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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / D.C. AND WELCOME TO THE NEW NORMAL

D.C. AND WELCOME TO THE NEW NORMAL

April 13, 2019

Lincoln memorial

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Welcome to my two cities, spring 2019.

First up, D.C.

David was supposed to go visit colleges with Oliver but he’s not currently able to travel. While last week’s original staging looks promising for him (cancer has spread to some of his lymph nodes but not to his liver or lungs), he now has a feeding tube (in the event he can no longer eat solids during treatment) and he now has to focus on chemo and radiation. So it was up to me to join Oliver to check out his favorite college acceptance — George Washington University (GW, for brevity’s purpose).

We had a blast. We checked out the campus on a day-long tour and Oliver was in his element.

GWU DC

We also spent a lot of time in the area surrounding the school, and visited the White House twice as it’s just a couple blocks away from his campus.

Oliver Sarah DC

At my sister’s urging, we took a night walk to visit some of the memorials up close and lit up like beacons.

I was so moved by them, and Oliver was energized by it.

I hadn’t been to D.C. since I was a teenager so everything felt new

Lincoln memorial

and it felt like the Lincoln Memorial in particular spoke to me.

I’m not sure where you all are on the political spectrum, but I was much comforted by the notion that unlike our current president, these buildings will stand the test of time and endure with dignity and gravitas.

Lincoln memorial

I’ve always wanted to see the World War II Memorial and it was gorgeous, particularly at night.

World War II memorial DC Washington

I’ve always been somewhat obsessed with WWII (and the bravery displayed by so many) so to walk this memorial, quietly, with one of my most favorite people on earth meant the world.

World War II memorial

Same so for the Washington Monument.

washington monument DC

It was so wonderful to have had this brief time with Oliver, away from distractions and distress to really absorb new experiences and hopefulness.

We got amazing take out each night (yes, I brought my beloved vintage trays and papers with me)

Hotel room burgers tray DC

and each time we curled up on our luxurious King bed to chow down and re-watch one of our favorite TV series of all time, West Wing.

It was so enjoyable to be in the heart of DC and watch this  show taking place just down the street.

burgers on bed DC

Eating burgers and sweet potato fries on a big cozy bed (and not worrying so much about spilling) is the best.

Tap Burger and Shake DC

Oliver loves GW, its political science program (some rate its program #5 in the country) and even its unusual food plan; at GW they give you a certain amount of debit card money to use at various restaurants or stores as the downtown campus lacks a standard school cafeteria.

We gave the whole Foggy Bottom location a go, and bought snacks and grub from some of the places Oliver will often be frequenting starting next fall.

oliver george washington u

For me there was a variety of different snacks and drinks to go from Whole Foods,

Health Ade Kombucha

fantastic offerings from a place called Modern Roti (I looooooved this place so much)

Modern Roti Bowl

and because he’s a typical teenage guy, this was Oliver’s lunch one day.

Chick fil A

So the whole college thing is a wrap — and I’m so glad Oliver is excited about his school next year.

Oliver and me in GW

I think this picture perfectly captures Oliver on the cusp of this next big step.

Oliver in DC

As a souvenir for the family, we picked up pastries at one of the branches of a favorite Paris bakery — Maison Kayser.

We salivated at the counters

maison kayser dc

and brought back a huge bag of treats to share with the crew waiting patiently at home for our return.

Maison Kayser Bakery offerings

Maison Kayser chocolate croissant

You guys, that chocolate croissant was off-the-charts delicious.

chocolate croissant Eric Kayser

And now back in our home city, our new normal has begun.

Some days it’s a struggle. Docs appointments. Chemo infusions. Worries about plans and finances and more.

David was dealing with infections last week and now he’s dealing with nausea and fatigue as he’s just started the second week of chemo and radiation appointments.

Providence Cancer Center

It’s so hard to believe how much our world has changed in the four weeks since we were given the news that cancer had befallen us like an like a silent scourge, wreaking havoc and leaving us shell-shocked.

However, I’m in awe of how valiant my husband is right now now. He doesn’t complain or bemoan his fate and he tackles each new challenge with verve, stoicism and resolve. We talk about dying. We talk about living. And everything in between.

As everyone keeps telling, this is our new normal.

