i finally uploaded my Christmas letter, all about tergiversation. Here I am, two weeks after writing that, and I am still in Calgary. New information, new situation, new condition. Why, with all the certainty of booked flights to see my daughter’s family in Prince George, then my son’s family in Kelowna, am I still here?
I have shingles. Monday morning I awoke with itchiness. I was surprised to see a rash on my chest, and more surprised to see it still there after a shower and breakfast. I went to my doctor, who took one look and said, “Shingles”. Because my great-grandchildren have not had chickenpox, nor the vaccination for it, I chose not to travel and risk infecting them. This is the first Christmas in 36 years that I haven’t been with my kids and their families. What a drag!
Fortunately my pain level is not that of most people with shingles. I seem to have a mild case. I am amusing myself with TV programs, reading magazines and books, reading a free download for my new iPad2, and learning how to use my iPad. I also finished a second draft of the novel I’ve been working on for 2 years, so that feels good. I can walk outdoors, and now that I’ve passed the infectious stage, can see people. I phoned my friend Beryl who has spent a few Christmases alone and received good tips. I shall pamper myself. I shall phone or email friends to let them know I’m in town after all. This is just another lesson to learn: how to spend Christmas alone.
Yesterday I was depressed and bored. I went out for a walk but realized the path was very icy, so I circled back around to collect my walking poles. I don’t need to fall and break a bone on top of having shingles! I will go for a longer walk today.
I am grateful that I have good general health and this is just a glitch. The shingles will be gone in a few weeks. I am grateful for my comfortable condo, for food in the fridge and cupboards, for phone connections with friends, for good books and a great library system, for my eyesight to read, for my hearing to listen to music, for my arms and hands that can feed myself, and even reach the itchy spots on my back. Gratitude. That is one of the lessons of the season.
So I have tergiversated again… what else is new?
