Expiration Date

  Posted on October 11, 2014 By

 107 Comments

River-white-water-me

I have a terminal illness.  I am neither afraid of it nor unhappy about it.

I am seventy-two years old.

I have finished my work here.

I will spend my remaining months doing whatever suits me.

Tube-Kelli-and-Me

I have said pretty much what I thought in all of my posts here.

So, I felt pretty silly titling the posts Last Hurrah #1, #2, etc.

Why would anybody do that?

It sounds coy to me.

And, I am not a private person, anyway.

River_charlie--&-me

I decided to write about the last months of my life

because there is such a cultural taboo against talking about death.

I am fortunate to know that there is an expiration date for me

And to know approximately when that will be.

The last of life should be a celebration of life.

And, I intend to celebrate!

White-water-II-me

I’m headed for the rapids!

You’re welcome to grab yourself a tube

and follow me.

It’s gonna‘ be one helluva‘ ride!

🙂

I have added a Hospice Page for updates, questions, comments, etc.

The link is at the top of each page.

Please visit the page for updates.

Thanks, Friends!

 Category: Adventures, Photographs, Photography      Tags: , ,

107 Comments on “Expiration Date”

  1. Hello, George – good to meet you! Totsy sent me! Well, her blog post mentioned you and suggested a visit. So, here I am!
    Your blog is captivating – even though I find your little friends a little scary! I really enjoy your writing style.
    I admire your attitude about life – I am trying to get a bit of that myself.
    Prayers are flooding your way.

    Patricia

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  2. George-
    I have been delinquent in my blog reading and posting. I am sad to hear about your current situation. I know you will face this head and and will be true to yourself as you have always been. I do so appreciate getting to know you these past few years. Your pictures, comments and especially your thoughts are such treasures!
    I’ll be keeping update to date as you forge ahead!
    All the BEST, hoping this is an easy and painless journey!
    lots of hugs!
    Gail

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  4. So, you are likely to make the last journey before many of us. I hope you are able to pack the time with things that please and amuse you!

    Maybe you have already considered this, but perhaps its worth exploring ways to preserve your blog (and other works?), maybe in book form? Not in any grandiose self important way, but as a record for the generations of your family to come. I know a few people who are researching their family trees and it is clear the delight they feel when they find something more tangible than the simple birth/married/death dates of formal records. Your words and pictures have delighted many who have never met you, so think what they will mean to those yet to come who have a direct link to you.

    All the best
    Stephen

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  6. Well…I guess I knew you weren’t quite at the top of your game. You’ve alluded to illness before. It makes me a little mad to realize I’ve just “met” you but won’t get to hold onto you till infinity. But I’m also old enough to know better. I absolutely adore your head first approach to the coming changes. (Much as I loathe those changes) I love your fearlessness, your honesty, your resilience, and your blessed sense of humor. Thanks for bringing us along with you. More people need to face our inevitable future with such grace and good will. You are a wonderful role model.

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    • Hi, Linda! Well, we’re all going to die. Dying is a part of life, you know. I’ve done what I wanted to do and needed to do here, and the rest is gravy. I am not particularly brave. I’ve just always viewed whatever happened as whatever it was. It is what it is, as Vonnegut said. There is a kind of relief and freedom in knowing that you are going to die within an approximate time period. I realize that no matter what might happen to me, it can only last so long. I always feared having a stroke or developing COPD or CHF and living for years trying to breathe! I am not sick. I want to describe what I am experiencing so that the people who know me here will understand what at least one person discovers about dying. As a geriatrics social worker, I was horrified by the way we treat old people. The only thing any of them wanted was to go home. And few did. Homes for the aged are a national scourge and they are indicative of our attitudes about aging. I am old enough to die, so it isn’t a tragedy. I am lucky to be able to do it my way and to be able to die before I become unable to do the things I want to do. I would not be a great old person… Chuckle… I have a tremendous support system, thank goodness. Folks here on WP have been so very good to me. I am happy that I discovered you guys! Thank you, Linda! 🙂

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      • I am all ears and eyes. I will follow you some day, hopefully as gracefully. There’s much to learn about aging and dying. I’ve filled out Advanced Directives and hope that I’ve dotted and crossed where necessary. I have long known that I can treat my pets with greater love and dignity at the end than I could family or friends and you are correct. That is a tragedy.

