Meaning in the Ordinary
The past few weeks have put a few unwanted thoughts in my mind. Last week, as part of a clinical trial, I went through a procedure called Bronchoscopic Microwave Ablation to treat a tumor in my left lung (surgery was on my right lung). And it all went great! Much simpler than lung surgery for sure - in and out in 4 hours. Unwanted Thought #1: there are still new tumors popping up, which is very consistent with metastatic colon cancer. I participate in a couple of online gr
23 hours ago4 min read
Turning Down the Noise
As best I can, I quietly get out of our creaky bed. I’m up before everyone else, already looking forward to my morning ritual. I tip-toe into our bathroom where there is the least chance of being disturbed by others as they wake up. I grab a drink of water, light a candle, and pull out the cushion from the closet. I open the window, letting in a slight breeze and the sounds of crickets, birds, and the neighborhood. Sometimes I leave it open, and sometimes I don’t. I grab the
Jul 265 min read
Red-Tailed Hawks
I think I shared this story once before, but there’s more to add to it. After Mom died in 2023, I was back in Austin shortly afterwards and was taking a walk through our neighborhood. There’s a trail through the trees, alongside a creek bed that’s dry 99% of the year. It’s a well-shaded walk and a regular path for me. And there’s a bench that’s tucked in there where I often sit, stare into the trees, and listen to the life all around. My time on the bench that day included a
Jul 104 min read
