Christmas literally means the Mass of Christ. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, emphasizing love, peace, and goodwill towards all.
Now that we are in our 80s, the celebration of Christmas has mellowed and changed. It is less about Santa Claus or Kris Kringle. It is more about sending love and peace to everyone, even to those who are rude and grumpy. We remember the message of the play and story Scrooge.
Decorating the house with a tree, fewer lights, candles, and garland. Over the years, the tree has become smaller and artificial.
Baking cookies in smaller quantities but keeping the tradition of old favorites.
Sending fewer Christmas cards via the postal service. Grateful for email cards and letters.
Amazon! No trips to department stores.
Quiet celebration at home or with friends instead of large groups, as shown in paintings by Norman Rockwell or Currier & Ives.
Magic walnuts are still made, just fewer as the kids and grandchildren have become adults.
Our memories of Christmases past bring us joy. Each year we treasure the gifts of:
New engagements
Weddings of grandchildren
Graduations
Retirement for some, plans for early retirement by others
Births of great-grandchildren
The joy of watching our children be parents and grandparents
The gift of having stimulating, informative, and interesting conversations.
And, the gift that they are now looking out for us, making sure that we are safe and able to still take care of ourselves.
We are very proud and deeply love our 6 adult children, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Who could ask or want any more than them for Christmas?!
To celebrate the Christ-mas is by treating everyone with love every day.
Since my blog about my advancing condition of macular degeneration, many people have asked for more information about this condition.
It is defined as a progressive eye disease that affects the tiny, central part of the retina called the macula at the back of the eye and can cause loss of central vision. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 40. (https://www.macular.org/about-macular-degeneration)
There are two types: wet and dry. There is no cure at this time, but it can be slowed down through injections in the eyeball. AMD only affects the central part of the vision so one can see peripherally. It does not lead to complete blindness but can affect one’s ability to drive, cook, do close-up work, or recognize people.
To help prevent or slow down the course of AMD, it is important to take AREDS vitamins and eat green vegetables, especially kale. (I have found some delicious ways to fix kale.)
A most informative video about AMD through the words and eyes of men and women with varying degrees of this disease.
What I have learned:
No matter the loss of sight, I am still me.
I can adapt to anything
Blessings are not to be taken for granted
Use time wisely
Finish the unfinished projects
Be a role model for others
It is not what I see with my eyes that is important, but what I see with my heart and soul.
I used to read 100 books a year. Now I struggle to read one a month. I must use a large font on my e-reader which “just doesn’t seem the same.” To my fellow authors, please know I have your books on my e-reader but I must work through some sadness and frustration that I cannot pick up a book, feel its crisp (or sometimes worn) pages, and feel its lightness or heaviness in my hands. I am grieving the loss of my friends, the printed books…yes, my books have been my friends since childhood. I am learning to accept my book friends now in their new form. I appreciate your patience and understanding. As Schwartzenager said, I’ll be back.
To C.S. Boyack, I am almost done with your book, Swamp. FYI: I am enjoying it.
Bodacious is a new word that was developed in the 1980s. It combines bold and audacious according to Urban Dictionary. We all know that bold means bravery and daring. To be audacious can also mean the same as bold, daring, fearless, and heroic; or it can mean impudence or impertinence (but those words are too negative for this writer).
I think of the many women and men I have met who will not let cancer defeat them. One often hears or reads about cancer patients discussing how they will fight. Whatever illness one faces, it requires bravery, daring, boldness, and hope. No good boxer enters the ring without hope.
Judi Feldman was a bodacious woman in all the kindest, gentlest, and loving ways there are. Her winning smile and sparkling eyes were the results of her positive outlook, love of people, determination, and passion to let every woman know about ovarian cancer. She worked tirelessly to shine the light on the need for more research and awareness of all gynecologic cancers.
Be bodacious as you walk your path in life. Be brave, awesome, and hopeful. Let’s all shine the light!
As you look back at the year 2022, what one word comes to your mind? What did you experience?
My one word is SAD. Though a sad year, it filled me with more love.
As I reflect on the past year, it is hard to remember anything before the month of June. The sudden and unexpected death of our son-in-law impacted me quite deeply. Jimmy was young, vibrant, always smiling, giving, positive, and loving. He was a specimen of perfect health. Yet, he died of a sudden massive heart attack.
