No more coughing, yeah

For the past year I have had a persistent nagging cough. It began subtly and worsened as the year passed. I went to the doctor on several occasions and was finally referred to an allergist. She discovered inflamed bronchial area and prescribed something that has worked immediately. I still clear my throat a bit alas the cough as subsided.  I never realized how grateful I could be for being able to get through the day without a cough.  Today I celebrate breathing without coughing, persisting in my health care process and living in a place with access to good care.

Phoebe

Phoebe is my friend Melanie's mother. She fell and was in the hospital for the past 4 days moving to a rehab center today.  She is 86.  Yesterday following yoga, Melanie shared with me that her mother was in the hospital and Melanie's sadness prompted me to ask if I could drive her to the hospital to visit her mother. We went and there we discovered the physical therapist Kevin working to helping Phoebe to begin to stand. She was having difficulty and Kevin with love and patience and skill continued until Phoebe's feeble body was standing.  Indeed there was joy.  Following her brief standing, Melanie fed her mother lunch and played soft Hawaiian music in the background.  I then said to Melanie perhaps I should leave and let her and her sister, Cyndee, who was also there, have time alone with their mother.  Melanie said she wanted to go with me and get her car so we drove together back home. On the way we stopped to do the labyrinth walk and pray at Mercy Center. Then I dropped Melanie off and returned home to fill the bird feeders, water some of my plants and peacefully move around my garden in a state of peace.  Later Joe and I spent time with our friends the LoPrestos and with much going on in a home with 4 daughters, 1 grandchild and a new puppy, I felt a peace and calm that enabled me to be present and enjoy all of the activities without judgement.  I guess, what I want to say, is the because of Phoebe, my day was gifted with presence, compassion, admiration, joy, gratefulness and peace.  Thank you Phoebe, thank you Melanie.