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        • Well, some of us are caregivers by virtue of our personalities. It is okay not to be one. We just don’t all live “on the farm together” anymore. So, it is not easy to care for our old relatives the way it once was. You might be surprised to learn that advanced directives and medical powers of attorney do not protect you as you expect sometimes. I am reading a book (because my doctor is reading it) that illustrates precisely how that happens. I recommend it. “Knocking on Heaven’s Door” by Katy Butler. It is the story of her experience with both of her dying parents and how decisions they made before the final illnesses adversely affected the outcomes. It’s an eye-opener for people who don’t have extensive experience with navigating through the medical system where your fate is determined by people whose intent is not primarily about your quality of life. We think advanced directives are sufficient. Often, they are not. Also, I recommend “How We Die” by Sherwin B. Nuland. Every patient should read that one. As a social worker, I read a great deal about death and dying and had lots of experience in dealing with it among elderly and disabled people. Also, I took care of my elderly mother for many years before her death. Dean died five years ago after his diagnosis of lung cancer. He lived for about 18 months and died at home. As will I. It can be happily arranged and carried out. We should all plan for it. Few of us do. Thanks, Linda!

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          • Thanks for these recommendations. I am aware of the flaws with ADs and that has me a bit concerned. As a single woman with no children, it’s all up to me to make my wishes clear to a handful of people whom I delegate to step in for me if/when necessary. I trust them. I don’t trust the law and the medical/pharmalogical complex as much.

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  7. You are an inspiration, George. I wish there was some way to extend that expiration date. Your attitude is amazing, and I just want you to know my thoughts are with you. ♥

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    • Thank you, Robin. I am not brave. I’m just simply going to die as everybody else does. There are some really cool dead people, you know. Chuckle… I am very lucky to have advance notice so that I can do the things we all delay, thinking we’ll do them some day. And, I can take care of business that I’d put off for some time. I have a dark sense of humor that is very off-putting for most people. I’m sure I’ve been labeled as “exhibiting inappropriate humor” in lots of medical charts along the way. 🙂 I’ll probably live longer than the standard prediction that everybody gets with Stage IV cancer. I suspect that most people start to die the moment they hear the diagnosis! 🙂 At this point, I am not sick. Anyway, sitting around waiting to die is not my style! Thanks for following along, Robin!

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  8. How I wish expiration dates could be extended. What an inspiration you are to all of us and especially to Charlie. Jumping in with you for the ride George. Have a blast 🙂

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    • Madhu, you know how much I admire you. You astounded me when I found you here. I had absolutely no idea that I would encounter an intellectual, a superb photographer, a gifted writer and a beautiful, creative woman who has the most interesting life imaginable! A photojournalist if I ever met one. And, she could live down the street from me. The Universal Woman. That’s it. In my next life, I am going to be your relative. So, get ready! I’m not an easy old aunt! Chuckle… Thank you, Madhu!

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  9. George,
    We all need reminding the Life isn’t a limitless and we shouldn’t be wasting it… not a single day if we can help it. Well done for reminding us just how precious our days are…

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    • Hi, Kiwi! It’s human nature to think in terms of living forever, I guess. If we spent our live anticipating our deaths, life would take on a rather bizarre tone, I think! Chuckle… When you are as old as I am, you will begin to accept the fact that you are nearing the end of your life. You will pay more attention to the things that matter and forget those that don’t. Thanks for always stopping by to visit me. I appreciate that a great deal more than you imagine. 🙂

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  10. George, I clicked “Like” on this the other day, feeling so lame about your news, then Mr Kuche came along and asked me if I knew where he had put something or other that I knew nothing about but had to go looking. All the while thinking of you finishing with whatever suits you . . . now just come from @RichardGuest and your thrilling announcement that you are not dead yet, yay! and yes! along for the ride!

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    • Hi, Patti. Richard already knew. That’s why I said I wasn’t dead yet! Thanks for coming along with me! I am not sick so I am planning to do the things I have delayed doing with Charlie. I’m lucky. I got a kick in the butt to get me going! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

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  11. I enjoy knowing you on line and all your varied pets. We all have an expiration date. Some choose to ignore that life is terminal. I have already decided to not artificially extend my life. Life should be about living and not about trying not to die. Thank you for so openly sharing this stage of your life.

