Sad Days

This morning I gave mom a call before her chemo. Today was her second to the last chemo. Pat is down helping her out and took her to chemo. Mom answered the phone and I could sense her sadness. In fact, she told me that today was a day of sadness for our family.

Adia, Jennifer and Bart's daughter was diagnosed yesterday with Type 1 Diabetes. (Pat's granddaughter, mom's great-granddaughter) She is in the hospital in Ketchum, Idaho. They are still trying to stabilize her blood sugar. Adia is learning to deal with this disease, but it is a challenge. She is one brave ten year old!

Today she is learning to moniter her blood sugar level by sticking her finger. So, everyone who walked in the door got stuck by Adia! Jen and Bart are by her side day and night and are trying to get a doctor lined up in the Los Angeles area.

I am always looking for strength and answers in books. Today I found this poem in a favorite book of mine, After the Ecstasy, the Laundry, by Jack Kornfield. The poem is by Rumi, an ancient Persian poet.

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all.

Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture

Still treat each guest honorably,

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,

meet them at the door laughing,

and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,

because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

As the author of this book so wisely says: "To bow to the fact of our life's sorrows and betrayals is to accept them: and from this deep gesture we discover that all life is workable. As we learn to bow, we discover that the heart holds more freedom and compassion than we could imagine. "

I see my family doing this...bowing to our sorrows. As we meet them head on, we laugh and love and care for each other. Adia, (bless her, bless her) has her testing kit by her bed...she is learning to use a hand held computer and will be able to calculate carbs in her meals whereever she is! She admitted after receiving stuffed animals and flowers..."maybe this isn't all bad" What a soul she has.

Pat has been with mom for the past week and will be there until next week. She has cooked, cleaned and cared for mother. Penny is getting some well-deserved rest. Mom's chemo went well this morning and she didn't have to get the million dollar shot which is wonderful news. (the shot made her hurt all over) So..five treatments down..one to go.