From Iceland to Greece to Western Massachusetts
Now’s a good time to make that guacamole you were talking about,” (which really meant, this may take some time),” I said to my friend Alex, as I hunched over the Scrabble board and tried to concentrate.
When it was her turn to play, I got up and sliced one of the tomatoes that I brought from my garden. Every time I got up from the kitchen nook where we were playing, her cat took my seat, as if it was understood that it was hers after all, and I was only keeping it warm.
Because Alex’s husband works at home and also likes to play Scrabble, it was Alex’s 3rd game of the day. It was only my first, but by the time we finished I was worn out.
“It’s the ultimate irony,” I said to her.
Alex, who has more stamina than me, has cancer and was not expected to live past last Christmas. I’m healthy but have limited energy stores. I have to meter out my activities and rest in between each one.
We try to play a monthly game, but the last time we played was in late May. In June, Alex had a trip to Iceland planned to see the Icelandic ponies with her husband and sister-in-law. July came and went. I, for one, was busy with my son’s wedding and hosting company who were in town for it.
Sometime in August, I called Alex for a game. It took her two weeks to call me back.
“I was in Greece,” she told me.
“You’re kidding?!” Why was I surprised?
It’s becoming a regular part of our games; after we play, her husband sets up a slide show on his computer and I enjoy photos of their journeys around the world.
I was half kidding when I said, after watching the Greece one, “What’s next, Alex?” She proceeded to outline a 4 stop trip up north that ended with a wedding in western Massachusetts.
Like I said, it’s the ultimate irony.
Note: More Scrabble antics can be found HERE.
September 2nd, 2006 4:56 pm
She sounds like she knows precisely how to lead a rich, full and passionate life.
How inspiring.
September 2nd, 2006 5:00 pm
I am curious now. What kind of cancer does she have and is she undergoing treatments?
Under the circumstances I am glad she is able to travel and see the world.
I haven’t played scrabble in yrs!
Here via Michele’s today.
September 2nd, 2006 5:39 pm
WOW! How wonderful that she is traveling so much and to exotic places, too!
I love that her cat thinks you are keeping HER place warm! (lol) Of course!
September 2nd, 2006 5:51 pm
It started in her eye, which she lost, but as far as I know it is throughout her body now. Her treatments keep changing. I know she was on Immunotherapy for a long time, which they just reported on the nightly news last night as a cancer therapy with mixed results, although it seemed to have served her well. She doesn’t always feel good, but she makes the best of it when she does. Hanging out with her sure puts things in perspective.
September 2nd, 2006 6:28 pm
Perspective, indeed! I’ll remember that the next time I think I feel tired. There seem to be lots of Scrabble players in your neck of the woods, is it the laid-back lifestyle of Floyd?
September 2nd, 2006 7:25 pm
I think it’s more that I attract them (Scrabble players) and that I like to take photos of Scrabble boards and write about my games. Did you notice that I have a sidebar category for SCRABBLE!?
September 2nd, 2006 7:42 pm
Never underestimate the power of a person’s fortitude! I’ll bet she is an amazingly spiritual woman with a very positive attitude. I am convinced that the state of one’s mind has a tremendous affect on the physical well-being. Isn’t it wonderful that her husband can share her travels?
September 3rd, 2006 7:34 am
Think that is great about your friend Alex. Good to hear she is getting out and about. It is so important to not be intimidated by that disease.
I really like your scrabble board. You may have had it in previous photos but it is the first time I really took notice I guess. Is that something you purchased or was it created by a crafty person?
September 3rd, 2006 9:39 am
It’s Alex’s board. I think it’s a one-of-a-kind. The letters are ivory-like….very deluxe.
September 3rd, 2006 10:53 am
Sounds like you had a fun day, Colleen. And love the cat!
Bravo for your friend…I agree with Ginnie. One’s “state of mind” is the important factor in any illness and it sounds like she’s staying positive and living her life to the fullest. Happy trails to her!
September 3rd, 2006 11:37 am
Is she sick Col – I mean does she feel / act sick?
We need to plan a scrabble day again (w/Sami) or perhaps Boggle? After we get settled in…..
September 3rd, 2006 12:52 pm
For awhile she felt sick for 3 weeks and good for one. It’s always different, depending on her treatments, which keep changing.
Yes, let’s do boggle! Or scrabble.
September 3rd, 2006 11:27 pm
She is so inspiring! How wonderful that she squeezes every ounce out of life.
and she has a great cat!
September 4th, 2006 12:45 am
Truly inspirational. I agree that attitude is a very powerful force.
September 4th, 2006 1:46 pm
CFS…this is the first time I’ve read about your struggle with this here…I have a very good friend who struggles with it as well. It’s good to see that the medical community is finally doing some research into the causes of it…hopefully that will lead to more helpful treatments.
Congrats to your friend who is getting married (?did I read that right??)!
September 4th, 2006 3:53 pm
Alex is going to a wedding of someone in her family, but my son did get married this past July!