Path of Peace

Lot going on this morning in my not-so-naked noggin -- stuff that left me feeling like a frayed piece of rope. The attack on Sedona was like another thread snapping and I arrived at radiation feeling pretty low. Sitting in the otherwise empty patient waiting area was Kay, an 87-year-old breast cancer survivor and volunteer who comes in every Wednesday as support for those of us going through treatment. Well, I must have walked in there wearing my cares on my face because she reached out to take my hand, saying she was so glad to see me and asking how I was doing. I gave her the Reader's Digest version of Sedona's tale of woe then went off for my 20 seconds of cancer-zapping electrons. Afterward, Kay was there, just her. Now, the rational, practical part of me said I needed to rush home to Sedona, but my heart wisely counseled that what I really needed was to talk to this woman who God sat down beside me. We shared our stories, the sad ones and the happy ones. The more we talked the more the frayed rope began to mend. Kay didn't say anything profound, didn't reveal any unique wisdoms she'd collected over her eight-plus decades of life. So what was it about this exchange that made it so healing? I believe it was time. The intentional giving of her time and my willingness to slow down and receive it.

Sedona update: We went back into OSU Vet Center yesterday and after examining the wound, the doc said Sedona would need surgery to remove dead tissue resulting from necrosis. I can't believe the b.s. she's having to go through because of irresponsible dog owners! Surgery is Thursday at noon. Send a prayer up to St. Francis.

Pics o' the Day: A collage of pics from Monday and Tuesday and a couple more ...

Just home from the doggie hospital (L)
Doggie downer Tuesday (R)

Sedona's necrotized tissue.
Her head is to the left.

Our hero, Sheila, who rescued Sedona from the pit bull!