My Christmas Letter
I got kyburg's card and Christmas letter in the mail and thought; since I'm having trouble updating on LJ because I've not done much of that at all this year, why not do a Christmas letter to you all here in this space.
And so I shall.
Dear Friends and Family,
I'm pleased to say that this has been a very good year, which brings new hope for 2012. Well, what changed, you may ask? The answer to that would be me.
I've learned to roll with the punches better, and to expect and want better for myself. And not just in that wistful way where I'm looking at the half full glass and mournfully wishing it were full. Rather, I'm drinking that half glass, grateful for having it, and saying to God and the Universe, "Thank you! may I have some more, please?"
Let me tell you, that's a much happier, healthier way to live.
The year started the same way every year since 2007 began, but then on February 6th I went to Unity of Indianapolis for the first time, which was also the first day for the new ministers there, Bob and Carla. I hadn't been to church in decades but what I had read about Unity showed that it was a completely different breed of church from what I'd been exposed to in the past. Founded by Charles and Myrtle Filmore in the late 1800's, Unity is neither Protestant nor Catholic, it's in it's part of a branch of Christianity called New Thought. It's positive, practical Christianity that approaches Christianity and the Bible with a metaphysical perspective. (If you follow Law of Attraction principles and want a church that supports that, I highly recommend you check out Unity or another New Thought church.)
I went to Unity with an equal mixture of excited anticipation and trepidation, not knowing what to expect, what the people would be like. But they had to be nice enough, the sent a cab for me! This church does not look like a church, the main give away is the sign hanging on the side of the building. And when I went came in, I was greeted with hugs and offered a cup of coffee. Already I was intrigued. I'd never been at a church like that before. Before the service is a 20 minute meditation that is optional, and then after the service was a lunch. And I quite enjoyed the service itself. I felt instantly very comfortable with both Bob and Carla, the ministers, and I knew I had to come back.
So, I did. A ride arrangement was found for me and I became a regular church goer. In fact, the highlight of my week is every Sunday. By Spring I was working with the Youth Ed department, helping with Sunday School once a month. I also joined the marketing committee and the HEART Network (the people that reach out to people in need at the church with cards, phone calls, and more hands on if needed - I do the sympathy and thank you cards.) I also dove, with gusto, into the classes offered, and made several friends.
However, by Summer it became clear that gimping about on my crutches as I was getting more active in the church and in life was just too much on me when out of the house. And my cousin was generous enough, when I shared my frustration with him, to buy me a TiLite Aero X ultralight manual wheelchair that was on sale on eBay, being sold by the TiLite company itself. It was the perfect size that I need, too, and optioned out with wheels that are like $950 on their own. He got it for $1100, which is a really good price for that chair. Especially since, as he found out, it was a brand new chair that had been sent to a customer and then returned unused.
What a blessing! I cannot tell you how much that chair has improved my life. I can do things now that I couldn't do before, or at least would have had extreme difficulty and not enjoyed myself half as much.
For 9/11 Unity of Indianapolis had a candlelight walk in memorial. And I participated in that. I had two friends on either side, lending a hand where need be I'd already found out, before getting my chair, that doing such things in a wheelchair was doable. I did it when I participated in the Gay Pride parade with my church. But my chair is so much lighter and easier to maneuver than a conventional wheelchair. Such a blessing.
There have been some health challenges this year. Chest discomfort that was different than reflux brought me to the cardiologist this Summer. Initial inspection looked good, but after they did the stress test and scan, they found that a small part of my heart isn't getting the oxygen it should so now I'm on a beta blocker and a long acting nitrate.
That didn't stop me from going to GenCon, though. I can't think of much that will stop me from going to GenCon. It was great, and I went to a party where RA Salvatore and Ed Greenwood were, which made for an awesome memory.
Then in October my gut brought me to the hospital. It turned out to be a bowel obstruction which, thankfully, passed on it's own after my stomach was given some rest with an NG tube and abstaining from eating for a day before being allowed to start eating slowly, starting with clear liquids. Doc wants to investigate further after the start of the year by scoping my GI tract, top and bottom. Well, at least he's thorough.
There's been no change that I am aware of in the Tami situation. But, I'm more at peace with that now. I still send cards, and I even tried calling this week, but my number is blocked. Round about way would be to use my cell phone to call, but that wouldn't be respectful to her so I'm not doing that. I love her and I miss her, and I'll be here for her when she's ready.
I've finally accepted that I have to move from this place. Really, if it were in good repair, I'd love to stay. But, it's not and it's getting worse, and I currently don't have the means to do the repairs it needs for health and comfort. It would be the best Christmas present in the world to hear from her. But, I also know the odds. It's not an easy trick to stay grounded while hoping for the best, but I'm finally there.
I've been stretching my wings and learning to do new things. The latest is the Voices of Unity Choir. So I've discovered that I love to sing. And since this discovery I've been singing even there's no one there to hear me. We performed as the Special Music last week during the service, singing Christmas songs. I was nervous, but we were great! And it was so much fun! And we'll be singing again tonight at the Christmas Eve service.
