Whistling in the dark

     Dean came home from the hospital yesterday after a 3 day stay.  He was admitted with a high fever of unknown origin, and congestive heart failure which was brought on by, or contributed to by, his chemotherapy.  I am so glad he is home.  The fevers are gone, but their cause was not determined.  The congestive heart failure remains.  He is still tired and somewhat short of breath, but home.  Chemo is on hold, at least for this week.
     So we are still whistling in the dark.   We are optimistic in a difficult situation. 
     I first read the phrase "whistling in the dark" in a Madeline L'Engle autobiography, where she was discussing her husband's illness.  I loved the sheer poetry, hope, and descriptiveness of it.
     Then I learned of the "They Might Be Giants" song by the same name:   "And I've often been told that you only can do, What you know how to do well, And that's be you, Be what you're like, Be like yourself...."    So the phrase applies doubly.  We are hoping for the best but can't help sometimes fearing the worst,  and we are both trying to be ourselves, our best selves. 

Quote of the day:  "Be happy for this moment.  This moment is your life."  Omar Khayyam

Updates:  Have been exercising every day to combat stress.  When  I am stressed, I stress Dean. (Just ask him about it).
     Our neighbor was a big help in walking our dog mid-day while I was visiting Dean at the hospital. Thanks.
     Granddaughter Sydney told Dean a good joke to cheer him up:  "Do you know how a rose rides a bike?  With its petals!"
     A therapy dog team stopped to visit Dean at the hospital...a corgi/border collie mix named Molly and her owner.  It was a bright spot in his stay.  Molly was a sweet, loving dog.  This is something we've talked about doing someday.....training a therapy dog and visiting hospitals and schools.
     Thanks family for your phone calls and support!