Read This! Then Decide WTF Is Really Important

Stories From A Life

Been there. Done that. Writing about it.

Sally Swift

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Birthday: June 14

Title: VP, Repartee
Company: Swift Retorts

Bio: sally: a journey, a venture, an expression of feeling, an outburst, a quip, a wisecrack ... me

MY RECENT POSTS

Breast Feeding Frenzy, Time Mag Jumps the Wrong Shark
April 18, 2012 12:46AM
What Has Become Of The Promised Land?
April 07, 2012 02:39PM
St. Patrick's Day, Here's To Alcohol, Not Politics
March 15, 2012 03:07PM
I Got Married On A Bet... 30 Years Ago Today
January 23, 2012 05:41PM
Rick Santorum's Greatest Hits, His Past As Prologue?
January 20, 2012 04:36PM

MY RECENT COMMENTS

“Oh Candy, I've been feeling this, waiting, holding that beautiful picture of you…”
2:12PM
“They bond with us in such a loving, mystical connection. I never questioned it, j…”
12:55PM
“A perfect story for this day. So much loss, so much wasted potential. It's hearte…”
May 29, 2012 01:03AM
“We are major huggers in our family, men, women, children, all to all. Among my fr…”
May 27, 2012 05:05PM
“When you can't top perfection, repeat it. These are such glorious, important -and…”
May 27, 2012 04:04PM

Sally Swift's Links

Arbitrary A List (In No Particular Order): Sarah Palin; Bob Dylan; Jimmy Carter; Heath Ledger & Ron; Buddy Cianfrani; Kennedy & Nixon; Jesse Jackson & More; Mayor Frank Rizzo; Mrs. King, CDT & Mal; Big Boomer Celebs; Bruce Springsteen; Carl Bernstein; Smothers Brothers; Ryan Howard; David Letterman; Bob Novak; Johnny Carson; Britney Spears; Ted Kennedy; Paul Newman; Walter Cronkite; Ozzy Osbourne; Barney the Dinosaur
Good, Bad, Fun, Sad, Inspiring & Mad: Fear; Killing Beauty; My 9/11 Story; Pain of an Empty Nest; Near Death Experience; 1. First Time In Love; 2. Saving Sally; 3. Rejected Fat Girl's Fantasy; How I Became A Wife; How I Became A Mother; My Sister's Plane Crash; Mom's Two Love Stories; My Tightass Senior Portrait; High School Humiliation; First Love, Pain & Understanding; First Kiss, Spectacular; Boca Midnight; Boca Hospital & Grille; High School Anti-Semitism; Grandmothers & Racism; Starting College; Creature Feature; Mating for Life; My Sister Becomes A Widow; My Family in Israel; Fathers & Sons
Meet Some Friends: Head Butler; randomly snarky; Citizen Mom; BoniLogue; Cynthia Johnston; Blinq

« Back to Posts

JANUARY 5, 2010 12:37AM

Rate: 48 Flag

yelling

Enough! This is a post I wrote in May. It's literally about life and death and courage and love. Read it. Please.

"This Is Not The End Of Your Life"

When I wrote this, we were thinking very positive thoughts. We're still trying. But. It's getting harder. And frankly, stress makes it almost unbearable.

Tuesday I'll be at the hospital at 6:30 AM and all day as Karen undergoes her every-three-week invasive chemo-embolization, then a night on the Cancer Floor.

Our sister Betsy is with the kids. Judy, Bob and I are here. Each in our own kind of pain. Each with our own determined contribution to Positive.

Now it's your turn. Think positive. Please. Or, really, just STFU already. Please.

Here are more recent stories.

Karen, Brave Warrior

No More! No Más! Enough! Basta! Finis! Stop!

Surgery Again - I'm Becoming A Bionic Woman

Boca Raton Hospital & Grille, Want Fries With That IV?

Your tags:

TIP:

Enter the amount, and click "Tip" to submit!

Comments

Post a comment

Go ahead, make my day. Please. Toxic is so bad.