My beloved Aunt Arleigh left this earth in her 90s. I first met her when I was 12 years old and knew I wanted to be just like her. She always smiled, laughed, and had wonderful advice for an immature teenager. She was an actress and worked at Capitol Records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf0T0IecP50
I said farewell to several of my cancer sisters. Each of these ladies impacted me in a special way: their laughter, enthusiasm, love, gratitude, spiritual beliefs, smiles, and their tears. I am all the more motivated to spread the word about any of the GYN cancers.
I have moved from sad to grateful. Though I miss each of these people, I reflect more on how blessed I am to have had them in my life.
THIS WAS SUPPOSED TO BE SENT OUT YESTERDAY. HOWEVER, THE MESSAGE IS PERFECT FOR EVERYDAY.
You might think, “I do not want to read or hear about cancer when this is a season of joy, family, food, and gratefulness. THOSE ARE THE VERY REASONS WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CANCER AS WE PREPARE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Wishing you each a blessed Thanksgiving filled with love, compassion, peace, and gratitude.
The storms of life can occur in many forms: an unexpected death, a life-threatening diagnosis, or a natural disaster. When any of these events occur, we are often like a ship in a storm with our sails and rudder unused.
We struggle with such questions as:
Why me?
How will I get through this?
Can anyone help me?
Where is God?
Our son-in-law died unexpectedly at the young age of 59. Though he was the specimen of perfect health, he was unaware his heart was dangerously in need of surgery.
The storm of cancer has been in my life for 14 years, ebbing and flowing with intensity. My lessons are the same: taking good care of my body and living in the moment with love.
These events and the devastating hurricane Ian did prompt me to look at my life. How have I reached out to others? Have I been judgmental? Have I been prejudicial? Have I lived in the moment with love?
Lessons:
Gratitude…shows us that real joy can come in the midst of the hardest time.
Family & friends…storms bring. people closer together
Change behaviors…be more patient, understanding, humble, loving, etc.
Storms show us who we are and about those around us.
New strengths can be developed
Storms remind us of what is truly important.
As we face various storms, we may well need to adjust the sails and steady the rudder. We can be better, stronger, and more loving.
My journey began in the shadows. A bloating abdomen changed my planned destination. Surprisingly, cancer was my unwelcome travel companion. At times the tracks were in such darkness, I could not see. Questions, doubts, and fear were on all sides until I decided to find a purpose.
So, I…
chose the track of sunshine; of light. Faith, knowledge, and love surrounded me as I kept my eyes on the sun of God.
Knowledge is power. Faith gives us strength. Purpose puts us on the right track to follow. We can outshine.
For the Teal Takeover, my team is called the Outshiners. Come and join my team as walk/run “together” bringing knowledge to others about gynecologic cancers. https://www.classy.org/team/446017
If only I had not worked so much…If only I had been a better parent or better child…If only I had tried more things or taken risks…If only I had spent more time with loved ones…If only I had pursued my dreams…If only I had taken better care of myself…If only I had done more to help others…
As we travel through life how many times have we bypassed opportunities, were not in a kind or generous mood, or abused our health? Leave “if only’s” behind and keep moving forward.
Ethos3
Do not be afraid to open doors, at least peek inside or perhaps walk through them.
Look at each moment as an opportunity to do or say something nice or helpful.
Your body is the only one you will have, so cherish and nurture it. What you do today may well determine your health for tomorrow.
People come into your life for a reason, whether family or friends. Learn from them, love them, and let them love and teach you.
There are always risks to any decision or action, take the risk and learn from it.
The hardest thing and the right thing are often the same. (Isaac Slade)
Move forward with love, and forgiveness, and you will learn and grow. YOU WILL LEAVE “IF ONLY” BEHIND.
Thank you for taking the time to read this blog. I welcome your comments.
Did 2021 really just end? Or, has my mind just gone a little crazy? What a year it has been with broken pipes, migraine headaches, canceled trips, a newly published book, untimely deaths, graduations, fishing, shelling, beach walks, time with family, good health, AND friends like you.
LESSONS LEARNED FROM 2021:
Make plans but be prepared to cancel or postpone
Research what is being said from the government down to your doctor and pharmacist.
Live each moment to its fullest.
Appreciate the wonderful Florida weather…even the humidity.
Reach out to friends and strangers in need.
Keep writing despite vision issues…dictate your stories, blogs, etc.
Clean out the cupboards, closets, and donate to those in need.
AND FINALLY, SPREAD YOUR LOVE.
Here are two music videos that will lift your spirits, give you hope, and fill your heart with love.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 