THINGS I'VE RECENTLY LEARNED...

For the past five weeks I have basically been confined to my apartment. I had shoulder surgery on the 6th of January and the pain I felt both from breast cancer and the accident I had in 1992 when I collapsed and punctured both lungs and broke all my ribs, were 'a piece of cake' next to all this. Under my right arm is a football sized bandage that is strapped to me in various ways. After five weeks of carrying this weight around, I may just jump off my balcony.

The neighborhood has become somewhat used to me. Thankfully I had a large baseball jacket that I could wear out---but this is Florida and it can get really hot wearing a jacket in the sun. In Walgreens they looked at me as an escapee from a hospital ward when I walked in jacketless. The discomfort has been immense, and upon emerging from the hospital I was accompanied by a 'bug' of some sort that has taken three different antibiotics before two days ago when I felt normal for the first time. Indeed I actually now have the energy and enough mobility to make this blog entry.

As always however, God has sent me angels to help me through.

My friend Melody stayed with me upon my release from the hospital and was amazing in her love and care. My friend Laura, who is devoted to my dogs, lights up each day for me. And a gentleman, Bob, whom I met the Sunday before the operation has been an absolute gift, being here often; getting me out to a dinner, and even taking me to doctor appointments. Several in the building have visited, as have a very few women whom I now treasure. My truly good friend Lynnia found time to make me an album and a CD of a party I'd had here in December, and of course those of you who have found time to call me have virtually 'made my day'.

What I would do without the voices of my kids and grandkids I have no idea. Karen has had to have a phone permanently attached to her ear in order to accomodate her kids, her mother, and sometimes even her husband. Jeffrey who was present for my operation, has had to help me deal with some amazing business/financial events which will be the subject of a future blog. Each week another issue provided me with untimely and unwelcome stress.

My beloved friends such as Jaid and Bill in New York have as always been there for me. A cousin, Diane, who lives here in South Florida and who also has had health issues has become a soulmate---visiting, calling and making soup for me. An old friend from my youth who contacted me when he read about me in the Miami Herald a year and a half ago, has also become something of a soul mate, sharing with me his victories over health issues and making sure he's there if there is anything I need. All the above have been blessings.

This is what I have learned however, is now my respsponsibility to impart.

If y0u feel someone is your friend---be there. Not just to party with that person, but to care when they are down. A simple call makes a huge difference, even an email helps, and a visit is a treasure. If you really value the friendship it is worth putting yourself out for them...I know now how much it means and will continually remind myself when the situation is reversed. It was especially difficult for me as my family are basically all up north, and I live alone. For a woman in my position a mate makes a huge difference at these times. So if any of what I've said sends you readers out there over to visit or call an ailing friend, I will have succeeded in what I've imparted. And that will make me very happy.

Stay well and please let me know when you are not, so I can be there for you. You deserve it.

With love and gratitude
Mimi Scott, Ph.D
954 926-033
www.drmimiscott.com
mimi@drmimiscott.com