Sally Swift

January 05, 2010 12:38 AM

I found a dollar at the bottom of a closet in the guest room today. Trying to decide whether to invest it or frame it.

Kathy Riordan

January 05, 2010 12:42 AM

Thinking incredibly POSITIVE Sally! All the way! Good ju ju coming across the wires...

Love to you.

Sparking

January 05, 2010 12:42 AM

With you all the way.

Dr. Spudman44

January 05, 2010 12:49 AM

I'm off to the roof to do a goat dance, because that is how I pray. Great good thoughts to you, sweetheart.....

Ginny Rose

January 05, 2010 12:50 AM

Godspeed and positive thoughts all the way, Sally.

emma peel

January 05, 2010 12:50 AM

Hey Sal, warm thoughts in great pulsing waves of light are coming at you.

Sandra Stephens

January 05, 2010 12:53 AM

makes pretty much everything else look like mice nuts, doesn't it? good stuff, sally.

femme forte aka candace

January 05, 2010 01:00 AM

Wishing her good luck...

Kent Pitman

January 05, 2010 01:02 AM

Sally, thank you for the reality check. Love to you and your family...xox

Robin Sneed

January 05, 2010 01:10 AM

Sending all the very best in good energy and good thoughts your way. Tossing in a few prayers, just to keep God on her toes, too.

Owl_Says_Who

January 05, 2010 01:22 AM

Praying for a positive outcome.

Aunt Sal

January 05, 2010 01:46 AM

I totally agree, find something good, or at least be quiet. Gloom is toxic. The sun was out, I was able to put gas in the car, and I found a very cute iPod dock for home use, today. It was extravagant of me to buy it, but I did.

I'm so sorry your family is going through this, Sally. It's truly unjust that so much gets dumped on one family.

Shiral

January 05, 2010 02:02 AM

My prayers will be with her. And you.

Deborah Young

January 05, 2010 02:02 AM

All the best wishes and prayers from so many people should have some power. Add my best wishes for you and your family.

SuznMaree

January 05, 2010 02:32 AM

I'm still breathing!! That's positive!! :)

Rated. Cause well, the world needs more positive and less toxic!!!!

Tinkerertink69

January 05, 2010 03:30 AM

Today! Positive Thoughts for You and Your Family. With Regards, older/exasperated

older/exasperated

January 05, 2010 05:12 AM

Holding your hands, sending lots of good vibes. xo

mamoore

January 05, 2010 06:24 AM

I recall this post very well. A story about perspective, family, suffering and love. You will all need strength to get through this one, so that is my wish for you. Dig deep, Sally. The strength for all of you is there within each of you.

Michael Rodgers

January 05, 2010 06:30 AM

Yep. Thank you for posting this. Positive vibes radiating from the Midwest.

Frank Indiana

January 05, 2010 06:44 AM

A niece is an extension of soul. As I think on the mysteries of this life, I'll think positively of you, Sally, and hope for gracious time and mending.

scupper

January 05, 2010 07:13 AM

Thank you

I needed a good smack of reality today

Placebostudman

January 05, 2010 07:27 AM

The snow here is beautiful. Wrapping you in a warm blanket of snow to keep you safe from the howling wind.
Lorraine

fingerlakeswanderer

January 05, 2010 07:47 AM

Sorry so late Sally. Please accept this smile from me. I know it isn't much. Sometimes getting a smile as a gift is the only way to get one. :)

bobbot

January 05, 2010 07:51 AM

Sending love, light and thoughts of health and healing.

marytkelly

January 05, 2010 07:53 AM

Sending you and your family lots of positive vibes and warm thoughts and heartfelt prayers, Sally. I agree with you about what a waste of time most griping is, but know that it's ok to feel despondent and angry sometimes, in circumstances like yours. Those feelings won't last but their release will help you cope, too. Deep breaths, hard hugs. xx

psychomama

January 05, 2010 07:54 AM

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE

skeletnwmn

January 05, 2010 08:30 AM

Yes, absolutely. This is the important stuff. Waving my magic wand, holding you and yours in my heart and thoughts.

