January 7, 2015. We have come out on the other side of winter solstice, and know that the hours of daylight are lengthening, though we can’t feel it quite yet. The CMV counts are down to “8” copies of the virus and the symptoms that raged through me in November and early December are gone. Not forgotten, certainly… but the will to be healthy is strong and I make it my business to build a wall between that time and this time.
I spent a lot of time with my journal this year, and it reflects my travels to Alaska, around the islands, and to Portland –along with notations from visits to the doctor: “CMV numbers up, start back on gancyclovir”, “Heart effusion size is reducing”, “endoscopy shows moderate inflammation”, “lymphocytes up”, “anemia has returned”, kidneys spilling protein” and so on. In between I write notes from Naturalist classes, prescriptions to myself (more exercise! Less sugar! Etc), and references to adoptive cell therapy, which is the latest idea the SCCA is suggesting—that I go to Houston and get a T-cell CMV-specific infusion to help my body fight this pervasive side effect of losing my immune system.
Elena, Mariya, Tickla, Christmas 2014
At the end of the 2014, I re-read this faithful journal. And once again, the analogy to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings seems to fit. Put aside any critic’s voice about the movies…that’s not what I am talking about. I am talking about actually being the Hobbit, whether Frodo or Bilbo, though Frodo’s journey seems closer to mine. Loving the simple joys of life and home, pulled out into a dark and dangerous passage through threatening landscapes, longing for the beauty and comforts of the Shire, but going forth because it’s the only thing that can be done. And triumphing. The littlest being in Middle Earth, triumphs. Saves the whole kingdom, really. For me, the kingdom of Shann Weston was in grave jeopardy. The little Hobbit soul triumphed.
Us and Will, Christmas 2014
My handsome husband
And now, like both Hobbits, I recount my adventures and look back on the journey and see the unlikely fighter that hazarded the heat of many battles. The Hobbit is a survivor. When I looked back on November’s sickness, I wrote “The Hobbit falls down the long scary ridge of loose rock. And it is a hard hike back up. I am still not all the way up at the top but I am on firm ground, walking by myself.” When I think of my 64 amazing years on earth, I think this episode is small, compared to that.
I see all the ways now that this illness mended and healed as well as tore through and damaged my life. So much of this was because of Steve, Mariya and Elena and my friends. Yes, I had my companions through the dark landscape, like Frodo. No one could do it by themselves.
It is time. Before anything else happens, we are off. Like thieves in the night, I said before. Off we go to Mexico tomorrow! We had a wonderful Christmas with the family and many walks and visits with friends. But the dark, cold days are rough on this still healing body. So much time inside. We are infinitely pleased to be able to go, even on a shortened timeframe. To sit in the heat and soak up its curative energy, walk on the beach along the magnificent ocean, and watch sunsets with friends, that’s what I most definitely need now, after nearly two years of the fight, and way too many doctor visits. I love the elemental life—close contact with the earth and sky—and Mexico is the expert in giving me that.
Do It Yourself Life 
Have a wonderful trip to Mexico. You so deserve the break in the sunshine & the warmth. You certainly have been through unbelievable challenges this year!
Lots of love to you, Steve, and the girls, M
Meredith Ann Murray Licensed Real Estate Broker MacDonough Real Estate 360-739-0871 Bellingham, WA Sent from my iPhone
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Enjoy your time in mexico , the sun and heat and so many smiles!
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Have a wonderful time in Mexico and soak up that sun! Its chilly here in Ft. Myers this morning but otherwise we are loving the winter warmth. Thinking of you both. Hasto luego!
Dear Shann: I am so happy for you. Have a wonderful, sun-soaking time with your family. You definitely and still, my hero. I am so glad to have been able to talk with you in Oct. and am looking forward to my next visit to the island when you are there and we can get together! Vaya con Dios
Sun and warmth, the smell of Mexico, travels, family, friends- yippee!
Blessings On your trip! Bask in the sun and soak up the good vibes!
I will think of you in the healing sunshine.
This trip will do all of you so much good! Enjoy!
You simply are amazing! Thank you for sharing your journey. Wishing you a wonderful, fun, relaxing, healing and restorative trip.
Dear Shann,
You have been in our thoughts so much since the last email — wondering, hoping, not brave enough to ask if you were going to Mexico.
So, unlike previous times, when I immediately hit the “print” button for reading your epistle with Ed at mealtime, I scanned for these lovely words: “Off we go to Mexico tomorrow!”
Buen viaje, Divertidos muchisimo! Que Dios te bendiga con salud admirable alli todo el tiempo, Alicia ========== Alice B. Acheson, Book Marketing/Publicity Specialist P. O. Box 735 Friday Harbor, WA 98250 360/378-2815 http://sites.google.com/site/alicebacheson Do It Yourself Life wrote on 1/7/2015 11:03 PM: > WordPress.com > Shann Weston posted: “January 7, 2015. We are come out on the other > side of winter solstice, and know that the hours of daylight are > lengthening, though we can’t feel it quite yet. The CMV counts are > down to “8” copies of the virus and the symptoms that raged through me > in Nov” >
Hi Alice so nice to see you the other night! Now we go off again as we needed more warmth. Another blog soon to follow!
Dear Shann- I so appreciate you sharing your journey down the scary loose rock, and your climb back up, still with uncertainty but an appreciation for life (which you’ve always had), and stillness and the little things, as well as the big. Your family is amazing also. Have a wonderful, warm, peaceful time in Mexico. Greg and I hope to sail by this summer, dock at Friday Harbor, and see you two!? We also are going to August Eliot, are you? Also, if ever time during your Portland visits, maybe a beer at one of our many pubs? or a walk in the park? Love- Lynn
You look well, Shann. I hope you all have a great time in Mexico. Love, Roseanna
Warm sand between your toes! Yay! Have fun!
Shann, your post makes me want to read the Hobbit. I can really identify with your wanting to soak up the sun. For me it is always the best medicine. Best wishes to you and Steve. Have a wonderful time with your friends in Mexico. And, Happy New Year.