If anyone missed me last week, the only thing I can figure out is the words got stuck in my throat along with a cold I can’t seem to shake. I was looking forward to this part of the year because things had begun to normalize. My treatments were tolerable, and my strength had returned.
The 2023 farmer market season was good. I attended nearly every Saturday with my trustworthy assistant, Lucy Mae. On occasion, Elle was in Bismarck, and both granddaughters worked by my side. We had so much fun,
In addition to baking bread and cookies, the garden produced abundant tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and such for sale and salsa. Lucy invented a raspberry syrup for people who don’t like seeds in their jam from their raspberry crop. I am hoping this year will be the year Lucy’s apple tree produces well.
It was a great summer — I felt good and was able to keep up with the demands of the garden. I was feeling so good that somewhere between here and there, we booked a trip to Cancun with my son-in-law’s family. It was supposed to be a destination wedding for Claire and Jason, but the cost was prohibitive. It turned into a week of family time instead.
“That doesn’t seem like the kind of vacation you would go on,” someone said.
“I have never had cancer before either,” I replied. However, they were correct. We are more likely to go hiking or downhill skiing with our time off. We love the Missouri River and never felt the need to leave the country to soak up the sun. I decided I have nothing to lose.
I also have some apprehension about leaving the country. The only other country I’ve visited is Canada for a farm tour. But traveling to Mexico, the price was right, and I knew I might never have a chance to go again, so we joined the crowd. Besides, this trip came with someone to hold our hands as we navigated passports and customs.
My sister-in-law wanted to go to Mexico, so we said, “Come on down. The more the merrier.”
It was an experience going through customs, standing in lines, and trying to understand the accents of another language. There were great restaurants at this all-inclusive resort, and the pool was lively with games and people. About halfway through the week of eating, drinking, water jazzercise, and sunshine, we booked an excursion.
I was perfectly happy to go walk around the Mayan ruins because history and old stuff are fun for me. But, included in the package was a visit to the Cenotes and snorkeling with the sea turtles followed by lunch on the shore of the beautiful Caribbean.
Walking around the ruins was a piece of cake. It would have been nice to have a little more time to investigate the history of the area.
After the ruins, we headed to the underground caves called Cenotes. Cenotes are collapsed limestone bedrock exposing groundwater underneath a large area of Mexico. I am terrified of small places. I have seen plenty of movies where people go diving and swim through tiny little holes in caves and get stuck and never get out. But we did it. It was cold in the water, magical and scary at the same time.
Next was snorkeling. I have never wanted to snorkel. I do not like water in my face and do not consider myself a good swimmer. I chalk that up to the fact that I was born under a fire sign.
Our guide gave us a five-second lesson in snorkeling and someone took us out in a boat and told us to get off. It was a little shocking to get dumped in the water and told to swim for shore, all the while looking for the tortoises feeding on the bottom of the sea. It was not the most pleasant experience. It took more courage to relax and enjoy the water than I imagined. But I did it. Made it back to shore and only swallowed salty water once.
The next stop was lunch on the beach. After cold water, warm water, bus rides, and tour guides we were able to relax on the beach and have lunch. I asked for coffee and was treated to the best cup of coffee I have ever had. It was a Mexican brew with spices cooked in a clay pot over coals. Delightful to say the least. It didn’t take too much courage to enjoy that lunch and a walk on the beach.
So, somehow cancer gives you courage. It’s like “What have I got to lose?” And, surrounded by people who supported and encouraged me to move forward with life instead of thinking back on what could have been is very good medicine.
INDYchildrendotme 
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