Thursday, September 10, 2009

The good, the bad, and the ugly

The Good:

On Monday I went to a girlfriend's house to be spoiled. She had been to an organic farm the day before, picking veggies with her own hands. I sat on a wooden chair and we chatted as she washed, peeled, and chopped. Before long the kitchen was filled with the scent of fresh rice and vegetarian green curry.

We lounged in her bed-sitting room, which is full of pillows, silk scarves draped over things, and little fairy lights strung across the ceiling and over the window frame. Her cats snuggled up to me and covered me with the fur of their affection. We talked about all the things good friends talk about. It was splendid.

The Bad:

This week I have had troubling news of two ill relatives.

One beloved of mine had some very troubling test results, and is facing the possibility of surgery. I am sending her big hugs (I think she may be reading this - Hello!) and big love. The news is mainly hopeful, but it's still been a very scary and uncomfortable experience for her and her close family.

Yesterday I had news that someone on the other side of my family is headed on a steep downward slope towards a nervous breakdown. She is to the point where she's not eating consistently, not bathing, and not able to keep her home clean. This side of the family has always been strangled by strict No Talk rules. I.e. there are very few real things that they will actually communicate on at any relevant level. We will have to break some of the No Talk rules to save my beloved relative, if she's willing to be saved. So far she's rejected all helpful suggestions of therapists, vacations, medications, or even company for a cup of tea. It's a bad situation.

I'm praying for both of my loved ones with all my heart.

The Ugly:

(LL Cool Joe: Grossness warning!! Avert your eyes!)

This morning I coughed up an unspeakably nasty phlegm demon. At first I thought this was a bad sign: The infection is upon me! I'm getting worse again! Hustle for some antibiotics!

But then I felt so much better within the hour that I now believe it was an exorcism. My throat hasn't tickled and I've barely coughed all day. My pathetic-o-meter rating is falling as I write! (By which I mean - I am becoming tangibly less pathetic before your very eyes!)

Once it had left my body, the phlegm demon scuttled off and down into the sewer system. I heard the echoes of its evil laughter retreating. So look out. Beware of the drains. It's looking for its next victim.

13 comments:

Kate said...

Sometimes you have to let someone fall so far that you can involuntarily commit them. Sad, but true. I've been there. And I didn't want help either.

Anonymous said...

I'll pray for your relatives too.

Glad you exorcised your demons. Now you can get about the business of being better. Which is good business indeed!

Warped Mind of Ron said...

Glad you are showing signs of improvement and I too will send positive thoughts out for your family.

DarcsFalcon said...

I'm so glad you got rid of the demon phlegmy-spawn and are feeling better! Woo!

But I'm sorry your relatives are having some rough spots. Definitely I will keep them in prayer.

Unknown said...

Sweet time off with your friend.
The bad news,..., let's hope they turn for the better!
Hugs!

wigsf said...

Sometimes, all it takes is one big phelgmy cough.

Wait, what's that coming out of my bathtub. OH NO!

AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!

Phelgm Demon said...

I have claimed my next victim. Mwa ha ha ha ha!!!

Nilsa @ SoMi Speaks said...

Those special times with good friends help keep us grounded during more troubling times. I'm glad you're able to appreciate the good that's in your life despite the ill health circulating your family. May everyone heal soon.

LL Cool Joe said...

Hey thanks for the warning. I did scroll down very quickly! I didn't want vomit on my keyboard!

Thinking and praying about the bad news. You know what they say about the power of prayer.

San said...

GOOD-BYE PHLEGM DEMON! I like your ugly. It's kind of beautiful.

I send healing wishes to those beset by the bad.

And I jump for joy at the good, especially that fur of affection, those pillows, and that vegetarian green curry. I can smell it all the way here, Spark!

Scarlet said...

The visit to your girl friend's house sounds like it was good for the soul. The bad news has hope because prayer can change things, right?? I will pray for both of these women.

Hope you're feeling all better now that you've casted out that demon phlegm! :)

Dianne said...

the time with your friend sounds heavenly

I'm sorry about the relatives, it's so hard to help someone when no one will speak

love the demon down the drain!!

Jameil said...

what on earth is peameal? (you know i had to look at the buffet menu) it sounds scary. the rest of the menu looked delish tho! yay for fellowship and the opportunity to ride in the back seat! and catching up w/friends? yay!!