TheBanyanTree: I Have Issues - Afterword

[Linda DeMerle]

Knowing you as I do, Jim, it didn't occur to me that you were whining.  It's nice to know we are all in the same boat, since it can sometimes feel like we are unique in our struggles.  Some things are, unique.

I don't think there is anything wrong with expressing what is going on or how we are feeling about it.

xox
L


On Dec 3, 2013, at 12:02 AM, Jim Miller <jim at maze.cc> wrote:

> Friends All,
> 
> In March, it will be 18 years that I walked into a small cafe by the side
> of the road. It had an interesting name - The Spoon. That was about a month
> after I was diagnosed with life threatening heart disease. Some of you were
> there. A few joined not long after. A few good friends have gone on, and I
> miss them. That month when I could only walk a short distance and my
> breathing rattled, I howled at the moon for the first time in my life. And
> it felt great.
> 
> We have shared our lives and our stories with each other. We have mourned
> together when we lost a friend. We've shared difficulties and survived
> traumas together. And, we've aged together. I think that we're doing pretty
> good.
> 
> You have all assured me that everyone has issues, and this I know.
> Sometimes it's good to be reminded that none escape, and yet, we are in
> this together. Some days are better than others and some not so good.
> Still, like me, you probably make plans for tomorrow's sunshine. Yes, there
> is much to miss, however, relationships will endure and prop us up until we
> can no longer communicate. I cherish the friendship and caring of each of
> you.
> 
> NOW, ABOUT MY ISSUES . . . . . . It is apparent to me that I don't write
> here as frequently as I must, in order for you to recognize my tone. I
> perceived that some thought I was grumbling about my general state.
> Honestly, I'm not. I was striving for levity, but obviously it was lost in
> the subtlety. I love life and every day. Some days are a major struggle,
> but I know that I will to stand tomorrow. I will not go down as long as I
> can howl at the moon. I will tell stories and dance around the campfire.
> Please join me.
> 
> Jim