Concluding Week Two

Another day at the farm.  I scheduled my radiation session early in the day as we had plans for the rest of the day.

          Returning from my session, I walked from the busstop.  Along the way I noted a beautiful magnolia blossom.  

I paused to take a picture.  Behind me I heard a voice say, "That's a beautiful one isn't it?"  A gentleman was going by on a golf cart and he saw me taking the picture.  For some reason I was struck by the mutual recognition of a small part of God's creation.  I was humbled once again to be alive and able to enjoy moments such as these.

          The ladies here at the Hope Lodge organized and participated in a teatime. While Muggy was enjoying her time getting to know other ladies and their stories, I went exploring around the area some more.  

          We also made plans to travel west of the city to Douglasville.  High school friend Jim Sherrill lives there and we wanted to spend some more time with him.       We enjoyed a good dinner and conversation at the Irish Bred and Pub on Broad Street in Douglasville.  Douglasville is quite a nice community, doing an excellent job of blending the historical with the new.  

          I've noticed something relatively unique about being a cancer patient.  I'm sure most have sat in doctors' offices waiting rooms along with other patients.  Seldom does one speak as most respect another patient's privacy.  When being treated for cancer, it's pretty much general knowledge why one is in the waiting room, so it seems to be the case that open conversation is accepted.  Everyone takes an interest in each other's situation.  And, it's a marvelous way to share information, tips and ideas that have or have not worked.  It's a very positive environment.  Couple that then, with life here at the Lodge and it's all the better.  

          Further, although having cancer is not a choice I can think anyone would freely choose, there are benefits to be realized.  However, now being there, we are meeting and interacting with a host of individuals we never would have experienced.  It's all in your attitude.  

          It's now Friday morning and we've returned to Warner Robins for the weekend.  I had a very early radiation treatment.  As I awaited the radiation tech preparing the machine, I made some observations.  I'm in rather strange surroundings.  There's an opaque wall in front of me.  Through it I can partially see the controls the techs use to operate the linear accelerator.  There is a very large circuit breaker panel to the left of the wall.  I'm fairly certain it's to cut power to the linear accelerator were there to be any type of malfunction.  We certainly don't want an out of control linear accelerator.  As I enter the room, I pass by a door that is about eight feet square and about 14 inches thick; and, obviously, very heavy.  

         As I walked back to the lodge, I was at peace with the world.  The Clairmont Campus of Emory is beautiful and I was alone to enjoy it and enjoy God's presence in it with me this morning.  There were a few crickets chirping, but other than that, no noise; and beautiful, shirt-sleeve temperatures.  What better way to begin one's day!

        Thanks for reading!!  Blessings!