FRAME IT! NAME IT! CLAIM IT!

“Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday.” Ann Brashares

"We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are."  ~Anaïs Nin

Recently we purchased a whimsical print we both loved because every time we looked at it we smiled.  After it arrived, I spent most of one day finding a frame shop and selecting the frame I would use.  Because the colors in the silkscreen are vivid, I chose a simple black frame that wouldn't detract from the piece. 

 Big Texas Sky - Artist George Rodrigue ( www.georgerodrigue.com)

During this five year cancer journey with Ernie, I am also learning how to frame or often reframe each day, and I'm discovering that the frame changes as our journey changes.  Sometimes our days are restful and even whimsical with a bit of humor thrown in while other days are fraught with tension/apprehension, especially when he is involved with medical tests or doctors' appointments.  Yet, even on the more somber days, I can choose to frame those days, name those days and claim those days with a perspective that pulls back the curtains and lets light into the day.  If I feed on the apprehension like a hungry beast, it multiplies until there's too much to consume.  

But perspective is tricky.  Just telling myself to quit feeling a certain way or to quit thinking a certain way doesn't always work.  A change in perspective involves work.  First I have to discover where I am that day.  Then I need to examine the events of the day ahead and formulate a plan that will provide some balance if it is one of those days that might be all consuming.  For example, tomorrow Ernie has to go to the hospital to have some blood drawn.  This will involve loading the scooter on the back of our car, driving to the hospital, checking in, waiting in the lab until his blood can be drawn and then doing everything in reverse.  We have decided after the blood draw we will take in a movie at a neighborhood movie theater that offers lunch while you watch the film.  In that way, the day will include an activity that will provide some balance and enjoyment.  

So many actions we as caregivers take involve deliberate action on our part if we are to thrive and survive this journey with our loved ones.  A song that is an oldie but a goodie popped into my head as I was considering this topic.  

"I Can See Clearly Now the Rain is Gone"

I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me down
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day

Oh yes, I can make it now the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day

Look all around, there's nothing but blue skies
Look straight ahead, there's nothing but blue skies

I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Here is that rainbow I've been praying for
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day
Real, real,real,real bright bright sunshinin' day
Yeah, hey, it's gonna be a bright bright sun shinin' day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day
It's gonna be a bright bright sunshinin' day