    On a very selfish level I will miss your photos, words and views.

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    • Hi, Jacqui! Thanks for stopping by! I have no idea why folks avoid the subject of death. It ain’t as if it doesn’t apply to all of us. I hope to avoid the Glum Faces during this last leg of the trip here. I obviously never tried “not to die” considering my lifestyle! Chuckle… I’m lucky to have lived long enough to finish my chores here. Thank goodness, I got a little notice so that I can do some of the stuff I have put off doing with Charlie while I am not sick. Charlie will have a bit of your legacy too in the wonderful buffalo print! Thanks, Jacqui!

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    • Ha-ha, Richard! You tickle me. Yep, I’m gonna’ snap away. But, I’m also planning to come back as your street portrait assistant! Always wanted to visit London. I hope I can manage to avoid the Glum Faces that so annoy me. Otherwise, I intend to have a good time on this “holiday”! Thanks as always, Richard. You are a special guy, you know. 🙂

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    • Thank you, Ute! I am going to enjoy this last leg of the trip, for sure! I feel good and there are lots of things I am planning to do with Charlie. We humans delay doing things because we think we’ll be around forever, I suppose. How silly we are! I am fortunate, indeed, to have been given notice! Thanks for stopping by to leave your good wishes! 🙂

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    • Thanks, Alessandro! I appreciate the visit and the kind words. I intend to enjoy this last leg of the trip! 🙂 And I am happy that you will be joining in the fun!

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  15. You’re an amazing woman and artist. How blessed are we that you would spend this time with us? Love and peace, George. Love and peace.

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    • Ah, Kristin. You are too kind. The end of life is just another part of life. Nothing to be sad about. It’s really a time to reflect on your life and to do the things you put off thinking that you still had time to do later. I’m very lucky to know that my time is short. I feel as if I’m being given a holiday to do whatever I want to do! Go back and read some of my other posts. They’re far more interesting than this “dying notice”! Chuckle… Thanks for coming over to my blog to visit! 🙂

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      • Hey, I have read some of your posts before, I just hated that when you left Facebook for a while, but kept blogging. It felt like you didn´t care for your FB friends and much as you cared about blogging friends… (I sound like a fractious child and I am 😛 ) Besides I have no place to click on to get here daily. Now I added your blog to my blog list (I haven´t really been blogging for years and had to google my own blog by my name ;)))) 😛 ) And I bookmarked it too, although I have too many bookmarks and I probably find nothing using them 😛 Oh well. Anyway, I find the death-theme far more interesting than anything else. I think about it many times a day. I believe I would act just the way you do, but I can´t be sure. It´s not that easy when you still have to work… OK. It´s your blog and it´s just my comment. Geez.. I write as if it were a post of my own 😛

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        • I forgot to say that I read a lot more of your posts yesterday and the day before. But not until the beginning. I can´t see any list of previous posts here, so I just got to the end of a post and clicked link below to the previous post etc. etc. Not the funniest way to start where you left last time. Oh boy. Do you understand what I mean? Still think my English is “fluent”? 😀 😛
          (I read the post about Deano long time ago; I´m much more interested in people than in animals 😛 )

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          • There is an “Archives” link at the bottom of each page. You can click on the arrow (that shows the posts by month) and go to any month and choose a date for that post to see it. WordPress is different from any of the other blog formats, and it’s confusing. Thank you for following my posts, Kristin. I appreciate that! 🙂 And, YES, you are extraordinarily fluent in English. Much more fluent than a great many folks whose first language is English! Chuckle…

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    • Well, Scott, we’re all headed in the same general direction, I think. Chuckle… Why people get so bent out of shape about dying is totally incomprehensible to me. Especially when you’re lucky enough to have lived as long as I have. I’m not greedy. I’m happy that I was able to finish my work here. I intend to have a good time for the rest of this, the last leg of the trip. The one thing I feared most in my life was living so long that I had a stroke and was left hanging on for years. I saw so much of that as a social worker. I would not be a happy disabled old woman, I can tell you. Life has a way of working out, you know. I am not sick, by the way. I’ve got a lot of stuff left to do with Charlie. Stuff that I’ve put off thinking , “I’ll do it later”. Thanks, Scott! 🙂

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      • I am comforted to know that you are not sick, George, and very happy to see that you’re still active and intentional in what you’re doing with what remains of your life…. I hope you and your Charlie have many more wonderful adventures.

