Author: alwaysbridging

It’s a lie if I implied pod plumbing is easy. For instance, when we arrived at the cabin, we discovered the kitchen faucet seal had failed. F-bomb! My confession though is about my frustration due to FODMAP, the non-inflammatory diet we are testing. Given the long list of irritating ingredients, the potential in 21 weekly meals at home fizzles. Apart from the petty inconveniences, the worst four-letter word surfaces: Fear. I am afraid. Is Rob’s a chronic ailment that could curtail our adventures forever? Worse, will he be uncomfortable and suffer? And, sadly, will I lack compassion?    

All my life I have been loud. This is a time when I can be quiet, even silent. And listen. I am hesitant to jump back in with both feet. Surprise, surprise—maybe the gradualness of post-COVIDtide re-entry will allow me to continue experimenting with this newer manner.  

Briefly, a focus for our pod during the pandemic has been course corrections in terms of digestion. Don’t worry, I’ll spare you the details. When one’s husband has his intestines cut to remove his bladder, you can imagine the healing involved. I have been home to witness and participate fully. Ah, the experimenting: acupuncture, scans, blood tests, diets, medicines. Even a tiny camera in a pill. Thank God, Rob is a scientist at heart. Nothing in this regard is short of miraculous. This is Wellness at 70.

We learned a great Spanish word for leftovers while in Chile—“lumami” (food from lunes, martes and miercoles, generally eaten later in the week). Regarding the extra marshmallows and accompaniments Carolina hand-crafted for us:  First, we gifted Grandma with some. Later today I’ll feast on hot cocoa with the others. Here I am now though already celebrating Sunday and relishing the mere thought.   

Yesterday I pedaled The Bells, flat roads around our cabin that allow a quick dash home if overcome by sheets of rain or tears. The last time I rode like this—between hailstones, that is—my Dad was with me. He was 92 and on a trike. It was slow-going but still about as interesting as anything I can imagine. Same yesterday as—must it be said aloud?—he was there again.