But for every disappointment, worry and fear there is another act or a gesture of support, love and kindness.

My girlfriends have been taking me out to lunch non-stop, lending an ear and feeding me deliciousness at every turn.

Poke Mon Poke bowls Portland

Every time I leave my house I find myself in the arms of someone who’s heard our news. Or read an IG post. Or talked to a neighbor, a friend, a teacher about the goings on here.

Thanks for all the hugs, Portlanders.

And it seems like every time I return to my sunny front porch I find yet another drop off waiting for me. A note. A pot of flowers. A bottle of wine. A jar of honey.

Some items don’t even come with a note — just anonymous drop-offs meant to surprise and add cheer.

drop off flowers

There was that beautiful chocolate loaf dropped off by Brooke, my kid’s former art teacher.

A huge basket of gifts and diversions from my two Lisas and Chrissy.

Granola and a hand-drawn card from Ivy the cookbook writer.

Friends Granola Food Gift drop off

Thoughtful little gifts from Karmen, another woman who has a husband with cancer.

And items keep arriving in the mail — from family and friends and lots of lovely people from Concord, Mass.

Polly Priscilla candy gift

My sister lives there and some of her friends — whom I’ve met briefly over the years– have sent me packages, too.

Julia and Lori sent me amazing foodstuffs and coffee from specialty shops in the Boston area.

Hedi sent me a tray from Paris and a lovely pocket-sized wooden cross from Bethlehem.

Polly’s pal Sandy sent me a couple of her grandmother’s vintage aprons that she found recently discovered wrapped impeccably in her mother’s attic.

Thank you a million times over for all the kind words and prayers and thoughts and support you’ve all offered me here, privately, on Instagram, by mail, by phone or in person.

We’ve been the beneficiary of countless kindnesses and offers of support this past month and I can’t tell you how much it has meant to me — and to my entire family — to feel that level of support.

It’s like I’ve been bubble-wrapped by all this love and it gives me so much comfort and joy.

I’m happy to report that yesterday it was my turn to give back.

cancer lounge

I outfitted a small suitcase-like box for others going through chemo and radiation.

I call it my LOVE box.

Love box at chemo

Here’s what it looked like inside.

love box with snacks and chemo

As you can see, it’s filled with granola bars, pork jerky, candy, gum, lifesavers, mints and other assorted snacks as well as new packs of playing cards.

I carried this box and a tray of cookies around with me for the four hours while we were seeing various doctors and hanging out in waiting rooms and the infusion room. I walked up to strangers in chairs, in elevators, in hallways — and asked if they wanted a little treat. And then I’d open this unexpected box.

providence waiting room

(Sometimes I’m really outgoing and sometimes I’m quite shy but I forced myself to approach everyone, no matter the expected outcome.)

It was wonderful.

I got hugs, smiles, and surprise giggles. A certain receptionist hooted. A guy in an elevator looked at me agape until he realized I was serious.

One woman was sitting alone in chemo waiting for a treatment and I invited her over to my chair (with tablecloth and open box) and asked her if she wanted a little something. She couldn’t make up her mind so I encouraged her to take everything that she wanted. She took Zebra Stripe gum and M&M’s and a Baby Ruth. One chemo nurse came by three times in an hour and a half and she helped herself to Pork Jerky, gum, ginger candy, a Clif Bar and a homemade cookie.

And all of D’s doctors helped themselves to homemade cookies.

cookies at chemo infusion room

I’ve asked for advice on Instagram for other suggestions for inclusion, and I can’t wait to incorporate those ideas.

Anything else come to mind? At Providence they have a stand with some nourishment — teas, graham crackers, saltines, etc.– but I’m looking for more esoteric treats. Unfortunately I’ve learned many that cycle through that room no longer eat solid foods. Fresh flowers next time, then?

Ruth LA birthday party flowers

So that’s my tale of two cities — and our new normal.

Last thing. I was sitting in a waiting room outside radiation Thursday and I was struck by what I saw.

jigsaw puzzles at Providence

As you can see there were dozens of jigsaw puzzles standing at the ready in a quiet room off the lobby.

There was one giant jigsaw puzzle left on a table, and it was halfway done. The puzzle was waiting, sitting idle until someone came along to add a piece.