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  18. In this culture, we’re not good at dealing with death. You’re providing a super-duper model for dying with grace, dignity and humanity. Am I sad? Of course I am! But I will celebrate life with you as long as you’re with us. I won’t shun death like so many people in a futile attempt to save themselves from the pain or grief of loss. It’s the cycle of life we don’t like to think about but it’s part of the deal we make we when we’re born. We’re not going to be here forever…and I wouldn’t want to be! Splash away with wild abandon, George! You’ve left a legacy of beauty and a world full of friends!

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    • You know, if I had your superb writing skills and your quick-witted sense of humor, I’d write about the humorous side of this last leg of the journey. Of course, I have such a black sense of humor that most folks would think I’m crazy. What the heck! I am. I feel as if I’m on holiday. I can’t explain precisely why, but I do feel free of any constraints or responsibilities. Not that I was responsible for much these days anyway. I am lucky to have been put on notice, though. I will get off my butt and do some of the things with Charlie that I keep saying I’ll “do later”. We are such deniers of reality that we procrastinate, you know. I am not sick, Lorna. I have no idea what will develop, but at the moment I feel fine. Thanks. You are right about our cultural attitudes. I always thought that was stupid, but I have never feared death, so I’m not a good candidate for mourning my own demise… Chuckle… 🙂

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  19. I feel sort of weird pushing the ‘like’ button on this one George for I do not like this at all … not one bit. But I do marvel at your attitude (and of course, always have) … something which I have said before. You are a role model and I will try and follow suit whenever I am called to do so. I will check out the Hospice sight. I was going to close by saying that I wish I could send you a bit of strength … but I know you have lots … lots more than I have. You’re the best. Really. By the way … and by way of providing a bit of a chuckle for you today … I read your comment to Lemony and saw your reference to a Witch’s tit … a phrase I’ve heard many times before … here’s one for you, around the farm we say, ‘Useless as tits on a hog.’ The reference, of course, being to the male of the species! D

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    • Hey, as I told Rob, dying does not take courage. Living requires balls the size of buckets as my internist friend and doctor told me once. I feel as if I’m on holiday. I can do as I please. I no longer have to worry that I might have a stroke and hang on forever… Cancer has an expiration date. Sooner or later. I am not sick. I feel fine. And, I’m going to do the stuff that I always put off thinking I’ll do it “next time”. I am so lucky to get a prod in the behind so that I’ll get moving! Should I buy a little monkey? I always wanted one and Deano and I thought of buying one lots of times, but didn’t have time to care for one. He’d laugh about my idea, for sure. Thanks, Farmer. You’re always on my team. You and Joanna! 🙂

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  20. I wanted to add that I think you are extremely brave… and my admiration is boundless .. your tenacity exceeds mine when I have to face down an ellie… or dodge the odd snake that is convinced I’d taste good…

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    • Now, I am some big time chicken when it comes to the thought of facing down an ellie! Or a snake, for that matter. This is just the last leg of a very interesting journey. I’m on holiday, Rob. That’s precisely how I feel about it. I’m lucky to have been notified of my expiration date. Dying takes no courage. Living does! Thanks, Rob.

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  21. Dear George, I’ve realised that you were kinda saying goodbye over the last few posts. You are one feisty, brave and great lady. I look forward to all your future posts with relish, tinged with sadness. I have admired you, and have been so glad to be a friend here. Bless you as you travel this part of your journey.

