Spiritual Maintenance...

[DDT (12)]

Back at it tomorrow (Saturday)… the 400-mile slog to Montgomery to prepare for the following week of daily treatments. That drive is surely getting old. Yep, a drive and not a ride… It’s just too inconvenient to make my daily activities on our girl, plus there is the drive back and forth too. Having to carry clothes and other stuff to sustain me in temporary living quarters for two months is just easier in the cage…

My landlady has graciously allowed me the use of her car. Rain, ya know… Had to make the less desirable choice more than anything because coming down with a cold or any other malady would set us back on the treatment regimen… and the forecast for the southeast this time of year always has… you know… Most of the precip will be associated with frontal movements, so sharp temperature changes and cool snaps will typically accompany passage.

Sunday will be spent focused on the purging of bowels. Man, it’s not enough having to drive back through spotty showers over now very familiar roads; what awaits me won’t exactly be the end of a rainbow! It’s enough to… Stop it!!! Don’t go down that road, dude! Think about the ultimate end of all of this.

Think of a return to roaming around on our girl… This is simply a necessary pause in order to prolong tenure on this spinning orb through space… It’s nothing more than some unscheduled maintenance for the transport vessel of the spirit. All part of the process, and just as with our girl, aging carries with it certain realities which in turn mean more cumulative wear and tear resulting in more repair work being required. However, this too shall pass…

Mental state management is part of the process as surely as the obvious physical issues and treatments. Everybody knows that, but like with most, I think I allow those negative thoughts to build and creep up on me… until I realize what I’m doing. That’s when a gut-check has to be made, and adjustment to perspective initiated.

Although I haven’t received even a hint of a death sentence, this still very well could be… But it could also be just one more inconvenience along the way. Until I know otherwise, I’m going to continue to plan on returning to the coddiewomple, and to think about this as a mere delay that will in the long run actually enhance the joy of doing what we do. No false hope, wishful thinking bravado, and no naïve belief that uttering positive words will somehow magically make it so. Just a little ‘spiritual maintenance’, that’s all…

DDT

[Valkorado]

   Just a bump in a long road, Bruce.  A brief intermission between the coddiewomples.

[..]

[Bret SD]

Back at it tomorrow (Saturday)… the 400-mile slog to Montgomery to prepare for the following week of daily treatments. That drive is surely getting old. Yep, a drive and not a ride… It’s just too inconvenient to make my daily activities on our girl, plus there is the drive back and forth too. Having to carry clothes and other stuff to sustain me in temporary living quarters for two months is just easier in the cage…

My landlady has graciously allowed me the use of her car. Rain, ya know… Had to make the less desirable choice more than anything because coming down with a cold or any other malady would set us back on the treatment regimen… and the forecast for the southeast this time of year always has… you know… Most of the precip will be associated with frontal movements, so sharp temperature changes and cool snaps will typically accompany passage.

Sunday will be spent focused on the purging of bowels. Man, it’s not enough having to drive back through spotty showers over now very familiar roads; what awaits me won’t exactly be the end of a rainbow! It’s enough to… Stop it!!! Don’t go down that road, dude! Think about the ultimate end of all of this.

Think of a return to roaming around on our girl… This is simply a necessary pause in order to prolong tenure on this spinning orb through space… It’s nothing more than some unscheduled maintenance for the transport vessel of the spirit. All part of the process, and just as with our girl, aging carries with it certain realities which in turn mean more cumulative wear and tear resulting in more repair work being required. However, this too shall pass…

Mental state management is part of the process as surely as the obvious physical issues and treatments. Everybody knows that, but like with most, I think I allow those negative thoughts to build and creep up on me… until I realize what I’m doing. That’s when a gut-check has to be made, and adjustment to perspective initiated.

Although I haven’t received even a hint of a death sentence, this still very well could be… But it could also be just one more inconvenience along the way. Until I know otherwise, I’m going to continue to plan on returning to the coddiewomple, and to think about this as a mere delay that will in the long run actually enhance the joy of doing what we do. No false hope, wishful thinking bravado, and no naïve belief that uttering positive words will somehow magically make it so. Just a little ‘spiritual maintenance’, that’s all…

DDT

Bruce,

It's no secret that attitude and state of mind greatly effect our physiology, and as you say it's not reading to ourselves that gets the job done. If we have faith in God and belief in our hearts we can and do change things on a molecular level inside these meat bags we call our bodies. That's why placebos work too, the belief we are healing has power beyond what we normally think.

One of my best friends of 30 years has non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He has a very stoic attitude about death and dying being Isreali. Now he's doing rounds of chemo and we'll see how long he makes it.. for now he works and lives normally and I try and talk to him regularly.

I think we can look at life and death in many ways. Often when riding I thank God for my life and all I have in this world, I'm a rich man in things that matter. I have my health, and my loved ones... those are two things which can't be bought at any price.

I don't believe for a second you won't be coddiewomping all over our Great Republic as usual, and I'm hedging my bet with prayers for you. 

Take good care my friend, I'd love to meet you on the road one day.