And I stood there looking at that puzzle thinking about how many strangers had walked into that room, contributing to its finish, perhaps a little, perhaps a lot, (or perhaps not at all as not everyone has such patience). We’d never all meet, but we were all united in that room.

jigsaw puzzle in waiting room

United in that feeling of waiting, and suspension. Of unknowing. And just a tiny glimmer of hope.

I looked around, thinking of all those who’d cycled through that room over the years. I felt the presence of the full range of emotions felt by the thousands who’d probably walked in my steps before me. Despair. Hope. Bewilderment. Loneliness. Rage. Resignation. It all felt so palpable. One puzzle. A hundred different emotions.

And that’s when I saw it.

The stack of blankets. The baskets of hats and caps. All sewed by strangers, anticipating some other stranger’s worst moments in illness (fear, cold, hairlessness) and wanting to leave a temporary solution.

And that’s when it dawned on me.

I’m learning cancer is not just an evil disease and a killer of dreams. It’s also an opportunity for focus and a laser-like reminder to make each day matter. It’s also a gateway to a an incredible community of caregivers and strangers and nurses and doctors and friends and acquaintances that are all in this fight with unknown outcomes.

We’re all looking for solace. For comfort. For health. For recovery. For love.

Pumpkin Bread with Tangerine Cream Cheese

Together.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« SAD NEWS
FIVE CANCER LESSONS–PLUS GATHERING AND GIVING JOY »

Comments

  1. Elizabeth Hurlow-Hannah says

    April 13, 2019 at 3:02 pm

    Sarah dear,

    You hit this one “Out of the park!”

    Your overarching prospective touches the goodness all of us want. I’m so grateful that your friends and close knit community are totally on board with TEAM KLINE!!

    Continue to be strong in facing the cancer devil. Always keeping you close to my heart and in my prayers.

    Much love, Elizabeth

    Reply
  2. Larry Friedlander says

    April 13, 2019 at 3:15 pm

    Sending you our thoughts and prayers and BIG HUGS from CLE

    Reply
  3. Shelly B Kennedy says

    April 13, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    Oh, Sarah Kline! I have not checked in on PDX for quite some time, but felt compelled to see what is going on in your world this morning. Now I know why….

    First, AMAZING, HAPPY, RAPIDLY CLAPPING HANDS FOR OLIVER!!!!!! GWU! Wow! Fantastic!! Please tell him I send my heartiest congratulations and that I expect he will be taking his Brain Buster award to decorate his dorm room!

    As i read of your travels to DC, I thought so fondly of the set up you organized for our class to watch Obama’s inauguration. I remember the whole set up and how we sat with our 2nd graders and ushered in n era of hope. Honestly one of my most special memories from teaching. Ever.

    To read about David and his current health status… Oh, Sarah… But, the Box of Love you packed and your ruminations, made me so grateful that I had the absolute honor of meeting you and your lovely family.

    You are truly one in a million and my thoughts are with you all.

    Much love, Shelly

    Reply
  4. Christine says

    April 13, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Oh Sarah, this so moved me. Thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration. xo

    Reply
  5. Sandra Covington says

    April 13, 2019 at 5:18 pm

    Thoughts are with you , my dear niece. I love you very much.
    Sandy

    Reply
  6. Lynn Winslow says

    April 13, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Once again, my dear Sarah, you’ve nailed it! My niece lives just outside D.C. so I am often there. I’d LOVE to have Oliver meet her! She is DEEEVINE and has wonderful husband and kids. I’ll talk to you soon. Interesting talk with your mom this past week….. Love you! Lynn

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:45 pm

      Hey Lynn. I love the idea of you (and possibly your niece?) and Oliver meeting up in DC. I always love to hear from you, dear pal. It’s been way too long since we’ve seen each other but something tells me we will be seeing you more often now that O will be on East Coast. Much love!

      Reply
  7. Sandy Phelps says

    April 13, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    When you first revealed your sad news you explained the fight stating that there are four Klines and one cancer. I would like to add that in addition to the four Kline’s there are untold numbersof family and friends in the fight was well. I am sure you know that you can count the Phelps familyin that number. Congrratulations on your amazing positive attitude!