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    • Thank you, Charlene! I have so enjoyed the image I have in my head of your place in SA. The animals and the family. You are one of the really courageous ones. Perhaps, South Africa breeds hardy women. I dunno’, but you’re damn sure one! Chuckle… I intend to have a good time on this the last leg of my journey. I will be happy to know you are following right along with me! 🙂

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  22. Hold on there George I’m just going to don my “Speedo”… (NOW THAT SHOULD FRIGHTEN THE [i nearly said life] HELL OUT OF YOU)… this fat gut of mine would make it seem as though I had no costume on… but wait for me I’m just going to grab my tube and take on the rapids with you… and let our ride be a wild one, full of fun and laughter… and this follower of yours will be with you all the way, on your blog and in spirit… and I can’t wait to meet you one day where we will both end… bring the parrots and the lizards and I’ll bring what ever I can from Africa…

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    • Now the visual of you in your speedo and me in my “glamour” swimsuit tickles me big time!! What a splash we’ll make on the whitewater route!! Think they’ll let us “in” with our troop of animals? If not, we’ll just have to go the other direction, I reckon. Chuckle… Be sure to bring a flock of the most gorgeous birds from your blog! I am really looking forward to meeting you on the other side! Thanks, Rob! You’re special in every way I can think of! 🙂

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  23. OMG! That really sucks, was the first thing that came into my head, then all I could think was what an amazing attitude you have and how fabulous and happy you look riding that tube. I’ve so enjoyed your blogging, photography and support and without wishing the time away, I cannot wait to see what you get up to next. Love and laughter 🙂

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    • Hi, TBD! Lord knows what might strike me next! I always wanted a monkey. An old woman who operated a home for the aged (that I licensed and supervised as a social worker) had one in a cage in the middle of the house. The first time I went there, nobody was following me around when I saw the little monkey. He was the cutest thing I ever saw, so I leaned down to his cage to talk to him. He promptly hopped over to me and grabbed my glasses off my face scratching my nose in the process! I laughed and figured I’d get rabies or something awful, but I didn’t. He wouldn’t give back the glasses. The woman finally opened the cage door and took them from him. I swear he was laughing the whole time! Thanks, TBD! I’ll see you on the whitewater!

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    • Hi! You know, I always love your monochrome images, and I often wonder what the hell your name is! Chuckle… Thanks. I’m not courageous, though. I’m just nearing the end of a life that has been filled with everything I ever wanted to do… Except keep a monkey! Think I ought to buy one now? 🙂

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      • As for the monkey, why not??? You are courageous in my eyes. Thanks so much for liking my monochrome pics. It means a lot. I will be back to your blog soon…..And my name is Michael 🙂

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        • You know, I knew your name. I just forgot it, I think. 🙂 Thank you, my dear Michael! The thought of springing a monkey on my family tickles me! 😉

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    • Thanks, Colline. I intend to do just that! (If I can avoid the Glum Faces along the route…) Chuckle… You’ve always been super kind to visit me when I almost never returned the visit. It’s very unusual in this WP world to meet somebody like you! Bless you, Colline!

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    • Thanks, Meredith. I’m happy to know that you will be tubing along with me! I always remember that I thought you were a guy whose name was Gene! I also always loved the gravatar photo, you know. Your blog was one of the first ones I followed. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was amazed by your photography! I am not sick, so we’re probably on a long whitewater trip! Chuckle…

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    • Thanks, Olive. I’ll be around for a while, I think. I”m not sick. I always appreciate your visits and your encouragement! I have things yet to do. You guys make me feel very special indeed! Thank you for stopping by with your good wishes! 🙂

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  29. As I commented on FB, you are amazing and an example to all of us. I will be 70 this month so I realize that my time is coming to an end also, but it makes me appreciate every day and moment. Every day is a gift and I know you will relish every experience as you hit the white water as we cheer you on and wait our turn. Smiles and hugs!

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    • Thanks, Jo Nell. I am having a good time, really. I am not sick. Who knows what this tumor will do. So, I’m not sitting around glumly anticipating my demise. Chuckle… I feel lucky to have received “notice” since I am such a procrastinator and never seem to get around to doing the stuff I meant to do. Every day is a gift, indeed. Friends like you are gifts, too! 🙂

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  30. a brilliant post, as always, George. to be honest, my dear, i somehow knew this. i’m likely as crazy as you are, maybe we’re on the same wavelength– I hope this illness that calls itself terminal is one of those kinds that lets you never know it’s around in terms of pain. believe it or not, i’m having trouble leaving this comment and don’t want to have it be trite, oh my. i will tell you one thing i know for sure…. there’s not one damned person on the planet, no matter who or what they think they know, that can really say when another human being is going to float off into the sunset but that’s my philosophy…. so tube on, my dear, you look glorious to me!!!! xxxx

