How I See It: Reflections on spirituality, technology, and the art of everyday life

Posted Tuesday, December 2, 2008 at 3:58 PM Well, Tuesday I had my surgery and now I’m well on the road to recovery. There were no major surprises—“everything seemed to go well,” according to the surgeon. I was rolled into the OR at 3:00 PM; by 7:00 PM my surgeon was updating my parents, and by 10:00 I was in my room. The staff seemed surprised at how well I did. They kept waking me to ask about pain, and I kept telling them I wasn’t in any. All I really wanted to do was sleep. Around 2:00 AM I woke up and asked for something to drink. I’d been told the most important thing was to get up and walk as soon as possible, so by 3:00 AM (12 hours after surgery started) I was walking the oncology corridors, listening to other patients’ screams. I don’t know whether to feel lucky I’m not that bad off—or worried that I could get that bad. Wednesday morning I had pancakes while I waited to see my surgeon. I was told to expect a two-night stay, but when the surgeon saw how well I was ...

Dear friends, It’s my custom this time of year to share the gift of self—to tell you a bit about what the last year has brought me. The happiest surprise was finding Facebook and reconnecting with so many friends. If you’re not on it, I recommend it—it feels more “grown-up” than other sites. As for the year itself… you know the Chinese curse: “May you live in interesting times.” That about covers it. But here’s more. The year began bittersweet. On Christmas Day I looked up from writing and saw snow—a light dusting, but still snow on Christmas. I was thrilled, then sad, thinking how much Linda would have loved it… or how our never-born children would have loved it. In February my old friend Mike Auerbach (since 2nd grade) visited to give me “hanging out” lessons—skills he thinks I’ll need to meet someone new. I wasn’t a great student. I’m following my mentor Weaver’s advice instead: “No hurry. Let the right woman find you. Make yourself beautiful within. The moths come to...