“My ideas usually come not at my desk writing but in the midst of living.” – Anais Nin

So where in the world have I been, right? Perhaps that’s been the question of the day when you’ve searched for a new post, or perhaps my ego is so bloated I just assume you’re sitting there waiting.  Either way, I’ll catch you up with some thoughts, a few observations and a rant on my beloved Boston Red Sox, because they certainly deserve as much negative attention as possible.

We’ll start with a combination of thoughts and observations on last month’s Finding Inner Strength Together (FIST) meeting.  That meeting never took place.  Well, actually I was there, and one of the regular attendees called me to let me know he had to reschedule things and then he caught me up on how well things are working out with his wife’s new cancer treatments.  I then climbed the stairs to the location of our meeting only to find the door closed and locked.  Hmmmm … it’s possible I missed a phone call, an email or another exchange regarding the meeting, but you know as I sat there wondering where everyone was it dawned on me that this is actually a good thing.  I didn’t feel stood up, nor did I feel dejected.  I felt elated that things are working out well for the aforementioned and hell if there are no new arrivals it also means there is no new breakouts of a cancer diagnosis.  I can dream, and I will.  So I headed home, spent the evening with my girls and settled in, but not before grabbing a copy of all the literature that’s offered at the Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation for cancer patients, their partners, family, caregivers, etc.  The brochure I helped create was there amongst an entire array of different support group literature, to include:

  • Breast Cancer Support Group; 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 500-6:30 p.m. Call (707) 523-7312 with questions
  • Women’s Cancer Support Group; 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month, 12:00-1:00 p.m. Call (707) 523-7312 with questions
  • Are You a Woman Undergoing Cancer Treatment? You’re invited to attend the American Cancer Society’s “LOOK GOOD…FEEL BETTER” Class – Fridays 12:30-2:30 p.m.  Registration is required.  Call 800-227-2345 for more information.
  • I Can Cope – Free classes for cancer patients and caregivers.  Registration is required.  Call 800-227-2345 for registration information. 24 hours/day.
  • Support for Young Women with Cancer; 1st and 3rd Monday of every month, 2:00-3:30 p.m.  Call (707) 523-7312 with questions.
  • Support Group for Men with Cancer; 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Call (707) 523-7312

So on the 3rd of May I may not have been able to provide any relief or assistance to the men who normally attend our group though I am certainly able to identify with the assistance Sutter Pacific is attempting to offer with the above seminars and groups.  I tip my cap to the amount of coordination and effort required to those of us looking for a place to share our feelings.

I’ll leave my rant on the Red Sox for another day.  I plan to be on the couch this evening with my wife (1+ year Breast Cancer survivor) watching our beloved team from The Hub back at home against the tribe from Cleveland.  We will continue to watch, and we will continue to verbally provide our thoughts to the neighborhood during each at bat.  Why? Try spelling the word “FANATIC” without “FAN”.

Peace,

Paul

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