with self-pity from time to time. However, I’m also learning that this unasked-for solitude offers opportunities I’ve not had in the past. More on that in a later post.
  1. Finally, I’ve been reading journals from my visits with Diane from the time she learned she had ALS until she died of it about 10 years later. Nothing about ALS was easy for Diane, family members, or friends. I’m grateful I was able to fly from Philly to Texas several times a year to visit with Diane and her family. She showed me how to enjoy life even though the cost of living with ALS was very high.

That’s it for today. Thank you for stopping by, and for your kind comments in the last month or so. Praying you’ll experience peace and joy today, regardless of your circumstances.

Elouise♥

© Elouise Renich Fraser, 24 July 2023
Photo of catbird bathing was found at thebackyardnaturalist.com