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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / EVERY DAY GRATITUDE AND MOTHER’S DAY

EVERY DAY GRATITUDE AND MOTHER’S DAY

May 13, 2019

kitchen window plants Mothers Day

Here’s another lesson I’m learning while careening on my husband’s current health crisis merry-go-round.

Diminished expectations and detours don’t have to mean just disappointment and sorrow.

Sure, there’s that, but I’m trying to focus on my attitude, and realize that it all comes down to the old glass half-full/empty debate.

Do I keep lamenting the losses (vacations? certainty? quality and quantity of time spent together?) or do I focus on that which remains (a family I’m crazy for, family and friends galore plus the world’s snuggliest dog)?

Porter and I relaxing

Once I fully stepped into my big girl’s pants and learned that this is our life right now, and so little is beyond my control, I started honing in on that which I could.

It may not be the life I’d like for us now, but there is so much to be grateful for –even amidst the chaos–and I’m learning to stop waiting for the big moments to bring me joy.

Oliver in crown

Life is right here and right now, and heaven knows it can — and will— get darker in time, so let’s get real. 

For all we know, this could be as good as it gets for the four of us — at  least for a while– so we might as well as recognize and celebrate the small victories and joys right in front of us.

gift succulence

Last week David finished the last of his chemo and radiation, and we used it as an opportunity to one last time rock the Chemo Center with our LOVE box.

LOVE box Providence cancer center

David love box

I made three dozen Ginger Chews,chewy ginger cookie

wrapped them up, and doled those out alongside other offerings — including gift cards that a friend of a friend gave me to share.

Random acts of kindness are my jam.

There were so many handouts (perhaps to nearly 50 people): candy and cookies and those gift cards and homemade soup.

chemo and love box

I loved letting strangers also pick out cards from that Portland artist I told you about last time and it was so much fun hearing their stories as to what they’d do with the cards they’d picked out.

There were notes going to husbands

stranger with cards

and sisters

chemo patient with cards

and friends far away — all thanks to the generosity of a stranger.

nurse with cards

I’m not going to miss going to these appointments but I will miss all these kind faces and I’ve loved flipping the script on these dreadful double radiation/chemo days.

Love box treats

I will remember the gratitude as I passed out oversized candy bars

chocolate bars radiation

to the nurses and doctors, many of which spent hours with David over the course of the last month, never hurrying him along or making him feel less than a star patient.

David’s now in that place where he has to try to mend himself from the onslaught of treatments. Next up are tests at the end of the month to see if he’s a candidate for surgery.

So now there’s just lots of waiting, and I’m trying to fill this anxious time with as much joy as I can.

Together.

David and I chemo

And we’re embracing those small moments and mini-occasions.

Eating al fresco

party decorations alfresco

This past week was Porter’s first anniversary with us (which we also celebrated as his birthday).

Porter's birthday

My friend Kate from S.F. recently sent us these beautiful little surprise gift bundles

party decorations alfresco

so we had those at each place setting (David’s vintage card alongside seemed particularly appropriate).

al fresco dinner

We put on our paper crowns

Charlotte in crown

and toasted each other and a wonderful year of memories with our beloved P. Chop

Porter Recliner

How has it been a year already?

Oliver and Porter

These days we now stop and eat treats whenever they’re brought to us, like this week’s surprise delivery of Pip’s Donuts.

Pip's donuts

And we’ve enjoyed digging into all the edible delights my friend Monika dropped off.

food gifts Monika

Monika owns a string of cooking schools

Hipcooks Monika book

and she’s a phenomenally creative and accomplished cook. (Obviously.)

There was shrimp escabeche in a darling little jar.

Monika food gifts porch

A luscious vanilla cake with a strawberry and cream filling.

Monika's vanilla and strawberry cake

and perhaps my favorite, a chocolate dipped Alfajore cookie.

Monika alfajores

I’m so spoiled.

Also this week a friend of my sister’s sent me this

Fortnum *& Mason assortment

and I really took the time out to appreciate each component of this handsome picnic basket offering.

Fortnum & Mason tea assortment

Fortnum & Mason jams

Just look at the teabag carrier, people.

Fortnum & Mason tea assortment

Some days it feels like my front porch is akin to Grand Central with all activity of friends dropping off treats and plants and flowers, and I’m deriving so much pleasure from these tiny examples of growth and bounty.

kitchen window plants Mothers Day

Filling my world with beautiful scents and wee treasures nourishes me.

succulence gifts

And now that the weather is cooperating, I’m loving taking our meals outside whenever possible.

eating outside

Now that David is getting so much nutrition from the feeding tube, he can just sit with us and a milkshake or cocktail (instead of painfully, unsuccessfully getting food down), and in a way that is freeing for us all.

I’m grateful that family suppers are back on the table for now; Oliver is so close to going off to college that I don’t take any meals for granted anymore.

And if we can also sneak in food carts together, why not?

Alberta food carts

This week there was Matta (which calls its offerings Vietnamese Soul Food) and we had sirloin marinated in lime and fish sauce, grilled, and then served atop French fries and rice

Motta food cart Vietnamese Portland cart

and we also enjoyed a killer chicken sandwich from Gumba next door.

Gumba food cart Portland

Speaking of meals outside, my Mother’s Day great.

Was yours?