Bret

[f6john]

Love the title Bruce. This is my contribution to the post as the music really tugs at my heartstrings every time I listen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfY7CGU8sck

[NewValker]

All my good, positive, healing thoughts & prayers to you Bruce.   

Craig

[The emperor has no clothes]

My friend, you have performed more "maintainence" than just about anybody I know.  I suspect it will carry you thru in more ways than you realize.

I hope you continue with the stories of this next adventure. I think it is also part of your "spiritual maintenance".

[scooperhsd]

Back at it tomorrow (Saturday)… the 400-mile slog to Montgomery to prepare for the following week of daily treatments. That drive is surely getting old. Yep, a drive and not a ride… It’s just too inconvenient to make my daily activities on our girl, plus there is the drive back and forth too. Having to carry clothes and other stuff to sustain me in temporary living quarters for two months is just easier in the cage…

My landlady has graciously allowed me the use of her car. Rain, ya know… Had to make the less desirable choice more than anything because coming down with a cold or any other malady would set us back on the treatment regimen… and the forecast for the southeast this time of year always has… you know… Most of the precip will be associated with frontal movements, so sharp temperature changes and cool snaps will typically accompany passage.

Sunday will be spent focused on the purging of bowels. Man, it’s not enough having to drive back through spotty showers over now very familiar roads; what awaits me won’t exactly be the end of a rainbow! It’s enough to… Stop it!!! Don’t go down that road, dude! Think about the ultimate end of all of this.

Think of a return to roaming around on our girl… This is simply a necessary pause in order to prolong tenure on this spinning orb through space… It’s nothing more than some unscheduled maintenance for the transport vessel of the spirit. All part of the process, and just as with our girl, aging carries with it certain realities which in turn mean more cumulative wear and tear resulting in more repair work being required. However, this too shall pass…

Mental state management is part of the process as surely as the obvious physical issues and treatments. Everybody knows that, but like with most, I think I allow those negative thoughts to build and creep up on me… until I realize what I’m doing. That’s when a gut-check has to be made, and adjustment to perspective initiated.

Although I haven’t received even a hint of a death sentence, this still very well could be… But it could also be just one more inconvenience along the way. Until I know otherwise, I’m going to continue to plan on returning to the coddiewomple, and to think about this as a mere delay that will in the long run actually enhance the joy of doing what we do. No false hope, wishful thinking bravado, and no naïve belief that uttering positive words will somehow magically make it so. Just a little ‘spiritual maintenance’, that’s all…

DDT

Bruce,

It's no secret that attitude and state of mind greatly effect our physiology, and as you say it's not reading to ourselves that gets the job done. If we have faith in God and belief in our hearts we can and do change things on a molecular level inside these meat bags we call our bodies. That's why placebos work too, the belief we are healing has power beyond what we normally think.

One of my best friends of 30 years has non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He has a very stoic attitude about death and dying being Isreali. Now he's doing rounds of chemo and we'll see how long he makes it.. for now he works and lives normally and I try and talk to him regularly.

I think we can look at life and death in many ways. Often when riding I thank God for my life and all I have in this world, I'm a rich man in things that matter. I have my health, and my loved ones... those are two things which can't be bought at any price.

I don't believe for a second you won't be coddiewomping all over our Great Republic as usual, and I'm hedging my bet with prayers for you. 

Take good care my friend, I'd love to meet you on the road one day.

Bret

Bret - you're being a good friend. Best wishes for your friend.

[Oss]

We have all heard countless time that there can be no courage without fear.

That being said you have great courage as you can not only bear the fear but lay it out for all of us
"coddlewimple challenged"

May the courage and faith you have sustain you through this temporary detour in your life's travels

Oss

This sounds strange but try to stay off sugar during and after treatments.  It suppresses your immune system

[John Schmidt]

Hey bud, I went through 6 weeks of daily treatments last Fall for the same reason. The level of radiation was small enough that it didn't burn externally but did kinda mess with the plumbing for a time. The daily exposure wasn't painful and the staff and I joked back/forth each visit. The procedure for my treatments only took about 40 seconds to pass in one direction, another 40 seconds back and done. Big machine, but silent. Hope yours is comparable, took me about a month to get back to a high level of normal in the plumbing where I could control the outcome of various urges. Obviously I didn't do any traveling until reaching that point. My first session had me near tears, not knowing what to expect when they laid me down on the table. I also questioned my mortality at the time, but a few minutes later I was walking out into a bright sunny day and breathed a huge sigh of relief. Praying yours is much the same. Keep us posted.

[Bret SD]

Back at it tomorrow (Saturday)… the 400-mile slog to Montgomery to prepare for the following week of daily treatments. That drive is surely getting old. Yep, a drive and not a ride… It’s just too inconvenient to make my daily activities on our girl, plus there is the drive back and forth too. Having to carry clothes and other stuff to sustain me in temporary living quarters for two months is just easier in the cage…

My landlady has graciously allowed me the use of her car. Rain, ya know… Had to make the less desirable choice more than anything because coming down with a cold or any other malady would set us back on the treatment regimen… and the forecast for the southeast this time of year always has… you know… Most of the precip will be associated with frontal movements, so sharp temperature changes and cool snaps will typically accompany passage.

