The world shifted slightly

My life has been chugging along steadily. An overnight stay with friends and some early planning for a walk in Japan next year a new interest. My brother-in-law Gary and his wife Micky visiting from Sydney was a delightful distraction.  Getting on with the teaching and enjoying the classes more than last semester. 

The group is small and I have  some students with significant challenges but overall a good group. It is heartening to see some of those students really staring to blossom now. The confidence is growing and I hope their people skills are improving too. The first group work activity has been difficult for one group and I have tried to guide rather than intervene to get them to solve their issues themselves.

I had a freewheeling painting class that I almost didn't attend because I felt too tired but I loved just exploring colour and techniques with different tools. Very abstract but emotional. It was only after a few days I noticed I had splashed my new shoes with paint in my unbridled enthusiasm.  As my darling husband would have said" too much gusto Kath!"

Dawn Csutoros my teacher was curious about the Camino because she feels it is something she is being called to do.  I of course was only too happy to talk about my experiences. She has a colour installation that is touring various churches or spiritual spaces in Europe and is thinking of other places she can exhibit. It seems remarkable to have such a creative artist as my teacher.

Then the bombshell.  Mum has been diagnosed with ( I hope) early stage lung cancer.  The whole family is in shock. She seemed so indestructible. She is so physically well and mentally alert that at 91 she seemed destined to keep on keeping on. The blindness of children. I am still her child even though I am 63 and she has been the constant in our life all that time. It is a reality check because Cancer is a disease of old age or the odds of developing it increase with age. Anyway she isn't dead yet so I shouldn't be talking as if she is about to leave us right now. 

 A photo of the amazing Edna  and me.

We will see what treatment options are offered and how bad it is first. It has disappointed her because she was going to come down for Ziggy's birthday next week and spend some time with him. We have cancelled the flight and the same might happen for the New Zealand cruise in late November too. We will wait and see. 

My idea of going to Japan will wait until I have more information. It is only a two week trip so not impossible to do  regardless of what transpires. 

Life isn't predictable so I don't know why we think we can control everything. What will be, will be.