Larry Smith Letter #3

Mountains and Valleys

 

     First of all I would like to thank you all for the responses I have received. They are full of hope and positive energy. I enjoy hearing that my words have touched someone and maybe made a difference. In fact I have made a difference, Charlie, Second Hand Buzz's drummer and fellow singer, has been cigarette free for 7 days now. Way to go Charlie. If you have any moments of weakness give me a call and I will do my best to talk you off that nicotine ledge.

     I am officially 1/3 of the way through my treatment. I will continue to mark these as milestones to my cure and recovery. I can equate this journey as climbing Mt Everest. I realize now that the 1st 2 weeks were just setting up the base camp. Getting supplies ready, riding back to village on my Yak for forgotten items, checking the weather and learning about my group of sherpas whom I will be climbing with.

     The hard part is starting to come into view. There are changes taking place, the climb steeper. I am losing my taste, something we all take for granted and let me tell you it's a big one. Everything tastes like cardboard or a better description is poi. Poi is a Hawaiian food made from the Taro plant. Poi is the stuff all tourists put on their plate to try and ends up in the napkin they had in their lap. Things you've never heard said about poi: 1) Wow this would taste great on a cracker 2) I see a new ice cream flavor  3) Wow how have they kept this such a secret.  Things you do hear about poi 1) yeecchhh  2) this is what I use to fix cracks in the walls  3) why is it purple it doesn't taste purple.  Ok I got sidetracked, sorry.  They say my taste will return in 2-3 months. In the meantime I've opted for sound and texture and the winner is Grape Nuts!!

       My throat and mouth are starting to become sore, this will increase as the climb continues. But I was told to not stop singing in fact it is a great form of exercise for my throat muscles. So by doctors orders Second Hand Buzz and I will be playing at the Monitor Inn Saturday March 20th in downtown Monitor Or. I will be singing as much as I can. I look forward to the challenge. Music is an amazing form of therapy and I plan to immerse myself in this. I plan on singing my way to the top of that mountain and once I stand at the summit I will then sing my way back down.

        My Sherpa, Dr Gagnon, states that Limpy is indeed getting smaller and that I am well prepared for the trek to the top. My spirit guide Naya, the dolphin, continues to assist me along with her pod of 300, such strength. I rely heavily on her and her friends.

     The valleys are going to come in the form of pain and discomfort but I will draw on my friends energy to overcome those moments. The mountains are my friends and family and the doctors and nurses that work with me. Charlie your a mountain too!!

      I thank you all for your kind words and wishes, that sort of help will get me to the top of Mt Everest and back safely.

     Until next week, take care all.    Larry