Mine was spent Goodwill Bin-ing (more on that later), watching the Trail Blazers win a thrilling, Game 7 contest,  sitting in the sun reading one of my Mother’s Day gifts,

The Pretty Dish cookbook

picking herbs from my beloved corner of the garden

herb garden

and playing games together at our big outdoor table.

Portland PDX Goodwill Outlet Bins find box for Bananagrams

Afterwards, we luxuriated in a fab alfresco meal: Tuscan-inspired grilled pork chops

grilled pork chops

an arugula and Manchego salad

arugula salad with anchovy

and a giant platter of  fries and our first-of-the-season grilled corn.

Another gift, this time from my pal Gillian,

cookbook gift Baking cookbook

inspired our Mother’s Day dessert.

chocolate chip cookie

Look at the richness of that dough.

chocolate chip cookie dough

Happily for us all, David was able to join us in this chocolate chip reverie.

bins Goodwill find

And when…

We Eat Together vintage sign

… I’m happiest of all.

A belated Mother’s Day to all you lovelies —

picnic downtown with Porter

here in Portland we send all our love (and our crazy mad gratitude for the continuing barrage of gifts, support and well wishes).

XO

Filed Under: Uncategorized

« FIVE CANCER LESSONS–PLUS GATHERING AND GIVING JOY
THE WAITING GAME »

Comments

  1. Amy Baskin says

    May 13, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    This is all marvelous. You’re marvelous. The picture of you and David makes me happy. Thanks for sharing it all, doll.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:51 am

      Amy, love you girl. Thanks a zillion for the various treats and support you’ve sent our way. Love you!

      Reply
  2. Matt says

    May 13, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    Amazing post Sarah.
    Thank you for sharing your process and your passion with us. You are an inspiration. Wishing for a quick and full recovery for David.
    Love to all you Klines,
    Matt

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:51 am

      Matt, it’s so sweet of you to chime in. I miss seeing you on my regular walk. Thanks so much for the good wishes. Here’s hoping! Much love to you and yours.

      Reply
  3. Eileen Mcdargh says

    May 13, 2019 at 11:34 pm

    You are all inspirations!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:46 am

      Thanks, Eileen! I’ve been meaning to call you, lots to catch up on… In the meantime, thanks for chiming in. Best to you!

      Reply
  4. Polly Kennedy Meyer says

    May 13, 2019 at 11:44 pm

    I love your attitude, admire your courage and boundless generosity and miss you like crazy.
    Love, prayers & good thoughts
    ❤️ Peanut

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 1:46 am

      Peanut, I got your spectacular Mother’s Day package but didn’t open it until today. Love you!

      Reply
  5. Elizanbeth says

    May 14, 2019 at 3:01 am

    Sarah and David

    I was relieved to read that his chemo and radiation are OVER!! I could never have taken them simultaneously I love the way you write in such a hopeful attitude. Your friends are taking good care of you. The meals and “treats” make mouth water! Shouldn’t read this at bedtime !💟💟💟😀😀😀💜💜💜

    Much love

    Reply
  6. laurie says

    May 14, 2019 at 4:22 am

    Your updates and posts make me smile…you all have been in my thoughts so often. Sending big hugs. (and hopefully giving one in person one of these days)

    Reply
  7. tracy mchugh says

    May 14, 2019 at 1:47 pm

    you are all in my thoughts. sending good energy your way!! your positive attitude is inspiring, and although i don’t know you personally, i think more virtual hugs can’t hurt. what a lucky, loving family.

    to the best day ever, today,
    xxxxx
    tracy

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 9:57 pm

      Tracy, so good to hear from you. I so appreciate you reaching out and you’re right — I could always use more hugs. Love the thought, best day ever, today. HUGS.:)

      Reply
  8. Lacy says

    May 14, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    Many you have many, many more good days ahead.
    Sending all the hugs and love you can hold.
    XOXOXOXO ~ Lacy

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 14, 2019 at 9:54 pm

      Lacy, you’re such a doll. Thanks so much for the good wishes and I’m really hoping we can meet in the flesh soon! XO

      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    May 15, 2019 at 2:06 am

    There’s something to be said for living in the moment. It sounds like you had a good Mother’s Day, and I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for the bins report! (Is it busy on the weekends?) I managed an estate sale visit, breakfast out, and a Sunday drive with the family.

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 18, 2019 at 12:13 am

      Thanks, Lisa. I found a tiny thing for you last time I was there — now if I can only remember to bring it to you next time we meet! XO

      Reply
  10. ANITA KLINE says

    May 15, 2019 at 3:51 pm

    Dear Sarah, There’s so much wisdom and compassion here. And the light of your curious mind. And the generous revelations of life’s secret ingredients. Thanks for sharing all of it. Love to all. xoxo

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 18, 2019 at 12:11 am

      Big hugs to you — and hope to see you sooner vs later. XO

      Reply
  11. Greer lyon says

    May 17, 2019 at 7:58 pm

    Sarah, you are amazing. Your positive attitude is beyond anything imaginable. I love all the pictures of your on going life’s story. How can it be that Oliver is going off to college? You all look wonderful. I was so happy to see David looking well. Sending hugs all across the country. Love you all, Greer

    Reply
    • Sarah Kline says

      May 18, 2019 at 12:12 am

      Greer, you’re such a doll, and getting to visit with you most of the times you’re here in Portland is always such a kick for me. Thanks for all the love and good wishes. Love you back!

      Reply

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