Armida, Part I. Counting Our Blessings: A Reminder That Tomorrow or Next Month Is Not Guaranteed, Revisited ...............................8/5/12

Innkeeper's note: 
      I'm bumping this up. Let me know what you think. This post, written last year in May puts my recent struggles in perspective. I dedicate this post in remembrance of my dear friend, Armida, and her family.

      How are you?  I'll discuss today's topic after my gratitudes.

I've been on the go for several days. Thursday, I met with friends.  Afterwards, some of us took in a movie.  My oldest son is a manager at a twenty-five screen theater and I get to see first-run movies for free.  It makes me
a popular date. :->  (Free large bag of popcorn and soda too, if desired.)

My Gratitudes Before Saturday Rolls Around:

1. I rested today. Nice. I stayed home this evening; I'm gearing up for Saturday's celebration, which will be eventful. It will carry on until late in the night.
2. I visited with my oldest son,  Thursday. I'm proud of him: he's working hard: he's completing college, works a job and now has been elected as president of the local chapter of the American Marketing Association. (He's a business major.)

     The honesty and openness we share is heartening. It was good hearing him laugh, while we visited.  Stress is an ongoing part of his life.  Sharing light-hearted moments was good for both of us.  Connecting and discussing any issue is easy for us; our bond makes my heart smile.
3. I purchased a book to replace one of the seven vital books I lost recently.  I've been eking out my studies for my personal growth.  I now have three; I borrowed two others from a friend.

      The ones lost are irreplaceable. Hundreds of cross references I hand wrote in each.  300-500 added entries to the indexes, I also had in them. Not to mention my marginalia, which was microscopic and copious. I've studied these books, daily, for years, close to a decade. They each had more than a three thousand+ hours of notes in them. They are what contribute the bulk of what you hear from me, when you visit me, here.

     These books stirred my personal growth, offered wise perspectives and provided inner healing and clarity.  I suffer, not having them.  It's tough opening up "naked" unmarked books. They're not the same.  Insights captured over the years, embedded in them are gone. It's hard starting all over, again.  But...........
4. I'm glad that I'm gradually rebuilding the vital, integral core of my library.
Making the Most Out of Our Lives
Tomorrow is Not Guaranteed
       Seeing friends last night was a great way to conclude the week.  They're wonderful people. What I like best is that everyone is emotionally healthy.  They've worked through their issues.  I value their warmth, insight and the kindness.

       There was a shocker to this week's gathering.  One person blithely shared she recently visited the doctor. Armida fell and thought she cracked a vertebrae. The hospital did an MRI, finding out that was the least of her worries: she's severely riddled with cancer.  They've given her 3-6 months to live.  This voracious disease is in her bones, lymph nodes and lungs, consuming her health.  It may travel to her brain.

       Tears streamed down my face as she calmly shared the news, with an bright, sincere smile. Gosh.  In shock, unable to comprehend what she said, I was. "This could not be??" I thought. What she shared was incongruent with her calm and positive demeanor.

        Speaking with her, one-on-one, later, culminated in giving Armida a big hug----a request of hers. Visiting her, bringing mutual friends, I intend on doing.  I'll act soon, while she's mentally clear, and even after, when she isn't. My guitar I'll bring. I find music comforts the soul, don't you agree?  Her illness strikes an emotional chord, I've been assisting someone since last July who's recovering from cancer surgery on her leg.  Also, my dad died from prostrate cancer not long ago.

        We want to let our loved ones know we love them, tomorrow is not guaranteed.
How About You? 
1. Who is someone you feel strongly prompted to visit?  My encouragement is, do it.
2. What has been a big shock you've experienced lately?  If you feel comfortable sharing it with us, that would be great. If not, you may want to get it out of your system by sharing this disturbing news with a caring, empathetic friend.  It works. I know from personal experience
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Update: 8/4/11 My dear friend Armida died Monday, 8/1/11, at 12:55 p.m., surrounded by family and loved ones.  I was fortunate enough to serenade her twice this month.  Most recently, Sunday, the night before her departure.

        Her death is my loss, and that of those who knew her.  Armida's irrepressible spirit left an indelible imprint on this writer. You can read the story about the innkeeper serenading her, her dancing eyes and an unexpected, but comforting guest, here.