Speaking of, I have to go change clothes and get ready. Thank you, my friends, for being there for me. I'm really looking forward to 2012.
And so I shall.
Dear Friends and Family,
I'm pleased to say that this has been a very good year, which brings new hope for 2012. Well, what changed, you may ask? The answer to that would be me.
I've learned to roll with the punches better, and to expect and want better for myself. And not just in that wistful way where I'm looking at the half full glass and mournfully wishing it were full. Rather, I'm drinking that half glass, grateful for having it, and saying to God and the Universe, "Thank you! may I have some more, please?"
Let me tell you, that's a much happier, healthier way to live.
The year started the same way every year since 2007 began, but then on February 6th I went to Unity of Indianapolis for the first time, which was also the first day for the new ministers there, Bob and Carla. I hadn't been to church in decades but what I had read about Unity showed that it was a completely different breed of church from what I'd been exposed to in the past. Founded by Charles and Myrtle Filmore in the late 1800's, Unity is neither Protestant nor Catholic, it's in it's part of a branch of Christianity called New Thought. It's positive, practical Christianity that approaches Christianity and the Bible with a metaphysical perspective. (If you follow Law of Attraction principles and want a church that supports that, I highly recommend you check out Unity or another New Thought church.)
I went to Unity with an equal mixture of excited anticipation and trepidation, not knowing what to expect, what the people would be like. But they had to be nice enough, the sent a cab for me! This church does not look like a church, the main give away is the sign hanging on the side of the building. And when I went came in, I was greeted with hugs and offered a cup of coffee. Already I was intrigued. I'd never been at a church like that before. Before the service is a 20 minute meditation that is optional, and then after the service was a lunch. And I quite enjoyed the service itself. I felt instantly very comfortable with both Bob and Carla, the ministers, and I knew I had to come back.
So, I did. A ride arrangement was found for me and I became a regular church goer. In fact, the highlight of my week is every Sunday. By Spring I was working with the Youth Ed department, helping with Sunday School once a month. I also joined the marketing committee and the HEART Network (the people that reach out to people in need at the church with cards, phone calls, and more hands on if needed - I do the sympathy and thank you cards.) I also dove, with gusto, into the classes offered, and made several friends.
However, by Summer it became clear that gimping about on my crutches as I was getting more active in the church and in life was just too much on me when out of the house. And my cousin was generous enough, when I shared my frustration with him, to buy me a TiLite Aero X ultralight manual wheelchair that was on sale on eBay, being sold by the TiLite company itself. It was the perfect size that I need, too, and optioned out with wheels that are like $950 on their own. He got it for $1100, which is a really good price for that chair. Especially since, as he found out, it was a brand new chair that had been sent to a customer and then returned unused.
What a blessing! I cannot tell you how much that chair has improved my life. I can do things now that I couldn't do before, or at least would have had extreme difficulty and not enjoyed myself half as much.
For 9/11 Unity of Indianapolis had a candlelight walk in memorial. And I participated in that. I had two friends on either side, lending a hand where need be I'd already found out, before getting my chair, that doing such things in a wheelchair was doable. I did it when I participated in the Gay Pride parade with my church. But my chair is so much lighter and easier to maneuver than a conventional wheelchair. Such a blessing.
There have been some health challenges this year. Chest discomfort that was different than reflux brought me to the cardiologist this Summer. Initial inspection looked good, but after they did the stress test and scan, they found that a small part of my heart isn't getting the oxygen it should so now I'm on a beta blocker and a long acting nitrate.
That didn't stop me from going to GenCon, though. I can't think of much that will stop me from going to GenCon. It was great, and I went to a party where RA Salvatore and Ed Greenwood were, which made for an awesome memory.
Then in October my gut brought me to the hospital. It turned out to be a bowel obstruction which, thankfully, passed on it's own after my stomach was given some rest with an NG tube and abstaining from eating for a day before being allowed to start eating slowly, starting with clear liquids. Doc wants to investigate further after the start of the year by scoping my GI tract, top and bottom. Well, at least he's thorough.
There's been no change that I am aware of in the Tami situation. But, I'm more at peace with that now. I still send cards, and I even tried calling this week, but my number is blocked. Round about way would be to use my cell phone to call, but that wouldn't be respectful to her so I'm not doing that. I love her and I miss her, and I'll be here for her when she's ready.
I've finally accepted that I have to move from this place. Really, if it were in good repair, I'd love to stay. But, it's not and it's getting worse, and I currently don't have the means to do the repairs it needs for health and comfort. It would be the best Christmas present in the world to hear from her. But, I also know the odds. It's not an easy trick to stay grounded while hoping for the best, but I'm finally there.
I've been stretching my wings and learning to do new things. The latest is the Voices of Unity Choir. So I've discovered that I love to sing. And since this discovery I've been singing even there's no one there to hear me. We performed as the Special Music last week during the service, singing Christmas songs. I was nervous, but we were great! And it was so much fun! And we'll be singing again tonight at the Christmas Eve service.
Speaking of, I have to go change clothes and get ready. Thank you, my friends, for being there for me. I'm really looking forward to 2012.