My View of Life on the Dock
Yesterday I took my first short walk with no support other than my legs. Occupational therapist Shelly came over, I handed her my camera, and told her I was going to walk. Well, I did, after seven and a half months of grave illness and much therapy. I traveled 21 steps, and I call that a winner – Blackjack!
This past Sunday, my friend and brother-in-law, Robert Lee Doss (L), died after a courageous battle with cancer. He was diagnosed last February, two weeks after my own cancer diagnosis. Robert and my sister, “Painter Barb,” lived on Martha’s Vineyard, and were frequent guests at GMG and my own events at the gallery.
Robert was a CPA, attorney, and Chief Revenue Officer for the State of Alaska. This photo was taken by sista’ Barb during our last visit together, which was a delightful luncheon at the Emerson Inn. Rest in peace Robert, you were a true friend and the best oyster shucker and grill master I ever knew.
Last night, after being taken home by the wonderful CATA ADA (disability) lift bus, I walked into a dark and empty house. Finding no matches to light a candle, I located my dad’s 1970’s rechargeable flashlight. Still no matches, even though we had just bought three hundred at the dollar store. I opened the freezer door, and as it swung shut, it bit me. Not wanting to bleed all over the floor, I grabbed a napkin and a rubber band. My nurse friends may hate me, but all is well. Then the power came back on. I just had to laugh.
Schooner Green Dragon placed first in the Small Schooner Class in the 2014 Schooner Races, winning the Betty Ramsay Plate. Al Bezanson, who’s the owner of Green Dragon and is on the Schooner Race committee, sits in the cockpit of his schooner. Photo by Kathy Chapman.
After photographing USCG barque Eagle Friday afternoon, I wanted to take the deck tour on Saturday morning. The boarding ramp didn’t look like it would be too steep for my rollator at 9:30 am, low tide. But when I approached the stairs, I knew it would be a challenge. Both the ramp and steep stairs would have to be walked without the aid of my four–wheeled walker. I got on the ship with hard work and a sailor standing by. The main deck was fascinating and crew was fun to talk to, including officer candidate Flores, my tour chaperone.
The climb up the stairs disembarking Eagle was exhausting, especially going up. Two crew members guarded me against a fall in back and in front of me. On the last two steps, I asked for and got a “lift.” They were very happy to help me, and it was welcome. I thanked them for an excellent physical therapy session. Once on terra firma, my legs were shaking. I had pushed myself to the limit. When I heard the distant blasts of Eagle’s horn as she departed this afternoon, I realized what the experience was all about: I had challenged the stairs to stop me, and they could not.
Chuck and Sharon are from Florida. Chuck is from Miami and Sharon is the Tallahassee Lassie, and both love Cape Ann. We photographed the Eagle entering Gloucester Harbor, and then they showed the sticker in front of the ship.
I took this photo from the roof of the Hotel Bossert, in Brooklyn Heights. The tall ship is parading up the East River, as part of the nation’s Bicentennial celebration. Lower Manhattan is in the background.
We’re so lucky to live here.
This is the first time I’ve raised the flag since January. I’m home again with my birds. I have missed them. In this photo, I meant to show my “bullet hole,” but it’s hidden behind my right shoulder. Just as well! Photo, with flawless framing, is by my friend 
Donna Ardizzoni.
I look forward to posts than other than those about my health. However, I think I’ve opened up an area that many folks are have interest in. I’ll always cherish the hospital and nursing home/rehab/VNA friends who saved my life.
Yes, there were massive crowds on the street, but the the 150+ people I appreciated most were the folks who came in to encourage me with my battle with cancer and the attack by a gangrenous appendix. Tugboat Captain Doug walked right up to me behind the desk to give me a big bear hug. I thought I was going to get mugged, as he was clean shaven and unrecognized at first. City Councilor Sepatia thrust my rollator/walker aside to give another hug and kind words. Reiki Master Karen Pischke made a promise to bring the resources of her Dreamtime Wellness treatment to me at home. Shelley (with PT/OT calzones) from Den-Mar Rehab, one of my prime physical therapists, came by with half a dozen of her best friends,. Then three nurses from Mass General charged in and offered their support too.
I’d like to thank Valerie Marcley, long time organizer in charge of the Block Parties, for her hard work on the event, her sensitivity, and for being a good friend. She was there cleaning up long after I had gone home. Lastly, I want to mention my “Gyotaku” fish print artist Patrick Horgan, who just happened in from Seabrook, N.H. I convinced him to set up his display outside the gallery. It’s always a pleasure to work with Pat, and he escorted and drove me safely thru the darkness to the refuge of my home in Rockport. Cape Ann is a very special community that cares. They’ll always have your back.
Good Morning Gloucester 