Thursday, September 29, 2022

Too Happy To Be Sad

 A recent conversation...

Me: "I heard that this cancer can cause depression, and that I should be open to speaking with a mental health professional."

Barb: "Quite so."

Me: "But I have NO IDEA what I'd say to a depressed mental health professional!"

Barb: "Uh...."

The thing is, I don't get depressed, or frustrated. Sure, I can't sleep for the pain, and yeah, five steps and I'm out of breath, but so what?

It's life.

Last time I went to my (sadly deceased) doctor...

Doc: "You must be depressed."

Me: "Nope."

Doc: "I'll prescribe some antidepressants."

Me: "I don't need 'em."

Doc: "I'll give you some samples."

Me: "I'm not depressed."

Doc: "Okay."

And then he left, and the nurse came in
 with a prescription, and samples.

So, I don't know. I should be sad, personally and existentially, and I am not.

I'm living the dream.

So, here, tongue mostly in cheek... mostly...

I expect you'll be impressed
with sterling qualities I've got,
like, I'm supposed to be depressed,
but, dude, I'm truly not.
It's not that I'm superior
(that is, of course, a given),
and not by deep ulterior
motive is my virtue driven.
It's just that I'm a happy bloke
(or, a drongo, that's your call)
to whom all life is but a joke,
and the final curtain call
will be a spinning swirling jig
with two Heelers and a pig.

Music from Cat Stevens, with Another Saturday Night.

The Five Minute Friday prompt this week is ROAD. Tough one!

This is the path I'm taking,
but not the one I chose;
still, I am not forsaken,
and my sore heart still knows
that through the darkness of the night,
and through the stormy day,
I can depend on Holy Might
to guide my twisting way.
And so, my friend, I'll skip along,
not fear to stub a toe;
I need not be hard and strong
for I now truly know
that this here is my own Green Mile,
and I'll walk with God in style.

Four minutes!

Here's Barb wearing her anniversary present. Stylish, yes?


The only thing that makes Sylvia sad is lack of ice cream.

Never happens.



 

24 comments:

  1. Barb is so beautiful! As are your words - always. Stay strong, Andrew.

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    1. Corinne, Barb is indeed lovely!

      And thank you so much for the uplifting affirmation!

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  2. Yes, wonderful poem, Andrew. Thank you.

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  3. Funny you should mention the prescription being offered to you. The last three times I had my dad to the dr., he was offered the same, and refused. Maybe drs. can't imagine anyone facing eternity with joy. But as always, may you stay strong, Andrew, and on the road God has chosen for you!

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    1. Joanne, I think you're quite right; doctors are trained in a very one-sided way, and they can't put down the adversarial relationship with death.

      Thank you so much for the affirmation!

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  4. "I can depend on Holy Might to guide my twisting way." This truth stood out to me from your poem this week. I am praying for you and Barb. -Jolene

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    1. Jolene, I am so glad that this spoke to you, and we are so grateful for your prayers.

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  5. Our deceased Doctor loved Andrew and me. He usually didn't treat just one of us on a visit. If he suspected there may be a need down the road for either of us, he'd handle then so another immediate visit would not be necessary. I miss he's old school treatment process. -Barbara

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  6. I love your attitude for life, Andrew. I'm so glad you didn't take the meds - helpful if needed but it's your inner joy that shines through.

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    1. Kath, thank you so much for this. Meds do stunt joy, and it's better to be happy than pain-free.

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  7. You and your lovely Barb are an inspiration. Is that a bullet proof vest she is wearing? You are both in my prayers.

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    1. Grams, thank you so much for your prayers...and yes, it's a bullet-proof vest. She was delighted to get it.

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  8. I agree with Great-Granny, you are an inspiration. I have to confess, I get discouraged at times and then I think of you, how you push on through and keep on keeping on. Somehow, I'm glad you do. It's remarkable the strength in you. My dad turned 93 last week. It takes courage to live at his age. Nothing comes easy for him anymore. But he still greets me with a smile and a glint in his eye. Take care, my tough but tender friend. You rock (As does Barbara!)!

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    1. My dear Norma, thank you so much for this affirmation, and for the description of your Dad. You rock as well!

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  9. You, Barb and Sylvia, no doubt, are an inspiration to so many!! And I only see your online supporters). I'm so grateful for the way that you share your experience of your road.

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  10. A good attitude and some exercise make great non-prescription anti-depressants!

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    1. Anita, I completely agree...and exercise, what I can still do, is the non-negotiable of my day. It may wipe me out, but I credit fitness with keeping me alive this long (so did my doctor).

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  11. Fabulous Andrew. Sadly many cancer patients do deal with depression due to their illness but also due to the depletion of their health from all of the toxic treatments. But what I've noticed is NOT EVERYONE experiences this! In our palliative clinic we are not so quick to prescribe anti-depressants. I love your attitude towards embracing the life you have. Always a blessing to come here!

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  12. Donna, thank you for this, and for sharing your experiences. I can certainly see where depression can arise, and I count myself blessed to have avoided it.

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