Meet Some Peeps

July 2, 2023

Family and Friends

Life hasn’t changed much since my cancer diagnosis. Physically I’m fine. Mentally I have good days and frustrated ones. I use frustrated because ‘bad’ denotes anger and does no good. Besides, what’s a bad attitude going to solve? Absolutely nothing.

Today, I wanted to write but wasn’t sure about what. No, not writers block. Can’t say I’ve ever encountered that. Even at the newspapers I’ve worked for, I’ve always found something to pen. Once it was about a sanitation company cleaning its dumpsters. Really was a ‘stinky’ subject.

But today, let me introduce you to some friends.

Justin Lopez (@jlopezz_17) | Instagram a friend and family member. He’s my cousin’s son. Which technically makes him my second cousin. In reality more of a nephew and has a passion looking for my subtle jokes in type. He did find ‘ur-anus’ in a previous blog of mine describing prostate biopsy procedures. He teaches, while continuing his studies at The University of Wisconsin.

It was a ‘feel good’ moment receiving this text from him a few days back. It read: “Can’t let some punk ass cancer slow the fun train, don’t worry I won’t say sorry (got that from reading your blogs), but if anyone’s going to knee buster and figure four leg lock cancer on the way to beating it, it’s you.” Thank you ‘J Lo.’ There’s your Easter Egg. (Insert laughing emoji) I don’t ‘appreciate it,’ I love it!

I think about people more now, than before the diagnosis. I’ve reached out to several just to see how they’re doing and offer warm greetings. One in particular, Michelle Gottesman, Attorney at Law Facebook

She handled my disability case years ago. A fine lawyer. We’ve stayed friends throughout them. A great many, but I won’t disclose how many. We hadn’t spoken since May, until this past Friday night.

Michelle offered her apologies for my current plight, but I simply asked please don’t be sorry. It wasn’t out of rudeness. It is, rather, my way of not wanting people to feel bad for me. A friend could never have foreseen it coming, let alone have stopped it. She was not at fault. Afterwards, opining, “You’re a fighter but still sad news.” And I will fight!

Then we proceed to talk about anything and everything till nearly 1:30 am. Mind occupied with her own life’s agenda; she had found hours to share with me. Thank you, Michelle! That’s priceless, as is the message awaiting you in messenger.

Colette Kennedy (Mrs. Fraser, out of respect) a Meteorologist at CBC Windsor and Toronto (@colettetown) | Instagram this is for you.

Everyone blames the weatherperson. Not me. I’m thrilled we’re friends! A remake of my classic to you from years ago. Let’s title it, ‘Brighter Days Ahead.’ Link below.

This always brings a smile to me and with today’s auspicious follow, lets celebrate it once again. Even Elton John played oldies. I haven’t decided if I enjoy your trip pics to various golf tournaments or the Toronto Raptors photos better. Both are equally enjoyable. But I’d wager my money on you in a round of golf against any of my uncles in their prime. They were all pretty good in their day. I don’t golf, so I’ll stay out of it. You’d kick ass! My friend, thank you for being just that!

Finally, I received a surprise phone call from Shanna Forrestall (@shannafromla) | Instagram today. Shanna has a knack of contacting me in my time of need. Like our souls are connected. Today’s call was a check-in to see how I’ve been feeling and some advice on marketing this very blog. It’s always great hearing from her, as I know she’s one busy woman as a storyteller, producer, singer, songwriter, actress and advocate. She, also, commutes between Tennessee, Lousanna and California on the regular. Thus, time is precious with her.

When finished with the ‘How are You’s’ and ‘You Got This’ along with explaining my treatment choice; the real surprise came out. A personal invite, in November, to the Chattanooga Fashion Expo (@chafashionexpo) | Instagram which is part of another venture she’s involved in.

I, humbly, yet excitedly, accepted the invitation pending treatments and doctors ok. Thank you, Shanna! Sounds like an absolute blast and something I’d enjoy blogging about!