You've Inspired Me

Hey, Helen --
I was thinking about you a bunch today, and I'm pretty sure that you have gotten me into a bit of trouble. I got an e-mail advertising an 8k race that supports ovarian cancer research through the Hera Foundation. While I am no runner (really), I signed up and am beginning to train (yes, 8k is something I'll have to train for). I hope you don't mind if I wear your name on my race number. I'll be thinking of you -- cursing you, I'm guessing -- the whole way. Also, I'm going to see a version of "Waiting for Godot" that is set in post-Katrina NOLA this weekend. While I know that New Orleans is not in the state is was when I came to visit that spring, I always think of my visit with you, and Mike and Aimee when I think of either NOLA or Katrina.

Keep fighting!

Love,
Marcy Fine

A new level of compassion and understanding.

Dear Sweet Helen,

I have decided to make this a public post because I have been thinking about you this entire week - I did not know that I could actually think of you more than I already have been. So here is the short version. I am liable to nod off at any moment...forgive any typos etc. This is the first correspondence I have attempted since last Friday night.

I can now personally appreciate the extent of effort it takes just to heal - that is, now I realize your time after surgery - in ICU - what a crazy place. They really don't want you to get any sleep and just about the time you are lucky enough to doze off ...some machine makes an obnoxious noise or some clueless person raises their voice, OR they mistake you for a human VooDoo Doll. This has got to be where they got the idea for Alice in Wonderland - what a crazy place.

Anyway, I am home today for the first time and SO happy to be in my own bed - QUIET. I completely understand now, that no matter how much you want to pick up the phone, or send an e-mail, you just can't - no energy left. Thank you Aimee for setting up this wonderful site. I can see what a wonderful, no pressure way it is to keep the communication going. I realized this from my side of the equation, and now I can see it from Helen's side.

Well, as if you were not my hero already - you just hit the top of the list again Helen. I can not get over your abilities. Sorry if you are tired of hearing that - too bad.

Just for the record - I am a total wimp and I was not going to stay in the hospital one more day - no matter what!

So, I guess I had better get to the point. My heart decided to have a little blowout in one of the arteries Friday night. They said this was a spontaneous blowout - I guess like when you are driving down the highway and the tire blows - well, the whole experience really blows.
Good news - they patched the blow out and have sent me back onto the roads...well, no driving for a couple of weeks. No nothin' for a couple of weeks.

There was my mini- Helen experience - now I get to hang out at home and hope my body will let me stay awake for more than 10 minutes at a time. They have me on blood pressure medicine - personally I think they just do this so you HAVE to rest. I already had low blood pressure.

Your walk in the park and all of the wonderful experiences you shared in and around NOLA sound perfect. I hope to see you the first week in December - I figure by then I should be good for a road trip. Get ready - I can't wait to go wig shopping...not for you silly...for me :) Well, actually I will feel real lucky just to sit and hang out together for a little while.

ONe more funny moment...One of the transport people, Nate - funny guy who rolled me down to CT said I was sporting a Don King hair-do, He made me laugh so hard. Just for the record, I'm still sportin' that do, but not for long. If we are all shaving our heads for solidarity please let me know, because now would be a perfect time!

Hugs and Kisses
Rena

HELEN

Helen,
I am still praying for you as you go through your necessary procedures.  I know you will kick this "thing's" butt so keep your chin up, your fighting spirit fighting and call on me if I can do anything more than pray and email. :)
Stay strong!
- Lola

Lola K. Lass, CTS, CSP
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