Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Guilty in December




A friend of mine has a condo in México and told me (just before Christmas) that she was lonely. Would I please come visit her for a few days or so? I had a difficult decision to make as the wind was rattling the shutters on my house, and the ominous looking clouds opened up to let fierce rain drum on my roof. Swimming in her pool in radiant sunshine surrounded by people whose language I love to speak? But I couldn't. Really. Just before Christmas. So much to do....


Before I knew it, I had clicked on the button that would reserve me a seat on the plane that would get me to sun and water that I had been dreaming of. I was flooded with guilt. How could I leave everyone at home in dreary, cold Oregon?
Just before the holidays?




I swam at least twice a day in my friend's pool and several times in the gently warm ocean. We even snorkeled in December!

I couldn't bear the thought that my friend was lonely. Feeling tremendously guilty about leaving my family, I spent seven glorious days with my lonely friend.











24 comments:

Danni said...

Wow - wonderful pictures!! I still laugh when I see your feet in your sunglasses. (That must've been incredibly bright sun - lol!)
And don't worry, your family in Oregon isn't holding a grudge against you for the fact that you left us just before the holidays and went to this incredibly beautiful place. Or, at least, we didn't... because we hadn't seen some of these incredibly beautiful pictures - until now.
ha ha

Inger said...

I thought I recognized your picture from Danni's blog. Danni is a long-distance friend of mine from both of our misadventures with that donkey rescue. She is also the one who sent a long email that made me decide to start blogging and helped me get started. I love her blog, her animals, and Critter Farm. You did the right thing going away. These things don't come our way all the time. And also, Wolfi is a handsome fellow. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.--Inger

Inger said...

I thought I recognized your picture from Danni's blog. Danni is a long-distance friend of mine from both of our misadventures with that donkey rescue. She is also the one who sent a long email that made me decide to start blogging and helped me get started. I love her blog, her animals, and Critter Farm. You did the right thing going away. These things don't come our way all the time. And also, Wolfi is a handsome fellow. Thank you so much for visiting my blog.--Inger

clairz said...

Let's make a deal. I'll spin knitting yarn for you and you keep spinning yarns about warm and wonderful travels like this! From your spinning friend in New Mexico, Clair Z.

Zitrone said...

clairz, I think this year you will be the only one spinning yarn. Travels for me are not in the picture right now since a sweet 9-year-old granddaughter decided to live with us during her time in fourth grade. Actually, I think I'll start blogging about that adventure....

LindaG said...

Danni just showed us all what a wonderful person you are.
I pray that God will heal you and bless you even more.
*hugs* ♥

Razzberry Corner said...

Hi there, I'm Lynn. Danni forwarded me on over to say hi. If I was in Oregon I'd bring you some of my fav hot tea and give you a great big Razzberry Corner hug, but alas, I'm in Maryland, so it'll have to be a virtual hug!

~Lynn

clairz said...

If a person who only knows you via the Critter Farm blog can send you love and hugs and good wishes, I'm doing it. Keep that wonderful smile on your face.

Dreaming said...

Danni put me up to it! She blabbed your story to the world! Congrats on completing your chemo. Best wishes for a speedy return to good health and strength. The next time you are at Critter Farm, give the critters a hug from me!

Carla said...

Good morning "Danni's mom".
I'm here to wish you well and congratulations on reaching the milestone of your last chemo treatment. I imagine it's been a long, hard, scary road. It's obvious Danni thinks you hung the moon. Tomorrow will be a new day and a day of moving forward with the lovely life you've had to put on hold. I hope you and the family celebrate in a big way!
Take care,
CeeCee (Carla)

Marigold said...

Hey, Danni's Mom! You go, girl!!!!!!!!!

CaliforniaGrammy said...

Congratulations on your "Milestone Day" as your sweet daughter put it in her blog this morning. I'm so happy that your treatments have gone well and you're on your way to complete healing!

Your winning smile and sparkling personality (through Danni's pictures) shows me that you would be a great person to know. We'd have lots in common: daughters (I have two about the same age as Danni.) we adore and respect, animals and chickens to care for, the love of baking and needlework to name just a few.

Farmer Jen said...

Love you, Jutta. So glad to hear that you are doing so well. You are a strong and vibrant woman. When I see your picture, I am reminded of my own Mom. Thanks for being you!

OmaLindasOldeBaggsandStuftShirts said...

Hi my name is Oma Linda, I too came to your blog after reading dear Danni's post. It is wonderful that your chemo has gone so well. I took the liberty of reading some of your back blogs and must say. You have a wonderful spirit and attitude. I know Danni from her blog and am friends with one of her "donketeer buddy's" here in NM, Justina.
Good going dear lady, continued smiles and success. Oma Linda

kippy said...

Danni's mama, I'm so glad you finished chemo today! We've been so worried about you (Danni told me a few months ago about your struggle). So wonderful to see you smiling in the photos at the Critter Farm. Hope you feel 100% better really soon.

jaz@octoberfarm said...

hi danni's mom! so glad you are doing so well. i am sending good healing energy your way! spend lots of time with that wonderful daughter of yours and all of those animals that love you on critter farm! they will all give you good energy too!

Denny1600 said...

Way to go on your milestone day! I'm here in Arizona rooting for you! Go, Danni's mom, go!

Nancy K. said...

You are truly BLESSED!
But I am sure that you know that.

;-)

I hope the worst is behind you and as a one year (in August) cancer survivor, I can honestly say that it truly does fade into the background fairly quickly.

Enjoy your good health and keep fighting the good fight!

Paula said...

Just read about your bought with cancer on Danni's blog and I'm here to wish you well and better health.

Now, from the perspective of being diagnosed and being done with your treatment, does it all put your trip to Mexico into perspective?

Opportunities are like gifts; they should be accepted, gratefully.

Good luck with the rest of your recovery!

the7msn said...

I know you will live strong. All of us at the 7MSN are sending our love to you.

Pattie Wall said...

Hi Danni's mom, you are a trooper...and there is such good news that you are done with chemo! I am happy for you and your family. I hope the tough part of the journey is behind you and you continue to get back to life as you know it!

Mare said...

I am so Happy to hear that you are all finished with Chemo, and you are on the healing path! I'm praying for you! Love, mare

Zitrone said...

I am overwhelmed! Thank you for all of your thoughts, good wishes and support. I am humbled by my daughter's account of this journey and thank her from the bottom of my heart for everything she's done for me. She has ALWAYS been there!<3

Miriam Caccese said...

Congratulations on your final day of chemo! It is clear that you and Danni share a beautiful love and I am fortunate to share that same kind of love with my Mom as well. Hugs to you and may God bless you with many more years to share with your family.- Miriam