Friday, May 6, 2011

Friday, May 6, 2011

This picture was taken in July of 2007 on Roosevelt Island. This was one of Mattie's favorite rocks on the Island. It can be found near the only beachy area on the Island. Some of you may recall that on Mattie's birthday this year, I went to Roosevelt Island alone and planted forget me not seeds right near this rock.

Quote of the day: Grief teaches the steadiest minds to waver. ~ Sophocles


Based on how I have been physically feeling, I decided today to take a forced break and go for a massage and a facial. The massage I received was very different from any I have had in the past. Because this massage combined Shiatsu and Reflexology. I did not really know much about these techniques, but I learned about them today first hand. In addition to the massage, the therapist does deep breathing techniques, and she literally had me breathing and reminding me to relax. Post-cancer, I find that I naturally tense all of my muscles, even when I am sitting still. Therefore, I am all aches and pains everyday, and trying to give me a massage can be a challenge. I am a therapist's worst nightmare, because no matter how much you try to work through a knot, it simply remains.

Today I learned that shiatsu is a Japanese form of bodywork. The word shiatsu means "finger pressure," and shiatsu is sometimes described as a finger pressure massage. Like acupuncture, shiatsu is based on the holistic system of traditional Chinese medicine, where illness is thought to result from imbalances in the natural flow of energy, or qi (pronounced "chee") through the body. Shiatsu therapists use finger and palm pressure to energetic pathways, called meridians to improve the flow of qi. A scientific explanation is that shiatsu calms an overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.

The massage therapist began my session by examining my feet and literally rubbing them. From just touching my feet, she identified every stress point in my body without me having to say a word. She let me know that she could tell I had the feet of a ballet dancer, small but quick hands, and the back of a lion (meaning that I carry the weight of the world on my back). The whole analysis was fascinating, because frankly if someone told me about this technique, I would have been skeptical. But apparently I learned today that my feet don't lie. Reflexology is an alternative medicine involving the physical act of applying pressure to the feet, hands, or ears with specific thumb, finger, and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion. Reflexology is a form of bodywork that focuses primarily on the feet. The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex" areas on the feet and hands that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. This picture is an example of a reflexology chart, demonstrating the areas of the feet that practitioners believe correspond with organs of the body.

Later in the day I spent several hours working on Foundation Walk items. In the midst of this, I had the opportunity to talk tonight with Toni, Brandon's mom. As many of my faithful readers know, Brandon was Mattie's big buddy at the Hospital. Mattie and Brandon were battling cancer at the same time. I am thrilled that both Toni and Brandon will be volunteering at the Walk this year. The Walk wouldn't be the same without Brandon. Brandon was Mattie's closest friend while coping with cancer, and in many ways they were good for each other. Though Mattie is no longer with us, he has permanently connected Peter and I to Brandon and his family. Through this connection, Mattie lives on.

I also traded emails today with Linda, Mattie's childlife specialist. Linda and several of Mattie's nurses will be at the Walk again this year and doing a surprise craft activity with the children in attendance. Needless to say, Mattie would have loved this activity because the item the kids will be making was one that Mattie always demanded from Linda during every hospital visit. We had quite a collection of these items by the time he was done with treatment. I am thrilled that Linda and Mattie's nurses will be at the Walk. I have the utmost respect for these women. They will always have a special place in my heart, because I saw them under the best and worst circumstances, and regardless of what was thrown their way, they always handled it was great skill, sensitivity, and compassion.

Peter flew today from Kenya to Qatar. But then he had an 8 hour layover in Qatar. The airline was very thoughtful and comped Peter a hotel room at the airport for his layover. He tried to sleep, but he is all thrown off time wise. He is now flying from Qatar to Washington, DC. A 14 hour flight! I will be picking him up at 4pm on Saturday.