C.K. Dexter Haven

January 05, 2010 08:43 AM

I received wonderful health news from two friends who have bravely battled cancer for several years. I am sending the joy I feel for them to you as you're there for Karen.

Maria Stuart

January 05, 2010 08:43 AM

I send good thoughts and prayers your way. Facing that does put the rest in perspective.

DeliaBlack

January 05, 2010 08:44 AM

Sending you every possible good thought, prayer, and bit of strength I can.

Sending you a PM. Please check when you can.

Bill S.

January 05, 2010 08:46 AM

I am sending healing and love to you and your family. What a wonderful supportive family you have, your dedication to each other is inspiring.

rita shibr

January 05, 2010 09:00 AM

May the packets of positive energy I'm sending your way be swift. (Learned about energy transfer, in the health context, just this morning from Placebostudman, who could use a few packets himself this day. My supply is getting low tho, just like the ice machine in our fridge when when everybody's thirsty at once. Not to worry, if I'm patient, it'll replenish in a jiffy.)

Chicken Mãâàn

January 05, 2010 09:02 AM

I wish I could say something more helpful but if your niece's oncologist is not ordering hydration for her at home after these chemo sessions then please see if that can be done. Yes they tell you to drink lots of water but it is generally not enough to ward off nausea. Hydration several hours a day for a few days after chemo greatly improves quality of life although it sucks to still be hooked up to tubes.

Dorinda D.

January 05, 2010 09:27 AM

stay strong Sally... much love to you and your family

1_Irritated_Mother

January 05, 2010 09:39 AM

Sending positive thoughts to your family..

Miss Adams

January 05, 2010 09:47 AM

Yes, positive energy to you and your family, positive energy in writing and life—that's what we need to write about what may have once seemed unthinkable--thanks for letting us in.

Martha Nichols

January 05, 2010 09:50 AM

Shooting transcontinental good vibes to your family.

Ablonde

January 05, 2010 09:50 AM

Thank you for reminding us all of what really matters. You've inspired me to write my own post. Love and prayers to Karen and the family.

cartouche

January 05, 2010 10:14 AM

Prayers today, Sally, for you and for Karen.

Kathy Riordan

January 05, 2010 10:20 AM

Only good thoughts coming your way on the wings of a whole cloud load of angels.

Donna Carbone

January 05, 2010 10:36 AM

Sally, the little bit of positivity I possess will be sent your way. I could be sent your way, if needed (seriously, I could make a Philly road trip just to hang out.)

But what's the "enough already" about? Whose starting trouble? You want I should kick some ass?

Beth Mann

January 05, 2010 10:40 AM

That really puts things into perspective.
Thanks Sally, and good thoughts/prayers to your family.

spotted_mind

January 05, 2010 10:43 AM

We're all with you, Sally. Lots of positive OS thoughts coming your way.

john blumenthal

January 05, 2010 11:20 AM

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wrote a post the other day about my slips into self-indulgent self-pity. This post reminds me how fortunate I really am.

Akopsa

January 05, 2010 11:24 AM

I do remember Karen. I'm so sorry things have gotten worse for her. I'll keep her in my prayers....I wish I could do more. You are so right....nothing is important compared to a loved one fighting for life. Please keep us posted and tell her lots of people are pulling for her! Sally, you keep strong also.

I Love Life

January 05, 2010 11:33 AM

I'm holding a magnifying glass between you and everybody else's light and positive vibes, Sally.

As usual, you have managed to cut through a haze of crap and pointed folks in the right direction...if only they're willing to open their eyes and see they'd rather go up the hill than down to the dump.

Verbal Remedy AKA Denise

January 05, 2010 12:17 PM

Prayers, thoughts and positive waves coming Karen's way.

Stim

January 05, 2010 12:37 PM

Sally, you and your family remain in my thoughts.

Mrs. Michaels

January 05, 2010 02:06 PM

Sally Swift. I 'hit' the `

*This Is Not The End Of Your Life,

and the `

*Karen, Brave Warrior. (O much?)

