It’s important to keep telling the story from your bed and reaching out--you’re right: it’s the friendships and connections now that matter, both in the face of your illness and in this global time of chaos, anger, fear, and dysfunction. We all are going to need each other more than ever.
Your illness has impacted your life in every way--in big, small, subtle, and surprising ways, in every aspect of daily living. I can’t even imagine the anxiety and discouragement of trying everything and still being in so much pain, of living in fear of what new symptom will arise, of watching life and your dreams streaming by while you work so hard to keep equilibrium. I say this not as pitying but in astonishment at this crazy-awful thing that has happened to my friend, and in recognition that I doubt my own cowardly self would be continuing to write, engage, be curious, laugh, create, manage affairs, and be social--from the confines of a bed and in the face of intractable pain.
I keep wanting life to be fair. I continue to wish for a magic wand. In the absence of fairness and magic I can only hope for moments of grace and peace for you, and maybe tiny miracles that make you smile. Sending that hope across the miles.
If only I could crawl into bed with you like we used to when we were younger! I’d hold you gently and wish away all your pain. You’re always in my heart 💟
Oh, goodness, Vati -- I am so sorry to hear that your flares are so terrible, and so inspired by the fact that you nevertheless write for all of us!
Somehow my probably too long missive was just deleted, so I will be more succinct. Is there any London treat I can bring you? Sending love and best wishes!! Pam
Nice to think of you walking the streets of my beloved city. Where are you staying? I can so easily picture all the parks and neighborhoods where I stayed over the years. And of course the river. I even had a favorite bench on the Fulham side of the Putney bridge that I used in my novel. How many hours I sat there, back when I was in my twenties and thirties, and again on my last trip the year before Covid struck. Now I visit in my memory. Bring back your stories and come share them when you return. Be safe and enjoy! 🩷
Oh Vati, I'm sorry to hear your pain has spread and increased, that your illness is flaring so terribly. I am feeling as you are about the political stuff, the awful person who's back in the White House, whose name I refuse to speak or write. You write with such beauty and clarity and your voice gives me comfort. Thank you for sharing the view from your window. I am thinking of you and hoping you get some measure of relief soon. Thank you for your words. xo
Hi dear one, I hope you and the woodpeckers stay safe through this siege of cold. Although it may be more complicated, it is a good day to tune out and get some rest. 🙏💛
Vati--
It’s important to keep telling the story from your bed and reaching out--you’re right: it’s the friendships and connections now that matter, both in the face of your illness and in this global time of chaos, anger, fear, and dysfunction. We all are going to need each other more than ever.
Your illness has impacted your life in every way--in big, small, subtle, and surprising ways, in every aspect of daily living. I can’t even imagine the anxiety and discouragement of trying everything and still being in so much pain, of living in fear of what new symptom will arise, of watching life and your dreams streaming by while you work so hard to keep equilibrium. I say this not as pitying but in astonishment at this crazy-awful thing that has happened to my friend, and in recognition that I doubt my own cowardly self would be continuing to write, engage, be curious, laugh, create, manage affairs, and be social--from the confines of a bed and in the face of intractable pain.
I keep wanting life to be fair. I continue to wish for a magic wand. In the absence of fairness and magic I can only hope for moments of grace and peace for you, and maybe tiny miracles that make you smile. Sending that hope across the miles.
you help me with all of it by being my constant friend. thank you for all of it.
If only I could crawl into bed with you like we used to when we were younger! I’d hold you gently and wish away all your pain. You’re always in my heart 💟
You are always in my heart, too. 💖
Oh, goodness, Vati -- I am so sorry to hear that your flares are so terrible, and so inspired by the fact that you nevertheless write for all of us!
Somehow my probably too long missive was just deleted, so I will be more succinct. Is there any London treat I can bring you? Sending love and best wishes!! Pam
Nice to think of you walking the streets of my beloved city. Where are you staying? I can so easily picture all the parks and neighborhoods where I stayed over the years. And of course the river. I even had a favorite bench on the Fulham side of the Putney bridge that I used in my novel. How many hours I sat there, back when I was in my twenties and thirties, and again on my last trip the year before Covid struck. Now I visit in my memory. Bring back your stories and come share them when you return. Be safe and enjoy! 🩷
Oh Vati, I'm sorry to hear your pain has spread and increased, that your illness is flaring so terribly. I am feeling as you are about the political stuff, the awful person who's back in the White House, whose name I refuse to speak or write. You write with such beauty and clarity and your voice gives me comfort. Thank you for sharing the view from your window. I am thinking of you and hoping you get some measure of relief soon. Thank you for your words. xo
Hi dear one, I hope you and the woodpeckers stay safe through this siege of cold. Although it may be more complicated, it is a good day to tune out and get some rest. 🙏💛
thank you so much. inlook forward to hearing about your New Mexico adventures.