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    • Ah, thanks, L’Adelaide! I’m not sick. If I didn’t know I had a tumor, I would have no clue about it. It amuses me and often annoys me that people have such glum faces about death and dying. It’s not as if we all aren’t going in the same direction! 🙂 I feel as if I’m on holiday, actually. That may sound nutty, but I really do. I am so very lucky to know that I have an approximate expiration date. I always wanted a damn monkey. Should I buy a monkey, you think? Chuckle.. If I’m not careful, the white-coats are gonna’ show up at my door to cart me away! Thank you, L’adelaide. I need friends who can laugh… 🙂

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      • George dear, I’m thrilled to read you are not sick. You have a tumor and there IS a difference. Death and dying, whether we want to look it square in the face or not, is following us all like our shadows. Sometimes we discover it’s right there and was all along. I think there would be a sense of freedom and perhaps that is why you feel like you are on holiday. Lovely methinks.

        Now about that monkey… I have heard they are not the best of pets but then again, many would say that about your dragons so who is anyone to say but you. And please, keep those white coats away from your door, ok? Promise? I wouldn’t want to see them try and understand your logic and thus label you crazy. Tho take it from me…. crazy ain’t so bad. 😉 and guess what? it takes one to know one!! 😉
        xox

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  31. I had yesterday afternoon off, so I drove over to your house to sit on the back porch and wish for rain. Your car was parked in front of the house and there was a black Lincoln Navigator in the driveway. I’m afraid I’m losing – or have lost – my spontaneity and lackadaisical attitude. Normally, I’d just barge right in without thought or hesitation, but yesterday I became reserved and unsure of whether to crash your party or not. So, I drove on… mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa….

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    • You should have come on in, you know. I heard the dogs, but I was visiting with Sue and didn’t go to the door thinking it was probably UPS or Fedex leaving a package. They always ring the bell and leave setting off the dog alarms! Next time, get yourself in here! Chuckle… You KNOW how much I love your visits! Besides, I always have some IT or camera problem for you to fix! 😉

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  32. George, you’re a star for writing so openly here! I love that our blogs, written and photographic, are a special part of ourselves that we can leave for our family and friends to remind them of all the great stuff we’ve done in life. My own life expectancy is shortened because of my Crohn’s. Life is terminal for everyone, it’s all about what you do with the amount of life you have!! Good to see you enjoying time with the family 🙂 Every “good” day I have is precious and I strive to do all the things that matter most to me. And then I blog about it! One of my favourite epitaphs is that of Spike Milligan which reads “Duirt mé leat go raibh mé breoite”, Irish for “I told you I was ill.”! He was determined to have the last laugh 😉 I hope you can keep doing things with your family for as long as is possible and that you’re not in too much pain. I’m very glad to have known you here on WordPress!

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    • Hi, Sarah! I love that quote too, but I never knew where it originated. When I got the diagnosis, I immediately emailed Kelli and told her. I couldn’t resist saying, “I told you I was sick!” She emailed back saying, “That is not funny, Mom!” Chuckle… I will do what I always do, Sarah. I will enjoy whatever the day brings. Thank you for stopping by to visit and for the info on the quote. I hope you continue to do well, too. Best wishes!! 🙂

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      • Spike Milligan was a genius 🙂 Another story I love from his past is that he once walked into a Funeral Directors, lay flat out on the shop counter, yelled “Shop!” and played dead. Having a sense of humour is vital at all stages of life and particularly when you have an ongoing illness! Having bowel disease actually opens the flood gates for all sorts of toilet related humour 😉 Fortunately most of my consultants share this sense of humour! Like you, I take things a day at a time which is what led to the title of my blog. I hope you’re having a good weekend George 🙂

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  33. So sorry to read this, George, but admire your positive attitude 100%. I’ve always enjoyed your posts, and will be with you every step of the way in this last adventure. Hugs and love to you. Sylvia xx ♥ ♥

