Spring Planting Moon
Kona will have her tumor removed tomorrow. Roger Barr, our vet, says it is cancerous, which surprised me because she’s been so sturdy and active in spite of the tumor. A chest x-ray though showed no metastases, a good thing. We’ve opted to remove though the emergency vet bill and the removal costs will debulk our capital reserves. Which means we’ll have to find a way to build them back up again.
After our appointment with Dr. Barr, I tried to lift Kona up into the Rav4. Usually, no problem. I can lift her 40 pounds. However. Last week I wrenched my back cleaning out the bee hives in readiness for the new package, which I will pick up today. As I struggled with what would have been an easy task, a woman came along and asked me if I needed help, “Yes. I do.”
Between us we got Kona up on the blanket in the back.
“Her and me, we’re doing it together.” I said, nodding toward Kona, “Thanks.”
“Bless you,” she said.
I recount this conversation because it reminded me of a third phase thought. A thought important for an all men’s group like the Woollies. We must learn how to recognize when we need help, how to ask for it and how to graciously receive it. It’s not easy for me to ask for help and I imagine many of us are the same. As we age, infirmity and illness will increase the probability, the likelihood that we will need the help of others. Fellow Woollies. Family. Other friends. Medical professionals and home health care assistants.
