This day seemed somewhat ordinary in nature.   I met up with a former colleague, had lunch with friends who teach in the interpreting education program at the college, gave a lecture in the same program, and then met with my retreatant for direction.  I came home to a parcel that I thought I had ordered so put it aside and stretched out on my couch.  How did I ever manage such a pace before I became ill?  I am quite exhausted.

I stopped and stared out my windows for a while, soaking in the beautiful sunset. I finally made supper and realized that I had not yet opened the box that had come and was delighted to discover it was a gift sent from a friend on the west coast….a lovely, thoughtful box of blessings that brought a smile to my tired soul. I have had a very good day.

As I remained prone on my couch, I replayed elements of the day. Conversations were precious. I miss seeing my former colleagues. I am so behind on visits it is beginning to weigh heavy on me as to how I should coordinate seeing people.  A few teary moments lingered in my heart.  People often say beautiful and kind words to me. I do not feel very extraordinary most days–I just keep going with gratitude.  When someone told me that people think I am brave I was surprised and humbled.  I know that my illness effects so many people but I think I truly do not comprehend the number of people who hold me in their hearts often and send me blessings.  I can feel the foundation of those prayers and thoughts all the time but today was truly a reminder that a large community has me. I needed to hear that I think today. I cherish the words and the essence of the profound meaning behind them.

To be back in the classroom training interpreters was so awesome.  I am struggling sometimes with words and coherency lately. I am not sure if that is brain fog caused by fatigue or what but it does make me nervous to do public speaking but today I was pretty flawless and I went in without much prep.  My teaching style for this particular guest lecture is to let the students teach themselves with some guidance and they did brilliantly. The students today were eager and engaged. They will do well on their path. I could see the passion for their profession in their eyes when they commented or asked questions.

I miss working in this capacity but I also know that the work I have to do now is much more important.  That said, I found myself listening to the interpreters on my humanitarian trip with great interest and noted the difference between some training and ethical conduct with spoken language and signed language interpreters. Some people are naturally suited to the profession, as was the case with one of the women who interpreted for my kitchen experience and the house dedication. She had all of us in tears during interviews with homeowners. Her work was remarkable. Her affect and message equivalency from what I could tell were strong. She had the ability to be a cultural mediator extraordinaire, setting all at ease with her pleasant personality.  She also showed great respect for each consumer. She was a true professional.

Part of my work now is with the Spiritual Exercises so I settled into the session late this afternoon and felt more in the game than I had last week. I finished listening to the retreatant and thought what good spiritual progress this person is making. I was ready for home though. I had enjoyed catching up with people who I had not seen in months. My colleagues and the Deaf community have been incredibly gracious to me.  Today, I was happy to listen to them and hear what was going on in their lives. I liked that it was not all about me, although of course everyone wanted to know how I was.

The ordinary day that used to be so manageable has taught me that I am not quite the same person I was.  I am heading to bed now, tired, but extremely satisfied to have had such a day.  Feeling normal is a good thing for people living with cancer and today felt normal in some ways. I am grateful for that.

Peace,

Suzanne

Reflection Questions

What does an ordinary day look like for you?

What might someone say about you that might surprise  you?

Prayer

You made earth in seven ordinary days but filled it with unique and extraordinary blessings–the waters, the stars, the mountains, the forests.  You populated it with a people who were meant to live in harmony with the land and one another. You have blessed us abundantly if we have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to love. Thank you for the many gifts you have given me this day. Amen.