Sunday will be spent focused on the purging of bowels. Man, it’s not enough having to drive back through spotty showers over now very familiar roads; what awaits me won’t exactly be the end of a rainbow! It’s enough to… Stop it!!! Don’t go down that road, dude! Think about the ultimate end of all of this.

Think of a return to roaming around on our girl… This is simply a necessary pause in order to prolong tenure on this spinning orb through space… It’s nothing more than some unscheduled maintenance for the transport vessel of the spirit. All part of the process, and just as with our girl, aging carries with it certain realities which in turn mean more cumulative wear and tear resulting in more repair work being required. However, this too shall pass…

Mental state management is part of the process as surely as the obvious physical issues and treatments. Everybody knows that, but like with most, I think I allow those negative thoughts to build and creep up on me… until I realize what I’m doing. That’s when a gut-check has to be made, and adjustment to perspective initiated.

Although I haven’t received even a hint of a death sentence, this still very well could be… But it could also be just one more inconvenience along the way. Until I know otherwise, I’m going to continue to plan on returning to the coddiewomple, and to think about this as a mere delay that will in the long run actually enhance the joy of doing what we do. No false hope, wishful thinking bravado, and no naïve belief that uttering positive words will somehow magically make it so. Just a little ‘spiritual maintenance’, that’s all…

DDT

Bruce,

It's no secret that attitude and state of mind greatly effect our physiology, and as you say it's not reading to ourselves that gets the job done. If we have faith in God and belief in our hearts we can and do change things on a molecular level inside these meat bags we call our bodies. That's why placebos work too, the belief we are healing has power beyond what we normally think.

One of my best friends of 30 years has non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He has a very stoic attitude about death and dying being Isreali. Now he's doing rounds of chemo and we'll see how long he makes it.. for now he works and lives normally and I try and talk to him regularly.

I think we can look at life and death in many ways. Often when riding I thank God for my life and all I have in this world, I'm a rich man in things that matter. I have my health, and my loved ones... those are two things which can't be bought at any price.

I don't believe for a second you won't be coddiewomping all over our Great Republic as usual, and I'm hedging my bet with prayers for you.  

Take good care my friend, I'd love to meet you on the road one day.

Bret

Bret - you're being a good friend. Best wishes for your friend.

Thank you Scott

[DDT (12)]

Thanks so much, everyone! Your encouragement is much appreciated, your positive comments instructive, and your insights and anecdotes most helpful... This is such a good place to come when things appear bleak to receive strong vibes and strength in support. I do appreciate all y'all and how you respond!!!

DDT

[Bigwolf]

Bruce,
Spiritual Maintenance, like the mechanical maintenance of our beloved Valkyries, is so very important for the number of miles and the number of smiles along the way.  I am very happy to know that you are attending to that aspect of yourself through this time.

When the spirit of a horse or dog is broken, their value of life is seriously diminished and their value to others around them also suffers.  I believe it is the same with men and women.  The importance of a strong and vibrant spirit to overcoming health adversities has been proven.  It is also the basis for taking life as it is and finding joy in it.  May you always have a strong vibrant spirit and a willingness to tackle life.  With all it’s sham and drudgery, it is still a beautiful world and a great day to be alive.

I am looking forward to being out and about again sharing some wonderful roads with you.  It’s a big continent with a lot to see!

Jerry

[DDT (12)]

I am looking forward to being out and about again sharing some wonderful roads with you.  It’s a big continent with a lot to see!



Jerry,

I completely agree! I, too, am very much looking forward to many more adventures out & about around our vast stomping grounds! Your special insights and observations, as always, are much appreciated. These set-backs are challenges, for certain, but I reckon it's just time for me to pay my own dues. Can't say I'm happy about it, but neither can I say anything about it is unfair, either... So, one step at a time, one hurdle then the next... Somewhere down the line I hope to be sharing the wind with you and others, as well... I do feel down at times, but my spirit is by no means anywhere near broken!

DDT

[Farside]

 I do feel down at times, but my spirit is by no means anywhere near broken!

DDT
[/quote]

Morning Bruce, I'd would think it is normal to feel down when a health issue shows its ugly head. I'm confident you'll get thru this with your determination and plenty of prayers from this Valk community.   You know if Allie could let you know what she's thinking, I'm sure it'd be something like how much she's looking forward to being back on the road with you If you need to take a break I'm just south of Montgomery you know; even let you ride Renegade!  I'll be on Stinger. 

[DDT (12)]

"If you need to take a break I'm just south of Montgomery you know; even let you ride Renegade!"


Keith,

Man, that is a mighty nice offer! Tempting, too!!! I do need a ride, for sure, but I also miss our girl so very much... Yeah, she and I have been through all of this before, and she understands. She's waiting patiently for my return to her and our return to making miles and smiles together... Maybe I need one of those 'short-timers' calendars we used back when we were teenage warriors...? OK, now back to twiddling my thumbs and longing for...

DDT