June 20
The treatment has kicked in with a vengeance. I spent most of the last few days sicker than I can ever remember being. If this is how sick you get with a low dose, I’d hate to see how bad a heavy dose would be. The medication that was touted as taking care of this nausea doesn’t work for me. Despite the illness and exhaustion, I’ve kept on painting. Not for hours at a time like before, but for minutes, whatever I can manage. Charlie moved my easel so I can see it from bed. I study my painting for a while and then work for a few minutes. I’m so exhausted, I can’t see straight sometimes, literally. My vision blurs and I know I’ve pushed myself too far; it’s time for a nap. A little sleep and all is right again.
Allie came by, as is pretty much her usual now. I’d been thinking about Mom lately.
“Remember the day Mom died?” I asked her. “You ran off and no one noticed until dark.”
“Everyone was looking for me, but you’re the one who found me.
“Sitting by the gate to the schoolyard.”
“Do you know why I went there?” she asked.
“Not really.”
“I knew you’d find me and bring me home. I knew everything would be fine if we just walked home together. Mom would be in the kitchen again, fixing dinner. Nothing would have happened. You could fix anything.”
“But I couldn’t fix it.”
“I know but you brought me back,” Allie said.
“I wish I could have done more.”
“Without you, I wouldn’t be here now.”
“I’m glad you’re here,” I said, squeezing Allie’s hand.
“Me too.”
“Hey, meet me by the gate.”
Allie turned to look me in the eyes, like she was searching for a truth.
“Always,” she replied.
I’ll always be waiting by the gate. No matter what, we’ll always have each other.
Oy. So short, but a wonderful scene. ❤ ❤
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Thank you. I appreciate your continued support. Dee
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Your story holds together very well. I enjoy following it even if at times I want to kick at a wall re: the cancer and perhaps even more, the cure. Currently living with a cancer survivor and known too many who didn’t make it. Visceral.
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Thanks, Sha’Tara. With cancer the cure is as hard as the disease. Dee
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Wonderful.
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Thanks John. Dee
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🙂
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Great story! Awesome pacing.
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Thanks, I appreciate your comment. Dee
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