The Beginning ...

... of the End

You may remember one of my favorite jokes, by the deadpan comedian Steven Wright, who says, "I plan to live forever ... [pause] ... so far, so good."
Well, that plan isn't going to work much longer for me.

Best to use this post to generate compassion - for everyone, which early on I learned also includes me (that is, you!). From there, as Buddha teaches, widen your scope from those closest and dearest to you - say, family and friends - eventually to all living beings, and not just humans and furry animals.
I find that reading or hearing about intense suffering around the world, day by day in the news, really helps. Looking back at history also helps. Gives me a broader view, for one.

Mostly my cancer story over the past 7+ years is filled with extraordinary surprises that I attribute to Buddhism and to your support and prayers. I see even conventional doctors as a form of Medicine Buddha, and their treatments as medicines that ultimately come from him. All those special medical specialists have been amazed when I've defied their expectations again and again.

But last week's Brain MRI scan wasn't what would usually be described as good. I'm getting closer to my actual "expiration date." Mostly things are headed downward, probably faster than in the past. Happy to supply details if you want them and I can (increasing brain problems have prevented me for updating you as often as I'd like).

Please think especially of R, who is so important to me, in far more ways than I can describe here. It's easy to see the karma in his connection to me. After all, no normal  person would be spending so much time with me, over years and years : )
He has it much worse than I do: I'm like the person going on a trip, having to leave other loved ones at home.
Only this time, in a while, you won't see or hear me again in this form. I'm like that actor playing a role for a time, then moving on to another role, on a different stage - hopefully the gorgeous one of a heavenly place, such as Keajra, where there is no suffering, only goodness for all.

I'm in a good place, deeply grateful for all the kinds of support. Glad to know that my body (including my brain) has a relationship to my mind, but that my heart (or "soul" if you like) will be going onward. Again, I'll say that Buddhist ideas are deeply comforting to me. Notably karma and death, of all things!



Peace. Love and Compassion to All,
Mimi