Friday 20 May 2011

My Birthday

Photo Copyright: Maggie May

Since my last post I have had a Birthday. I am now 69.
When I was ill last year, having chemo and being told there was no cure for my cancer, I wasn't sure whether I would make this Birthday or not. However, it was my ambition to make 70 because the Bible tells us that we can expect to live for three score years and ten..... which in todays language..... is seventy! So that is obviously God's plan to live at least that long. I would feel cheated not getting my full quota.
Well now it seems as though it might very well come to pass. It appears to be within the scope of reality. Another year.
I will have to extend my ambition and add more years to it. Dare I say 75!

I have decided I am going to quit work at the end of the school year, which is in July. I did intend to work till I was 70 and then retire. I was one of the women who could have retired at 60. (It is not possible to do that now.) Therefore, I have worked nine years more than I needed to. I have been happy doing this and the money (although not a lot) was very useful.
I want to do other things now. Maybe join a painting class and/or creative writing.

On my Birthday, I got up early-ish, gave Harry breakfast in bed and took him up the pills he needs to counteract the side effects of his chemo.
I got Amber and Millie something to eat and did their hair. I fed the rabbits and changed them from sleeping quarters to their indoor play pen after giving them fairly long cuddles. It was then that I opened presents and cards. The girls seemed anxious that I opened the one that Sam had given me, first. It was really small in a tiny box. It turned out to be an iPod shuffle.
I knew it was something precious but wasn't sure what I had to do with it until Sam charged it up and told me he could download music on it for me to listen to whenever and wherever I wanted to.
Wow, that will come in handy for my choir practice pieces and I can now go around the house and garden while learning my parts.
My daughter sent me money for more fish foot massage. I am really looking forward to more of this.
I was pleased that Harry had felt up to going out to buy me a card from a nearby shop and had slipped in some money for me to get something. I will have a little think about what to buy.
I also received a variety of lovely cards.

I got myself something to eat and was still in my pyjamas when my friend, Audrey arrived. Never mind. We know each other well enough not to be embarrassed.
She was pleased to see that Harry had perked up no end and he is now able to walk about the house without too much fear of passing out. He has some really bad pain in both feet, though. It is amazing what chemo throws at you. Sometimes really strange symptoms.
Still, this first treatment will be a pattern for the next session. I am writing down all his symptoms, when they occur, in a little book for him to compare one months treatment with the next. This is what I did last year. It proved to be very useful.

Later on in the day, I went to my choir practice. I walked all the way which took about 30 minutes. I really love singing in this choir and am getting to know the other people and the songs better now.
I can lose myself and let go all my worries for two hours.
I walked back in twenty minutes as it is all down hill coming back.
By the time I returned, Sam had put my practice choir pieces for altos on my iPod and now I can go anywhere and do boring jobs while learning my part. Wow. That is good.

My daughter is coming over with Rick and Dean for the weekend. There are definitely happy times mixed in with the sad and I do count my blessings, which are many.





41 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a lovely post Maggie , it blessed me
have a happy birthday and happy days the rest of the year

CorvusCorax12 said...

Happy Birthday and MANY more ♥

Formerly known as Frau said...

Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Rose said...

Happy Birthday, Maggie! I am a few years younger than you (though not that much), and birthdays just don't seem as exciting as they once did. Your post helped to remind me of what they are--a celebration of life and thankfulness that we can continue enjoying all the simple joys of life. Hope you have a wonderful weekend with your daughter and grandsons!


Glad to hear that Harry is feeling a little better. The journal sounds like an excellent idea.

Clare Dunn said...

Happiest Birthday, Maggie!!!

One of the many things I like best about you is your positive outlook, and the way you inspire us by sharing it. Thank you!

May you be blessed with as many Birthdays as you desire, plus 1!

xoxoxo, clare

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

I too get pain in my ankles and also my middle back. Its like rheumatism and occurs a few days after the chemo and lasts a few days. K rubs me some Iboprofen cream on the aching areas which does help. So glad that you have bucked the forecast from the experts, I hope to do the same. Oh, and Happy Birthday!

Sally Wessely said...

Happy birthday, Maggie. You have greatly blessed me with the recounting of your day. You model how to have gratitude in so many ways. Thank you. I'm trying to learn that trait.

Blessings to your entire household which will be filled with much music as your practice your singing.

Irene said...

Happy Birthday, Maggie. I'm very glad that you made it to your 69th and I'm sure you'll add many more years to it.

XOX

Fresh Garden said...

Happy Birthday!
May the best stuff always be with you! :)

Beryl Ament said...

Happy Birthday from Detroit. I have loved your garden photos. We are so far behind—and the constant rain which has helped the flowers has helped the weeds too.

Mya said...

Happy Birthday Maggie! With your energy and spirit you'll be collecting your Queen's telegram! It's so true about collective singing - makes you feel so energised and positive - it's all in the alignment of the vibrations, you know!
Mya x

Brian Miller said...

happy birthday! best wishes for the new plans in your retirement...esp for painting or creative writing...would love that...

Jeni said...

