As many of my readers will know by now, Schmutzie has been diagnosed with cervical cancer. She will be seeing an oncologist very soon and we will know better what we are dealing with at that point (so before you ask me anything, the answer is probably I Don't Know). Many of you have already expressed your sympathies and support, for which I thank you. If you could visit her site and wish her well, I'm sure she would appreciate it very much. Between my gimped-up back and her capricious cervix, we're the world's most tasteless sitcom waiting to happen.
People have asked me how we're doing with the news, and the answer is I Don't Know. I turn my eye inward and it's like a tv screen set to static. Schmutzie, to the best of my knowledge, is in the same state. I'm sure that at some point we'll look down and realize we're up to our necks in black water, but until then we're paddling along. The truth is that we're going through a number of reactions, and some of them are expected, while others are wildly inappropriate. In the meantime, I'd like to thank the people who've been supportive and generous. Especially the O'Hanlon's staff, who bought us free drinks on the day we found out. You can't buy that kind of love.
12 comments:
Well, you know, no matter what your reactions or plan of action, we here in Tuvalu will remember you both in our prayers...
Of course. Thanks, Blackbird.
I've never met your wife but I have read her blog quite often and find her to be/have a very important role in the universe. Words, we have a tenuous relationship at the best of times, fail me now but I will try to write what I feel.
Schmutzie has a prophet like aura emanating from her website. I am amazed at the number of people who "follow" her. Her words and poems and pictures have given many people something they didn't have until the very moment they laid eyes upon her binary being. That something is different for each person. The thing that matters is that they were changed in some way. That ability... to affect people around the world is what I admire in her. She will find out in the coming weeks just how many she has helped.
The amazing thing is she will continue to help us as she goes through this. Not through any conscious effort but just by being Schmutzie .
Schmutzie and Palinode uhm... I don't pray, so... I will keep you guys in my thoughts.
Be strong and know that lots of people have both of you in their thoughts. Take care and lots of love to the both of you.
Everybody's pulling for you both. Be strong and don't drink the black water.
I don't know you but from here it always seems that there is something miraculous about the Schmutzie-Palinode combo. I'm so sorry about Schmutzie. If anyone can get out and stay out of the black water, it is the two of you. You are both in my thoughts.
Delurking after reading both you and Schmutzie for a couple years to say I am so sorry to hear your news. Take care of yourselves using whatever means or mode suits you best. You're in my thoughts and prayers, for what it's worth.
I'm currently in the market for both cancer and bad backs. Unfortunately, it's a buyer's market right now, so you won't get anything near your asking price. But I like to think we're friends, so I'll do you a favour. Just remember me the next time you have something like syphillus or leprosy; I have buyers lined up for those.
I'm sorry for the both of you. Take care of each other. We'll be thinking of you.
Deron: In the almost certain event that I contract leprosy, I'll be on the horn to you right away. Even with unfavourable market conditions, though, we're willing to part with the cancer. I think we're also in the market for some alcohols. We should meet soon and negotiate with bartenders.
To Everyone Who Is Not Deron: Thank you for the good words. You're welcome to come out with me, Schmutzie and Deron for drinks and der chitten-chatten.
The Schmutzinodes are always welcome for decompression studies chez Relaxo in the comfortable Qu'Appelle Valley.
Jack's right about Schmutzie. She is amazing without trying to be amazing. Both of you are in my thoughts these days.
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