Planetary Pilgrims need to sit quietly sometimes

Dr. Sharkey had news for me. There were cancer cells in the lymph nodes. Tests are in order, and so is chemotherapy and radiation. My immediate family knows.

Today is one of those "sit quietly" days. I have spoken with both of my children. I have spoken with one sister and one niece, and the others will surely come soon. I got a quiet huge hug from a young man with Acadian roots, who works in New York City. I have held my dear husband's hand. I have made a call to my mentor, Tom O'Connor. I have received a comforting e-mail from Gail.

Not bad, for a "sit quietly" day.

What else did I do? A quick trip to the Greek store to buy Easter cookies and to place my orders for Easter bread. I certainly plan to celebrate the triumph of life over death on Easter Sunday! I  went to the mall and bought some items of clothing, and one big, beautiful, expensive, delightful purse and a scarf. A pink purse and scarf.

Lastly, I made an appointment with my dear friend of 40 years, to go to the mall later this week. I want to buy a wig. A really neat wig with really, really short, mostly white hair. I will not sit in the corner, whimpering, waiting for this stuff to catch up with me. I shall go out to the crossroad, and meet it.

This is not just bravado, or denial, or anger, though there is a lot of that. This is the certainty that I have had crappy days in my life before. Ah, but this time I know what is coming, and I am comfortable. Pissed, angry, but not bitter.

When my son John was little, he delighted in using interesting words. He was comfortable with a Thesaurus, and used it to great advantage. Nothing like hearing your grade three son say "Mom, just tell them that you are quite concerned about this". Whatever the reason for my concern on that day is lost in my memory, but the phrase remains. I am quite concerned about this diagnosis of cancer. And I feel a bit shaken when I think that we are now looking to determine where (if) it has metastasized. Yes. There. I have said it. I am concerned. So is David, and so is everyone on my team.

Ioanna called me. She is in Paris, working on behalf of the Canadian people. I am proud of her and of my son. Together with David they, and their partners and family, are my main support.

But, I now have a wider team -- oncologists, radiologists, nurses, volunteers and others who work hard to make cancer history.

Lastly, today I found a great recipe. Broccoli and chicken, with cream of mushroom soup, grated cheddar cheese and bread crumbs. Goes well with basmati rice, a green salad, and possibly some wine (though no wine for me. I am a cheap date.) I will just enjoy the broccoli and the chicken.

Just the meal to have before setting out on the road again, with your blessings and my friends and family, to Santiago!