DYING, THE END GAME, Part Fifteen: "How Are You?"

Photo Credit:  "Wonder Woman Bound and Gagged" on Photobucket

 

 

“How are you?”—the quintessential American greeting to friend or stranger (or customer in a mall shop), sometimes following “Hello”, sometimes in place of it.

 

I am walking with a cane now—new this past week—and people respond to it.  This borrowed genuine Irish shillelagh cane—used by Lorraine’s late father—is an accessory that says, Disabled.  A cab driver offered to walk me to the door of my destination.  The building super said, “Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.”  One of the adorable little guys who call me Grammy said, “Do you want something?  I will ask Daddy to reach it for you.”

“How are you?” is spoken in a solicitous tone.

Last week, just before the cane and the last time I felt comfortable walking alone on the street, I saw a young woman paused on the corner waiting for the light, jogging in place, touching knees to elbows waiting for the light to change.  I flashed back to kick boxing classes in my 50s, jumps from planes, death marches with Carolyn in heels and carrying shopping bags.  Six months ago I could walk for miles.

That was then, the historic then.  This cancer is moving so fast that even a week ago was “then.”

The young woman waiting for the light brought a smile to my face.  Life goes on even though we don’t.  She smiled back at me, a big, wide smile of perfect understanding.

I am working on Dying, the book, so the posts will be brief.  You will have to buy the book after I’m gone to get the rest of the story.  Humbly, I tell you that I have given away more writing than most writers do. (That’s not counting the work done for deadbeat clients.)  There’s a wealth of information on SexyPrime, all of it free.  Peruse the categories on the right.  Enjoy.

 

IF YOU'VE MISSED THE PREVIOUS POSTS--

Dying, The End Game, Part One:  The First Day of the End of My Life

Dying, The End Game, Part Two:  I Gave Them Something To Talk About

Dying, The End Game, Part Three:  What About Sex?

Dying, The End Game, Part Four:  Secrets, Lies & The Relevance of Truth

Dying, The End Game, Part Five:  Money

Dying, The End Game, Part Six:  A Quickie on Questions People Ask

Dying, the End Game, Part Seven:  The Power and Glory of Breasts

 Dying, The End Game, Part Eight:  Ghosts, Spirits & Totems

 Dying, The End Game, Part Nine:  Why I Don't Want A Funeral?

Dying, The End Game, Part Ten:  In The Wee Small Hours of the Morning 

Dying, The End Game, Part Eleven:  Are You Partnered?  Are You Happy?

Dying, The End Game, Part Twelve:  Random Chance & Planned Exits

Dying, The End Game, Part Thirteen:  Regrets & The Movies

Dying, The End Game, Quality of Life

Dying, The End Game, Quality of Life

Dying, The End Game, Part Fifteen:  "How are you?"

Dying, The End Game, Part Sixteen:  The Misanthrope, The Stone Frog, The Poisonous Toad & The Christmas Soldiers 

 

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Comments

[Dr. Erica Goodstone]

Susan,

Tonight I listened again to the radio interview you did with me in August (at Healthy Baby Boomers Network) and I wanted to stop by and say hello. I don't have to ask "How are you?" since you have explained quite clearly in your blog post.

I trust you have been enjoying your time, savoring the flavor of your favorite foods, enjoying the company of your favorite people and truly appreciating every day. I love how you look back at the past, remember the incredible things you have done, and then focus your attention on the present moment with all its precious details.

And you are consciously creating your legacy. You are truly a role model of a life well lived and a person with true nobility of spirit. I am so happy to have had a moment of real connection with you.

Warmly,

Erica