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The Waking
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I cannot go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree, but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
--Theodore Roethke
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Joy's Updates - Straight from the Horse's Mouth.
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Thursday, February 20, 2003
Schmooze Training
Emma and I went to the Sheraton today for an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society to learn how to ask legislators to consider issues that concern us. In this case, it had to do with charging more on the tobacco tax in order to bring it closer to the national average, for Tenncare to have more for cancer patients since they declare us cured twelve months after our last treatment but no insurance company will cover us, and for the tobacco money the state gets to use a small amount for smoking prevention programs such as Tar Wars for 5th graders. I hope it works better than the anti-drug programs have. So many kids smoke, drink, use drugs, and have sex that I think we should tell them to "tune in, turn on, and drop out" and show Timothy Leary posters and Cheech and Chong movies. Then we should advocate sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll and told them to party on like we did in the 60's! Not me, of course (except for the music) but "we" as in my generation. I was a goody two-shoes in my youth. (wonder where that expression came from?) What? You don't believe me? 'Tis true! (youth, I said) So maybe if we'd used reverse psychology on the kids, they'd have rebelled and been little straight arrows since no way would they want to do what adults tell them. Seriously, they aren't getting to be kids very long now and dress and act much older than they are ready for emotionally. They need to have wholesome fun and enjoy a childhood while they can.
The day involved training which was a little like in-service. During registration they asked if we were survivors, and when we said yes, they put this banner on us like in beauty contests that said we're winning the fight! I was tempted to answer, "Obviously" when they asked about being survivors but decided against being a smartass when people were doing nice things for us. So some of us had those on and others there were with the ACS and the Relay for Cancer. Next we could go to a legislative session and then there was a reception with legislators and participants that was nice. Emma and I talked to David Shepard who is definitely an asset to our state government. I've liked the Shepard family a long time and am proud we have him representing us. I voted for him and plan to as long as he's in office. David kidded me (I hope) about an email I sent him, but he always answers them and explains things. Well done, David!
Doug Jackson didn't attend the reception even though he's a cancer survivor himself. He had the same kind I did and has been in remission a long time and seems to be doing really well.
It must be hard trying to attend all the functions and meet with all the people that politicians are expected to do. They are representing people in our government which at the state level could easily take up all their time, yet they still have their full-time jobs, families, and other responsibilities. Public service is demanding but must be rewarding when they are able to get things accomplished they went into it for. Politics can be seductive with all the machinations, power, and other trappings. It would be difficult to remain authentic and to speak ones mind the way Harry Truman did. I wonder how long he'd last today with the media we have. He'd give them a run for their money for sure! I told David that I appreciated his honest answers and straightforward approach instead of political diversions, and he said if he finds himself being that way, he'll get out of it.
Emma was really tired by the end of the day. We didn't get home until almost 8:00 and did a lot of walking. She's had hip replacement surgery, and we went up and down lots of stairs as well as up hill on sidewalks. I learned a valuable bit of information from her. On the way back we stopped at Whitt's BBQ and got a sandwich since they are $1.50 on Wednesdays. Such a deal!!
I almost missed West Wing since this is the first VCR I haven't been able to set to record when I'm not here. I need some help with it. I don't know what's going on, but it just doesn't work. It has to do with digital cable and a TV/VCR combo maybe. I even read the manual and can't do it! The remote control has gotten weird too. How can all of it work except one button, the on/off switch? I actually have to get up to do that! Imagine!
12:17:00 AM
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