Compassionate Health Care From Canaan Maine

The snow is blowing and our guests have left for their long trek back to Maine, It is mellow at the St. John house today. Penny is a practitioner nurse in Canaan, as close to a doctor as you can get, Ed has been a pharmacist for many years. Over many visits to their home I have seen lines of people stopping in for consultation for free. Both are very compassionate and caring people. They also happen to be my sister and brother in law but that isn’t the only reason their visit was special. With their years in health care they have a feel for people’s emotional health.

Though I am healing well after skin cancer surgery on my face they knew a visit and a chance to really talk with knowledgeable folks was needed. I tend to have a British stiffer upper lip façade with people. They saw through it and drove down a long way to hang out with us. It was very healing to be able to talk with them. It has been a very emotional time and at times debilitating experience. We had a great time relaxing, eating and enjoying quality time that overnight visits allow. They have lifted my spirits and for that I am grateful. Even better is knowing that those two care about each and every patient they encounter. Thanks guys for making a real long house call!

So Many Thanks

I am truly amazed at the kindness of people that have responded to my recent entries about dealing with my skin cancer. I never realized how many fellow writers, editors and PR people check in to Be Our Guest from time to time. The amount of emails I have gotten has been so gratifying, it makes me feel like one of the luckiest people on the planet. Travel writing is a very competitive field yet I have met some of the nicest and compassionate folks on the planet doing it. I have always been amazed at how quickly small groups bond while exploring destinations. Just like family there are sometimes issues but all in all I really feel lucky to meet so many interesting folks. The emails have made me realize just how fortunate I am and it is something that I will forever remember. I have let enough self pity occupy my time over the last few days, it is time to move on and concentrate on what is really important, family, friends and a good dose of work. Gearing up for our first time participation in the NY Times Travel Show February 29th is just the ticket. A radio segment on Around the World Travel is set for Thursday and for now I truly have a face for radio. By February I should have a new improved look!

I Know the Eyes Not the Face

Dealing with skin cancer II.I recognize the eyes but I cannot quite place the face. I wonder if I ever will again. Stupid questions pop into my head such as will I need a new passport picture? I know my mind is playing games with me but still the stupid thoughts continue. I change the bandages the first time late at night when the house is still and dark like a thief. I go back up to the bedroom almost feeling like I had cheated on my wife, she deserved to see the changes to a face she had married years ago. I ponder what the mirror revealed for hours.

Things look better the next morning and I think about what the surgeon said, “Healing takes time”. I will go back to see the plastic surgeon this week, something I never thought I would ever do. I could never understand face or nose jobs before; I believed that you lived with what you were given.I was never one to fear lines seen while shaving every morning, I have earned everyone over the years.Perhaps there are silver linings waiting to unfold I think as a picture of a handsome face covers a page in a magazine. That is how I want to look, until I come across a better profile a few pages latter. Thank god I still remember the eyes.