London, England 2014 –
Globetrotting Again
Tuesday, March 18
On the heals of a week-long trek to San Diego, Debbie and I board a
Columbia-based American Airlines flight to London, England with a layover in
Dallas. Hardly time to catch our breath, we slowly regain excitement. We are to
receive an award sponsored by the International Journal of Palliative Nursing,
this for telling our patient/caregiver story about our shared journey with
cancer.
From diagnosis of my Stage IV pharyngeal carcinoma with widespread metastasis
to the bone, through chemotherapy and palliative radiation therapies, Debbie
has stood by my side through every step, every decision, every side effect,
everything! It is her story as much as it is mine; in the end her reward is to
be left alone. However, in the meantime our love for each other has reached a
level few others ever attain. At this juncture, because of the chemistry
resulting from this life-ending interruption, I would wager that both of us are
grateful for what first appeared to be the end of all things visible and
invisible.
In the months following chemotherapy, this sojourn to the United Kingdom is but
one of many international adventures that we have experienced together. It is
preceded by adventures in Italy, Greece, Turkey, Spain, Portugal, the Arctic
Circle, the Caribbean, Canada, and too many Mediterranean islands to mention;
add to this list, domestic trips to the Colorado Rockies, Las Vegas, Florida,
Arizona, Alaska, and California. Yes, all of this in a span of two years, and
believe it or not, to some of these countries, islands, and states more than
once.
It is an unbelievable story and we are so lucky to have taken the time, and
invested the resources, to do it. London could be the final international
destination, and Texas and Colorado (should I remain functionally alive with
energy) the last of the states. Time is growing short, but it has been a fairy
tale ride. We are so grateful. Now, on to London!
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