Well, well -Happy Birthday, albeit it a day late! From doing the heavy-duty math calculations required, I see you are a mere 2 1/2 years my senior so I shall now take my lead from you!
It's true too about the strange things chemo throws at us. When I had chemo the first time, it affected my feet too -but not really hurting per se, just felt like they were always on fire! And a good friend of mine who had also had chemo for colo-rectal cancer told me it had affected him the same way. This last chemo -no problems with the feet and the heat!

Bernie said...

Happy Birthday Maggie, I love my nano Ipod. Hope Harry feels better soon.....:-)Hugs

mrsnesbitt said...

happy Birthday Maggie - a lovely post! Blessings xxxx Infact I must say I feel blessed having read it. Dxxx

cheshire wife said...

Many Happy Returns!

Pleased that you are able to look on the bright side and hope that Harry will soon be feeling better.

Gail Is This Mutton? said...

Sounds like you had a lovely birthday. Many happy returns!

Celia said...

Happy Birthday Maggie and many more. You are a few months ahead of me. Your retirement plans sound great, there is so much waiting for you. Glad to hear Harry is up on his feet.

Alyson | New England Living said...

So glad you made it to 69! And may you make many, many more! What you've gone through and survived is remarkable.

Happy, happy birthday! xx

Rosaria Williams said...

Oh, Happy Birthday, Maggie! We're the same age. Do buy yourself something you always wanted. Birthdays from now on are to be most appreciated.

FeltByRae said...

Happy birthday from me too! And best wishes to both you and to Harry

Saz said...

a life affirming post..one of your best!!! Happy Birthday


luv saz x

SandyCarlson said...

God bless your beautiful heart. And happy, happy birthday.

Anonymous said...

Better late than never, but Happy Birthday from one Maggie to another!I never expected to get to 60, not simply for health reasons but more compelling genetic reasons. Nobody in my mother's family has lived past 60, in fact there is only one person who made it to 60 other than myself. The rest, including her, all died at 50 or just after, many sooner in fact. Whenever I looked ahead I couldn't see myself making old bones you know.But out of nowhere this morning came this mental picture of me in 20 years time, frailer of course, but still feisty. I like the image, and so keep it to the front of my mind. We will both make our goals Maggie, taking short steps to achieve them rather than a long term view, and remaining positive. Best to you and Harry.

CiCi said...

It will so fun to hear your take on your daily life after you have been retired awhile. I didn't know how much I would enjoy it and now I have a full and busy life but not working for someone. Each day I have several projects to play with and work on. If I get things done I like it. If I decide to read and walk or whatever I want to do, I am happy.

Hope this is a healthy and joyful year for you.

Dimple said...

Happy birthday Maggie. I hope you live beyond 75! I have enjoyed visiting you very much in the last year or so. I stole Furry Fred from you, did you know? But I changed the name to Molly...
Best to Harry, I am glad he is feeling better, and to the grandchildren and rabbits!

Akelamalu said...

Belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you Maggie, I'm sorry I missed 'the day'. I wish you many happy returns too and hope you have a long, happy, healthier life in front of you and Harry too.

I retired when I was 60 and we spend a lot of our time travelling which is wonderful. I treated myself to an iPod Nano when I retired and I absolutely love it. Listening to my favourite music whilst I do menial jobs makes them much easier somehow. :)

sgreerpitt said...

Belated birthday greetings, Maggie! You are blessed to have another year,hope you have many more.

Harry's foot problems might be plantar fasciitis (sp?) -- if he's been spending a lot of time in bed with his feet extended (rather than flexed like they are when we walk) the muscle may not be as fexible as it ought to be and become inflammed. I had that happen to me at one point. He may need to have some PT with gentle stretching for that.

Suburbia said...

Belated best wishes on your birthday Maggie, for this year and many to come I hope
xx

Moannie said...

So sorry I missed the day, Maggie, I do hope you had a really lovely day, and tomorrow and the next day and the one after that and on and on until you are 95 when you can say 'enough is enough!' or not.

Hugs to you both.
Annie XX

Unknown said...

Happy belated birthday and hope you've been enjoying a fabulous weekend. I loved reading this post, it was a real inspiration. I believe we can achieve a lot through the power of positive thought and you've proved that by reaching this birthday :)

What About The Girl? said...
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What About The Girl? said...

When I reach 70, I would like to be able to write something as inspiring as this!
Belated happy and blessed birthday!

Brian Miller said...

big smiles. sounds like a good birthday overall...may you have many more maggie!

RiverPoet said...

Many happy returns, Maggie! I had a birthday, too. I turned 49 on Thursday.

I wish you and your husband many more birthdays together. Be well, my friend, and enjoy the iPod!

Peace - D

Hilary said...

I'm sorry I'm late to the party but I wish you a very Happy Birthday and many, Many more.

I can imagine you wandering around tending to your garden while practicing your part. And it makes me smile. :)

Happy Frog and I said...

You are an amazing and inspirational person Maggie. I'm glad you had such a lovely Birthday, you thoroughly deserve it. My best to you and Harry. xxx

secret agent woman said...

A belated Happy Birthday, Maggie!

San said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, retroactively, dear. And many, many, many more!

debsdigest.com said...

Happy birthday and I wish you many more - you come across as a lovely person x