Russellings of the Spirit

cancer

  • Reversing the Poles

    I don’t know what your calendar says today, but the heading on my March 22, 2023 box reads: A DAY OF CELEBRATION AND GRATITUDE. Of course, I am celebrating the first day of spring. Yes, I realize I am a… Continue reading

  • Happy Anniversary, Sweetie

    Earlier this week, we celebrated an anniversary. It was the third anniversary of Joan joyfully and triumphantly ringing the brass bell that marked the end of her chemotherapy and the beginning of her remission from cancer. It has been a… Continue reading

  • Happy birthday, Andy

    Yesterday was Andy’s birthday. His first 39 birthdays were celebrated here on earth. The last three have been celebrated in Andy’s new, celestial home.  Having the good fortune to be born exactly halfway between them, Andy was a childhood friend… Continue reading

  • Two Years On…

    Today is the day when – two years ago – our world turned upside down. After experiencing a long bout of various gastrointestinal distresses, Joan went made an appointment with her doctor. She went in on a Wednesday to get… Continue reading

  • This Side of the Desk

    I just finished reading the book When Breath Becomes Air. I am still drying my eyes. It is the story of a brilliant, gifted neurosurgeon named Paul Kalanithi. Kalanithi seems to be on his way to an illustrious career as… Continue reading

  • Helicopter Prayers

    “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.”         – Psalm 28:7, NRSV She was tiny. So tiny the bed covers seemed to… Continue reading

  • GLOW

    My wife GLOWs. Every fourth Thursday of the month. From 5:30 to 7:00. And because she GLOWs, we glow (and grow) together as a family. You see, GLOW is the name of the women’s cancer support group Joan attends at… Continue reading

  • A Made Bed

    At first glance, this picture couldn’t be more simple… mundane… unremarkable. It’s a made bed. Big whoop. Yes, there is a nice bit of color coordination going on there with the duvet (oh yeah… I know that word!) and pillowcases… Continue reading

  • Where is the Justice?

    For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah… Continue reading

  • Freedom cancer

    Six months ago, I didn’t know much about cancer. If I’m being honest, I would have to tell you I didn’t really want to know anything about it. I called it “the ‘C’ word.” But then September 21 happened. That… Continue reading