Friday, June 01, 2018

Friday Ramble - Fragile

This week's word comes to us from Old French, thence from the Latin fragilis or frangere meaning to break. Tucked somewhere in there is the Indo-European bhreg and the Gothic brikan, both meaning to shatter. In modern parlance, the word means easily broken, damaged, delicate, brittle, frail, vulnerable, flimsy, lacking body, strength or substance.

Fragile things are assumed to be anything except robust or bright, and not vibrant by any means, but it isn't necessarily so. Fragile, bright, robust, vibrant and strong are not mutually exclusive, and they abide harmoniously together. Could anything be more fragile and at the same time, more vibrant and brimming than these all-too-brief earthly days?

I am still coping with the consequences of cancer surgery and aggressive chemo and radiation, but for all that, I am cheerful. There is comfort in knowing that no matter how unpleasant things are from time to time, I can trounce this thing, and by golly, I am going to do just that.  I am fortunate in having a wonderful oncology team, the support of family, colleagues, and friends both near and far.

Although I feel fragile, frayed and rather tattered at times, it passes, and there are always brighter times ahead. I have a mantra to get me through rough moments: I am stronger than this, and this is making me stronger.

This weekend, Himself and Beau and I will replenish our inner directives in the Lanark woods and on the shores of our favorite lake. There is comfort in wild places, and perhaps there will be dragonflies and herons this time around. I still can't go very far, but by golly, every step dishes out wonders for eyes and lens.

Happy June everyone!

2 comments:

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

Your words bless me.
I also feel fragile and it is difficult when you choose to live a lifestye
different from your children who love in the big city.
I go onward and your words help me at this time.
Thank you and continue with your healing words.

Mystic Meandering said...

Beautiful Cate... We can be "fragile" and still feel that inner Aliveness within (no matter what the health issue), although some days more elusive than others :) as you know... You give us all courage and strength to carry on in the midst of whatever life hands us, just reading here... I see you're not doing Cafe Press anymore? I haven't seen it in your sidebar... Have a wonderful weekend meandering in your beloved woods...