Advent III

There are times when things don't go as planned at dialysis and I get down. Then I always get a reminder that life is o.k. I went to the late liturgy at St. James and saw a family sitting a few pews in front of me: mother, father, daughter and son. The daughter's head was bald. Perhaps it was due to chemo therapy or similar treatment. I'm sure they have gone through and continue to go through difficult times, however, she was alive and going to take the Eucharist with her family and the rest of the the communicants. During this Advent we remember that God is with us in illness and health.

Catching up!

Please note - This post was written two days before Ash Wednesday

I can't believe that it is just a few days before Ash Wednesday and I haven't written since the Advent season. Christmas in Brooklyn was good even with the added diversion of dialysis. The beginning of the New Year was pleasant which included a New Year's day luncheon with friends in Arlington, Virginia and the following Sunday another luncheon with friends who had recently adopted their son from China.

I continue to reflect on the fragility of life. My graft for dialysis clogged and I had to have a temporary catheter inserted. I then had the graft flushed at York Hospital. So far it is working and I had the catheter removed on yesterday, 5 February.

I finished the second term of Difficulté du français at the Alliance Française. It is challenging and invigorating. Véronique is an excellent instructor. I also enjoy the people in the class who come from a variety of vocations. In addition to the class and students, I enjoy the eating lunch at Bistro du Coin, a French restaurant which is on my way to the Dupont Circle metro station. By the way, I am registered for the Spring term. I continue to be fascinated by the French language.