Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness

At a similar time last year, I was making blackcurrant jam and I asked myself the question, ‘Will I be making this next summer?’

My sister said firmly she would save me some jars and indeed I needed them since I did manage to make some.

As we move forward into autumn, though tired, I am pleased to say I feel okay. The monthly injections and blood tests at the hospital continue. But since I am judged to be stable, I’m now attending a nurse/pharmacist-led clinic with a doctor in the wings if necessary. I do feel lucky and blessed.

I’m learning to live with cancer a little better each day. I’ve joined a Pilates class for the first time ever and am feeling parts of my body I had forgotten about because of lack of use!

I’m a professional coffee drinker at many cafes and restaurants in the area and I’m becoming addicted to technology as I investigate the myriad of games available. Ironing is very neglected!

I’ve enjoyed family events and holidays throughout the summer and realise how lucky I am. God has certainly blessed me in countless ways. I hope that having this disease has taught me more about generosity of spirit and caring for people. I’ve been shown so much love and care by my family and friends since diagnosis.

And so I say thanks to you all for your prayers as a Mass is offered for your intentions and for those whom you love. May autumn be a ‘season of mists and mellow fruitfulness’ for you.

Pauline

Positive news on a beautiful day

It’s a beautiful Spring day! Yesterday was a good news day for me and my family.

A reading from the Mass stated: “do not forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live” – things which reflect the infinite love of God.

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For me, these came in abundance on 27 March in the form of excellent news on the job front for two of my daughters, a candle lit for me in another European cathedral by someone I have never met, and positive results from scans taken 2 weeks ago.

CT scan of thorax and abdomen show no disease seen and no changes. Just evidence of stable bony disease. MRI scan also positive but with a hint of caution about a tiny area in left temporal lobe too small to be evaluated.

Suggest another scan in 10 weeks to be safe. All treated lesions are no longer visible. Naomi describes me as: “Stable Mabel,” which is good news. Medication is working well for me.

The tiredness I can cope with. I don’t mind cutting down on the housework. Any excuse to sit and read or play word games!

I hope I’m learning something from this stage in my life. I know that I’m loved, which is a precious thing. I hope that I return this love not only in my thoughts but also in my actions. I’m most grateful for the care I’m being given by NHS staff in every role.

May Easter be a hope-filled time for us all. May we also be beacons of goodness and generosity in a world where many people live without hope or are suffering.

Our love and generosity is repaid a thousand times, often without us realising it.

Thank you all 🙏

To give and not count the cost

It’s 3am. I think I must have taken the steroids far too late in the day and they have ‘wired’ me. Never been wired by meds before fortunately! Knowing there were things to do, to sort out before treatment starts, I decided to get up and begin a task.

Counting sheep doesn’t work for me, so here I am counting mission money before I resign as treasurer. Piles of copper certainly occupy a space in the brain. I am ashamed to admit that, though I’ve been gladly doing this for 30+ years, I’m not sure I’ve remembered often enough about the poor throughout the world.

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Too busy with living, I haven’t considered deeply enough the plight of millions and their daily struggles. I’ve taken too much for granted.

We in our world have an abundance which we’re not always willing to share. I hope that my children and grandchildren consider the lot of others and continue to treat others with generous and loving hearts. They are good people! I know they will.

“To give and not to count the cost”.

Pauline