Now that I have your attention with my
indelicate post title, let me explain that cancer patients are universally
beset with either constipation or diarrhea.
Dang, I can never spell the D word right! Thank you spell-check!
Constipation usually is a result of trying not
to live in pain. It seems most
painkillers will cause it. I try to eat
a lot of fruit and thanks to some lovely ladies this week who sent me an Edible
Arrangement, I had some FANTASTIC fruit to eat.
J But even lots of fruit doesn’t cut it
sometimes. And thus, it’s on to
Phillip’s Milk of Magnesia. I remember a
Gallagher bit about constipation. He was
making fun of the products that promise ‘no cramping’ ‘stool softening’,
etc. Gallagher said that when he is
constipated, he wants a BOMB! Amen
brother.
Now, let’s get past that fascinating subject and
on to a strange time in the hospital at the New Year. I had several visitors, amazingly all at the
same time. One of the hospital’s admins
came to see me, as well. She was
perturbed because I had no religion listed on my paperwork. I just find it easier to leave it blank than
to have to explain that just because I am pagan, I don’t worship your
devil-figure.
So, she just came right out and asked me, and being
under the influence of some interesting drugs, I told her, “I’m a pagan.” You would have thought I told her I was a
commie baby eater! She got pale, started
to back from the room, when one of my visitors told her, “But she’s a GOOD
one!” Oh my gosh, I cracked up. Anyway, we never saw THAT admin person again.
I’ve
always thought that spirituality should be between you and your chosen
deities. You can have a more personal
relationship and communication that way.
But I understand the need for a community-based spirituality. You have like-minded people, willing to
support you, and give you comfort in troubling times. My sister is a Christian Minister, and a more
loving woman you will never find. She
writes incredible prayers, and I know how much she loves me.
In the books about coping that I am reading,
there is an emphasis on spirituality being a boon to your coping
mechanism. I find it soothing to write
prayers. As a pagan, you are free to
express your devotions in the most simple or the most elaborate means. I like to keep it simple. Especially since the brain tumors. :D
Love and hugs to all!
