Manna from Skye.
Sep2820089:42 p.m.
Manna from Skye.
September 28, 2008
They say you can tell a lot about a person by the choices they make or things they do for others. Let see, I chose to do chemotherapy treatment vs. not having it. Others choose the hardened road of running a marathon to see what they are made of vs. watching it from the sidelines. It is either you let life passes you or you make it your life.
Recently, I received another unexpected "care package" for my upcoming September 30 graduation. This one was all the way from across the pond, Scotland. I wish there was a way to hide my feelings when I received the surprise; I was overwhelmed by the gift and was moved to fully appreciate its contents.
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A hand-made soap from Isle of Skye Soap Company. The aroma of which was soothing. It was made with patchouli. I must confess I don't normally go for these kinds of soap; perhaps it is the left-brain practical side of me which could not fully appreciate it then. However, somebody took time to reach out to me with a hand-made soap to soothe my tired chemo-ridden body. The scent of which transported me to Scotland.
I have been to UK several times but not Scotland. If this is how Scottish people express their kindness, I am there. Next….
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A hand-made scented candle also from Isle of Skye and made with pathouli. Peace is what comes to mind. Somebody wants to me heal and unburden myself of the load I carry. Again, the practical side of me has seen many candles. As a young boy, I use to gather their meltings and make them into a ball of wax. But this one candle is special because it came from somebody who is totally unknown to me and has given with care. Next…….
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A pack of milk chocolate buttons. As Forrest Gump (in the move Forrest Gump) had said "life is box full of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get." Life is sooooo…..good! I got something to soothe my body, another to quiet my mind, and now something for my taste buds. This is so decadent and spoiled.
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Finally, to wash down the luxurious taste of the Heilan Coo Whoopsies' chocolate….what else? How about some of Old Pulteney single malt scotch whisky. Hail Scotland! Prost! Kampai! Salud!
I must confess,lately, I feel apprehensive about this coming last chemo treatment. I think my dog, Maggie, felt it too so she had diarrhea too. My finger tips and toes are still numb and tingly, and my energy level is sometimes low no matter how active I try to be. Scared? Always. I am on my last mile marker (cycle) and the cumulative load is getting to me.
But…..I am ready to graduate. I am ready to claim I am healed. I got my wife, my family, my mom, my friends, and I got you Skye Trekker. Thanks for your special gift..
Cheers.
PS: To KarynJ, thanks for remembering and the card you sent with the article. To MikeE, TyeS, ChrisL, Mumrunfun, PaulaS, WinstonB, and many others who are cheering me on. It truly helps to keep me going.
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Comments (11)
mumrunfun 'IN true MRF style I posted your CONGARTULATIONS on yesterdays post!! So CONGRATULATIONS and a well earned GRADUATION! You have tested your mettle and come out to start the road to recovery. You are an inspiration to others and a lesson in showing us all how to see the goods things in life! Was going to try and be all arty and send you a card but my intertwit skills let me down. Sorry for posting a day early but my day is not my own tomorrow! We are all so very proud of this achievemnt for you, your wife and family, your um and all the people who have helped you get throught this! WELL DONE WELL DONE WELL DONE WELL DONE Regards. Lucy and her long suffering family who have all been following your story.' added 29th Sep 2008
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harrietemma 'Yes go to Scotland, Isle of Skye, Outer Hebrides, as many islands as you can manage. It's a massive secret and the most heavenly place. Incredibly friendly and welcoming too. Popped over from general running to wish you all the best and congratulate you on your graduation and now will keep an eye on your progress. Hope Maggie is feeling better.' added 29th Sep 2008
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Alaistair 'Good luck with your graduation...' added 29th Sep 2008
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wbaltasar 'So who's your friend in Scotland? :)' added 29th Sep 2008
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Skye_Trekker 'Happy Graduation :0) btw, perhaps you should have mentioned it was a minature bottle of malt, lol ! Hope the day goes okay...' added 29th Sep 2008
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jach222 'I've been bounced here by MRF - love her and all her bonkers!! HAPPY GRADUATION! Have read your blog and I wish you all the luck in the world for your recovery! Gonna peak at you piccies... guess you can't in your blog either...lol! Thoughts with you!' added 30th Sep 2008
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Hola 'I'm a new member of realbuzz and following the link from mumrunfun found myself reading your blog. Just when I was looking for inspiration to run, I found it. Happy Graduation and good luck with your next goals. Thinking of you, your family and Maggie.' added 30th Sep 2008
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Chris_J 'Well done on graduating, now the hard work begins....when's the first marathon planned for? ;o)' added 30th Sep 2008
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klebe 'Mumfunrun has a lot to answer for. Congratulations on the graduation, heres to the future - may it be a long happy healthy one!' added 30th Sep 2008
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KevR 'Hi There! another MRF follower, your story is a moving one and i wish you well. You are so right about life and chocolates! hang in there son!' added 30th Sep 2008
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tonystoon 'Mumrunfun is making sure your virtual graduation is a good one. As been said before our thoughts are with you on your graduation and heres to the future and that 1st Marathon.' added 30th Sep 2008
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