I see. Ya mention` Thich Nhat Hanh.
He's so friendly. I've given him honey,
blueberries, and spoken to Tai privately.

I said` Thich Nhat Hanh. You No saint.
Your ears are too big. Cute. So- sorry.
If you come to my town Ya go to a bar.

Please? I'll bum money for a corn-dog.
The local bar will serve Ya red ketchup.
Please?
Pickles?
Jug Dill?
I bow, tease.

Tai is no grumpy rude monk.
He gave me a Sanskrit name.
He mistook me for a `kook?

Tai's (Thich Nhat Hanh) nuts?
Tai mistook me for a` donkey?
He thought I was a Dalmatian?

Maybe Tai thought I was Lame.
Tai is not rude, stubborn` Vain.
Beware Thich Nhat Hanh`Monk.

The DoJ may say Ya a `Jail Bird.
The White House may arrest Ya!

What a mess.
Ya say `Hummus, 'um said` Hamas!
The fed`Huh? a masquerade party!
Ya may be labeled`Limbaugh's fan!
I'll visit a neighbor to finger paints!
Our folk need a good psychologist!
Kathy Riordam- frame? a one cent!
I do have a fed check for one penny.

Art James

January 05, 2010 04:17 PM

Sally, I have been thinking of you, Karen and your family all day. When you have the time and energy, please let us know how you all are doing. Hoping and praying for the best.

Leonde Delmare

January 05, 2010 05:54 PM

My prayers and thoughts are with you and Karen. God bless you both.

Steve Blevins

January 05, 2010 06:28 PM

Sally, I'm so sorry that your family is continuing to experience these awful and unfair health challenges. I'm holding all of you in the Light. ((hugs))

Lisa Kern

January 05, 2010 06:44 PM

Makes financial troubles silly. I'm with all the rest, hoping for good for you and your family.

Boomer Bob

January 05, 2010 07:14 PM

I'm sending you lots of love, Sally Swift.

Amanda Gulledge

January 05, 2010 07:17 PM

Sal---best, best, best to you. Our thoughts matter. Of this I am sure. So my best, most hopeful thoughts to you.

m. a.h

January 06, 2010 12:07 AM

By the way, if need be, I could catch a plane, join Beth, kick some ass. We Jersey girls, we can do that sort of thing.

m. a.h

January 06, 2010 12:09 AM

thinking good, strong thoughts for your Karen, people do survive, I hope she is one of the survivors

hyblaean- Julie

January 06, 2010 03:11 AM

All of you, every single one, just blow me away. There are no words. Just heartfelt thanks. I am sharing your kindness with Karen and the family. they are grateful beyond words.

New post is a more specific thank you. Also a spleen vent. Feel free to ignore the latter. My gratitude is uppermost on the agenda.

Sally Swift

January 07, 2010 01:39 AM

I am thinking and praying for Karen and your family. She seems like such a strong, beautiful person and is lucky to have you in her life. Yes, keeping in mind what is truly important in life is the only way to live. Much love to you at this difficult time. I am sending many positive thoughts Karen's way.

Karin Greenberg

January 07, 2010 08:07 PM

A while back I added a prayer list page to my journal, but then didn't really follow up. I'm making up a new list to keep by my bed, and you, Judy, Karen, Bob, and the kids will be on it. This time I will, every evening, lift you all, and others, up to the Light. My husband and I have little shrines, if you will, in our offices--his to Mary, mine is Buddha and Jesus. I shall also light some incense and pray for your pain to be relieved.

The Good Daughter

January 08, 2010 08:32 AM

I am sorry I haven't paid attention more to your plight. I too, have two people in my family dealing with cancer/chemo and my best friend is just about through with his. It is incredibly hard to stay positive and focus on blessings instead of just curling up in a fetal position and crying. These are my loved ones dammit! And you feel so helpless! I did stop everything here at work and take some time to pray for you and your family and everyone else dealing with this godforsaken disease. I have taken to writing a psalm everyday to stay positive. Gratitude, albiet hard to conjure sometimes, helps. God Bless all of your family, they will stay in my prayers!