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    • Thank you,Sylvia! I always appreciate your visits. You’ve been so kind to follow along even when I didn’t reciprocate! I love reading about your adventures. The photography is superb and the narrative is always so natural and interesting! I can believe you’re on a tube right behind me! Chuckle…

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  34. Yes, I’m along for the ride too, George, you know that, all the way, my dear. You and I have talked a lot about attitudes to death, and I think we see eye to eye. Two things to say. First, remember what I said about getting others to put out posts for you if you have things to say but can’t manage the keyboarding. Second, I’ve just visited your Hospice page – boy, you are one hell of a lady and a very brave soul – as I said, I’m here with you all the way. Love from me. Adrian 🙂

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    • Sending love back across the waters to you, Adrian, my good friend. Thanks for that suggestion. I am planning to do just that because you mentioned it to me some time ago. I wouldn’t have thought of it otherwise! I don’t think courage is required to die. It’s most surely required to be born! Now, THAT is one helluva’ rough ride! Chuckle… I know you’re on the tube right behind me cheering me on. 🙂

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  35. 🙂 As a comedian or writer said (I don’t remember who, but it was someone who had a degenerative disease with no clear “deadline”), they don’t put “eventually” on milk cartons. There is something reassuring (if that’s the word) and more preferable about having an approaching “expiration date” to a drawn-out “eventuality.” I love this post. And, of course, will be here for the ride. 🙂

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    • I love that quote, Lemons! You’re right; it really is reassuring to know that I have an approaching expiration date. I think all old people (who think at all) must surely fear having some drawn-out “nursing home” ending since that’s the way we handle old age in this culture. Hell, I know you’ve got your tube ready to plunge right in. Watch it, the water is colder than witche’s tit, as Deano used to say! He still makes me laugh! 🙂

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  37. You’re really something!! I think it’s great that you’re going to allow all of your friends to follow your progress to those final rapids. I’m still very sad about it, of course but I know I’m probably not too far behind. A lot of people love you, as you know.

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    • Thank you for your good wishes, Debra. I am blessed to have a wonderful family and such great friends! I appreciate your taking the time to visit me! 🙂

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    • You know, I thought the very same thing when I heard the prognosis! No matter, we were never guaranteed more than the moment. Linear time is arbitrary by my age anyway! Chuckle… Thank you for taking the time to stop by to visit me! 🙂

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  41. Love your attitude!
    Keep livin’ it up & enjoy all your time with your loved ones as you have done so always.
    Ain’t no illness gonna’ tell you what to do while you have a say. 😉
    I ❤ HEART ❤ you beautiful lady!!!
    {Hugs}

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    • Hi, Leanne! I’m glad you’re here. I need help. How do I add a “Hospice page”? I can’t get it to show up since what should be a homepage is missing because of some dumb thing I did a long time ago! Chuckle…

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    • Well, don’t turn loose of your tube to clear those eyes! You’ll end up flipped over and lose your prescription sunglasses! We had to walk forever in the current looking for my glasses. A very “helpful” lifeguard along the wall said she saw them going by… Kelli finally saw them in a beach-like area where the current wasn’t as swift. I tried to stand up in the swift water like a moron instead of letting it pop me up downstream. Chuckle… Kelli rescued me. The water is a max of four feet deep, you know. Drama on the whitewater! 🙂
      Thanks, Switt.

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    • How about, “Damn, that sucks!” or “I’m gonna’ miss you, Crazy Woman!” I was a geriatrics social worker, you know, so I have some experience in dealing with old people who are gonna’ croak! I just finally discovered that one of those old people is ME. And, you know, that interests me. I am as curious about the process as anybody. And, I want to share what I learn along the way. Thanks, Ashley!

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      • Your strength is amazing. Right now I feel like tissue paper. I will be watching for updates – may light & love surround you and your dear ones.

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        • Thanks, Joseph. “Tissue paper!” Chuckle… You’re entirely too funny! Somehow, that’s not the visual I have of you. 🙂 I’ll let you in on a best-kept secret, dying does not take strength or courage. Being born must take a lot of both. Now, that’s one rough ride for the little tykes! I’m not dead, yet, Joseph. I’ve got a lot of stuff to cram into the last of this trip! 🙂

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She Kept A Parrot

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