    Our love to you all!
    Sandy

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      Sandy, how many years has it been since we’ve seen each other? Twenty? It doesn’t seem to matter. I hear your voice in this note and I feel all the love. Thanks so much for piping in here with so much support. Big big hugs and I hope to see you soon!

      Reply
  8. Sasha Kaplan says

    April 13, 2019 at 6:01 pm

    Beautiful Sarah. The love goes around and no moment goes unnoticed.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      Thanks for the porcini salt and the Spanish figs. Next time you roll into town I hope we can spend some time together. XO

      Reply
  9. Lacy says

    April 13, 2019 at 7:56 pm

    Sarah, for all the sweet and loving things you do, for all you give, I pray it comes back to you and David a million, zillion times over and over again. When you wrote, “It’s also an opportunity for focus and a laser-like reminder to make each day matter.” My eyes filled with tears. Tears of love and joy for you and all of those facing the same situation.
    I don’t know if I mentioned before, but I have faced down cancer twice myself. Next checkup is April 17th, fingers crossed, all is still going well.
    Sending virtual hugs & love ~ Lacy

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:40 pm

      Lacy, thanks so much for all the incredibly sweet things you’ve said and all the love and support over all these years. How is it we’ve never met? Email me (olivebred@aol.com) and let’s find a place to grab a coffee or even walk our dogs! Best of luck tomorrow and I look forward to hearing from you. XO Sarah P.S. No, I didn’t know that you’re a two-time survivor and I look forward to hearing your story.

      Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 17, 2019 at 7:34 pm

      Lacy, I can’t believe we still haven’t met after all these years. Thanks so much for sharing this with me. Please contact me at olivebred@aol.com and let ‘s see if there is a time we can meet up in the near future. We can grab a coffee or take our dogs for a walk? I appreciate all the support over the years and I look forward to finally meeting you in person!

      Reply
  10. Sandy says

    April 14, 2019 at 1:50 am

    Hospital waiting rooms are the great leveler. All creeds, colors, genders … all stand together. People you would never meet otherwise suddenly become your comrade in arms. It is both beautiful and heartbreaking.

    Stay strong.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      Sandy, that’s so so true. It’s like an entire universe I’ve only heard about– barely, gratefully — and now I find myself a reluctant inhabitant. Thanks for the support.

      Reply
  11. Mary Leineweber says

    April 15, 2019 at 3:46 am

    Thank you Sarah for sharing so thoughtfully you and your family’s journey into your new normal. Wishing you all strength and love as David continues healing treatment. Wishing Oliver all the best as he begins a new journey at GW!

    May the love of so many who support your goodness bring you and your wonderful family the best of all things great and small.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      Thanks for the sweet note, Mary. You brighten my day every time I see you!

      Reply
  12. Anita M. Kline says

    April 15, 2019 at 3:55 am

    Dear Sarah,
    Thanks so much for taking the time to bring us up to date on the worst and best of times.
    Wonderful to hear that GW fit as perfectly in person as it did in Oliver’s imaginings.
    I think about you all every day.
    Big love, Anita

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 16, 2019 at 1:30 pm

      Anita, I love that word imaginings. So hope to see you sooner vs. later — we miss you!

      Reply
  13. Chrissy Clark says

    April 15, 2019 at 4:39 pm

    “Together”!

    Much love!
    Chrissy

    Reply
  14. Patricia Oliveira says

    April 21, 2019 at 12:43 am

    Dear Sarah,
    I check your blog from time to time. I love how you write about food and your family. Your love for them and life comes through your words and always fills my heart with happy feelings. I cried when I read of your dog’s passing and I rejoiced when you adopted Porter. I am sad to hear about your husband. Yet, how you approached this is beautiful and courageous. How kind of you to make a treat box for the medical staff and patients! I hope, my comment can convey all my admiration for you. Sending love and positive thoughts to the Kline family.
    Patricia

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      April 24, 2019 at 3:21 pm

      Patricia, you made my day with that sweet note. I appreciate you taking the time out to say hello and convey your interest — my readers are the best. Thanks for the good wishes and stay tuned… the road ahead is long, but hopefully one with an outcome we’d all want. Hugs, Sarah

      Reply

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