I check my luck in the mirror
The Boss (AKA Bruce Springsteen)
Don't we all. In the end. Check our luck in the mirror.
Nothing medical in this post. Just some existential optimism.
What I see starting back at me from the looking glass, despite some raccoon darkness around my eyes, doesn't look like leukemia, doesn't hint of graft rejection, or drug toxicity or the immune battles of graft versus host. No pallor here. No jaundice. Not plethoric. The eyes, if I say so myself, look bright and engaged and focused. This is a fight I am winning and will win.
JP Sartre was dead on target when he taught us "L'enfer, C'est les autres" For the non francophiles, "Hell is other people" L'etre and neant'. Being and nothingness. This is the secular doppelganger of Moses admonition to choose life. Define yourself. Don't let others' expectations or statistical predictions determine your fate. Look deeply in the face of the other. Be there for them. That is what we are here for, but you must not be defined by the other.
It's amazing how my adolescent angst still informs my present mid life passages.
Nice picture. We're both happy to see you looking so "bright, engaged, and focused." Oh yes, and we MISS YOU!
ReplyDeleteCharles and Linda De Long
Good morning Doc. Following your progress and it sounds like you are doing well. We don't understand any of the medical stuff, but love your insights and poems and lyrics to some of our favorite oldies. We have a cousin who is quite a poet herself and we share with you one of my (Lori's) favorites for your reading pleasure:
ReplyDeleteSEIZE THE DAY
throttle it!
with passion filled
aromas of exotic incense
Sweet music filled with
your own heart's rhythm,
and the feel of your fingers
on everything that comes your way
Taste the wonders that
you see with all of your
conscious self.
Dream your dream,
then live it!
Throw back your head,
Hit the tambourine
and dance your own dance
until you fall in exhaustion...
Feel dizzy with
the laughter inside you
Pay attention to that
certain wiggle in your stride
Make your own music
Discover your own secrets
Follow your own
map of joyousness
then share it,
and live it harder.
By: Norma Soto-Nannery
Nice, don't cha think?
Keep up the fight for "We Are The Champions!!!"
Lori & Bob Morales
You look great. Good job. Keep it going young man.
ReplyDeleteYour CLL friend
Robert and Family
Dr,Koffman, I just heard, I didn't get the letter. I am still in shook and disbelief. You are the most caring and loving person I have ever met. I am so sorry for what you are going through and I am praying for you every day to get well and I know you will. You are an amazing person and very lucky to get to know you. We miss you and hope to see you soon back in action
ReplyDeletemuch luck to you and your family,
Selam