Posted By Alston on June 28, 2010
I just spent a really good weekend in Brockville. I decided to surprise my parents my showing up really late Wednesday night. Actually it wasn’t so much my choice but how things ended up because I decided to let my eldest niece arrange things. I was originally going by train on Friday, then getting a ride Thursday morning, and I ended up showing up at my parents at 11 pm Wednesday night. It’s a good thing I still have keys to their place as they were fast asleep. I was in my pyjamas before my dad realized I was even there.
I went to Brockville with a few objectives in mind.
- Meet with some old friends.
- Attend my younger niece’s Grade 8 graduation ceremony.
- Relax with family.
I would like to report that all of these objectives were achieved with no hitches or glitches. One of the great things about me being in Brockville is that there are no stairs that I need to climb there. Stairs are my enemy; they sap all my strength, and they are everywhere in Montreal. Even here at Suj’s where I will be staying for the next little while.
Friday morning was spent with my friend Cheryl where we exchanged books. She picked up a copy of mine, while I picked up a copy of hers. She’s an American history professor in what she says is basically the crappiest place in North America. Both her father and uncle taught at our high school, and her uncle along with several other teachers we both had have all just retired at the same time. I wish I could have gone with her to their retirement party; it would have been trippy seeing how they have aged. Maybe even more interesting would be to see the ones that are still there and who had quite a bit of seniority when we were graduating high school. In any case, a pleasant time was had by both.
That evening was the graduation of Emily, my younger niece. It took place in Carleton Place, just west of Ottawa. Eleven of us showed up to the event, including the new boyfriend of Brittany, my eldest niece. The ceremony was very…low-budget. Let’s just say that there is a reason why the school is closing down in 2 years. One comment: Young girls should at least get some training in high heels if they are going to wear them. Watching them try to walk around in those things was painful; I don’t understand why they attempt it and think that they look good doing so.
One highlight of the evening was this incredible overachieving girl that could have won every single award possible except the male athlete of the year award. She curtsyed (sp?) when she accepted her multiple awards, had a winning smile and her 15 second speech thanking the valedictorian (who read every word of his speech and looked like he just wanted to get the hell out of dodge) was actually better than the valedictorian’s 3-minute speech.
Saturday morning was a dreary, rainy affair, which I tend to like as long as I don’t have to walk outside. Another longtime friend drove in from Kingston to visit me. We went to the same place as the previous day, because there aren’t that many options for breakfast in Brockville, especially for those that no longer live there since we don’t know where to go. She arrived with her 13-month-old daughter, who cannot sit still for more than 15 seconds. We had a good time talking and catching up, although the girl was a little trying at times. I often hear from parents that they wish they could just get one day off from the parenting. Reason #83 as to why I am not a parent, I guess. What was nice was that she still confides in me, and she did just that on Saturday morning. Of course, I can’t mention what she said here. You might have to buy me a drink at the next Yulblog.
That evening was spent really hanging out with family at my sister’s. Again, there were about ten of us there including nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunts and uncles. I know it’s cliché, but it’s funny how as an adult you can much more appreciate the ones that you couldn’t stand when you were younger. Of course, all I had were my brothers and sisters and my parents. It’s a lot, I know, but nothing compared to what the next generation has. They’ve got most of their cousins around and all four grandparents, so when we get together, which for them is almost any time they want, it’s a pretty lively time, and a special one from my point of view. I’ve made it a point to spend more time with them this year; I’ve already seen them 3-4 times this year and am planning another 3-4 more trips. When I spend those afternoons with them there is no stressing about my health, or money, or anything. It’s true relaxation for me. More than at a resort with all the amenities.
Tuesday is the beginning of another chemo cycle. I hope my weekend in Brockville will buffer me somewhat from the effects. I am not looking forward to this cycle. As some of you might know, this is my fifth, and chemotherapy has a cumulative effect on the body. Each treatment gets harder and harder to deal with. I’ll have to take it easy at a time where I shouldn’t be taking it too easy. I still need to get some exercise. Finding that balance is key. The good news is that my oncologist is pretty happy with the way things are going right now despite the probable SVC syndrome that I am developing on my left side. Wikipedia says that it is almost certainly going to get me within 2 years. I don’t really believe that; it’ll have to wait its turn.
For now, I will do my best to stay engaged, but as usual I can’t promise anything. Now it’s off to prep for a workout.
Category: Alston |
No Comments »
Tags:
