Saturday, June 7, 2008

May 23 and June 7, 2008

Blog June 7, 2008

Dear friends,

I am sorry to be so out of touch but appreciate the huge support I feel from so many of you. My recovery continues to be gradual as the chemo on top of the surgery was harder on me than previous times. However, there is no doubt that I am getting better and finding my way back into my energy. Elizabeth Whalley, my college roommate and lifelong friend has been here from California this week helping and encouraging me.

Today, my daughter, Louise, and her family are here from Philadelphia and give me a chance to delight in my older set of grandchildren and catch up on their lives.

I have been to the Institute twice, once for the profound and inspiring lecture given by Faeq Biria on Svadhyaya, self-study, and also for the last session of this year’s teacher training class. Of course I am looking forward to getting to regular participation and teaching as time goes by.

My birthday was filled with well wishes, flowers, and family. James organized a time for those at the Institute to send me a montage of taped greetings topped off by a wonderful guitar solo by Lara Warren’s husband, Raphael. James is here for me always as the great and constant friend he is--keeping my spirits up, gently reminding me to rest and be patient, shopping and helping in all ways.

My doctor and I have a schedule for the upcoming treatments which will allow me to go to Feathered Pipe Ranch if I am feeling up to it. The carrot of that trip is coaxing me onward and upward and I am visualizing being on a plane after the Fourth of July as well as being in Greenwich and at the Institute before that.

Greetings, much love, and many, many thanks for all your greetings and love, outwardly and inwardly expressed.
Mary




Blog 5/23/08

Dear friends,

My first chemo after surgery went without a hitch on Wednesday. My daughter, Elizabeth, was with me. We had a good visit and I felt the protection of her care. My former husband, Roger, provided great comfort over the previous weekend of real convalescing. My daughter, Louise has been in close touch and has come from Philadelphia to be with me too.

Yesterday, I can really report that I felt more myself throughout the day, and today too. In illness, the sense of who I am seems to retreat and coalesce in a central part. Those around me reach into me to nurture and help in every practical, emotional, and spiritual way. I ask for help in so many ways and shed the independent being I am used to and let the truth and reality of our interdependence manifest.

I feel blessings said and unsaid, chanted and unsung, written and thought. Thank you all.

According to all predictions, the sun is out for upcoming days, and my treasured walks can resume with new enthusiasm. Chris Saudek is with me for the weekend, and we will enjoy things on all fronts and maybe even tackle the top of the jobs…. i.e. paperwork… that have very literally piled up. Anyway we are having fine talks, naps, walks and we even went out to dinner! As long as I pace myself, I can do a little more each day.

Much love to you all. Know that, although those around me caution me to not go too fast, my thoughts are that it will not be long before I am back at the Institute, my second home, enjoying the fruition of that dream. And I look forward to spending some time with each of my daughters, their mighty fine spouses and those four grandchildren I am crazy about.



With love,
Mary

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Thank you, Mary. Love . Masha

Barbara Nicol said...

Dear Mary,

So glad to have news of you and hear that you are making progress. (Was also glad not to bring up May 18th once again.)

Hope that you have been getting to Central Park. I live near the Rockefeller Preserve, which is an amazing place to walk -- 50 miles of cinder path trails. You would love it. I saw two Baltimore orioles there about a month ago.

Hope to see you in Greenwich soon, if it is right for you.

Metta,
Barbara

Jen said...

Mary:
I missed the taped well wishes so I wish you a very happy and wonderful birthday. Thinking of you, sending love to you.
Jen Kagan

Marc Z said...

Dear Mary,

I too was inspired by Faeq Biria's talk on Svadhyaya, and equally inspired by the love and commitment you expressed by your presence with all of us that Saturday. I was truly touched to see you, hug, exchange rich smiles, hand squeezes, witness your being there for yourself, and for us. Most special.

My spirits (along with so many other's) will be with you as you continue treatment. Your strength and willingness greatly encourage me.

love,
Marc

sandy kazan said...

Dearest Mary,

Sending you my belated Happy Birthday wishes for a wonderful birthday!!!

It's so kind and generous of you to let us know what you're going through.

Thinking of you always with the hope that you're out of pain and growing stronger every day...

Love,
Sandy Kazan

Unknown said...

Dear Mary,
I am uplifted hearing you are so well cared for. Thank you. Again and again.
I can see you on that plane :)
Bill M.

Karen said...

Dear Mary,

Thank you for sharing so beautifully your reflections and insights on the healing process and on life. It is touching to hear of the network of friends and family who support you, and the way you are receiving that support.

As I prepare for my second visit to India, I am thinking of you and all you have taught me. My love and prayers go out to you every day.

With love and gratitude,
Karen Allgire

Mary Reilly said...

Dear Mary,

It's a wet spring in Northern Michigan, and we are heading into a lush summer for once, the vegetation is very happy. I have great memories of the Ann Arbor Y's yoga camp up here with you. I remember one class when you were addressing the work on the thigh in seated poses, with images of frosting a cake, and I thought, "this is the teacher for me", and of course never forgot the image. Your model of exuberance and clarity have been guiding lights for my yoga, both my practice and teaching. Thank you for sharing your journey with this cancer challenge. I've read that we have separate minds but one heart, and we meet there in these times.

Much love and white light,

Mary Reilly

Barbara Nicol said...

Dear Mary,

Thought of you so much yesterday. A friend asked me to come with her to a yoga class another friend of hers had recommended. Well, the teacher turned out to be one of your students...Jill. After a number of "lift with the chest"s, we both started to laugh. "Mary would be proud of me," she said, to which I agreed, as you pick on me alot over this point. Your face kept appearing before me during the class.

Hope you make it to Feathered Pipe, but if you don't Amma is in town July 8 -10th at the Manhattan Center, so it's a win-win situation.

Much love,
Barbara

Craig said...

Hello Mary. It has been such a long time. My yoga journey was so influenced by you in Ocean Beach. Jo Z. and I were students of yours together and now she is my teacher. I can feel your presence when Jo teaches in San Diego. You have had a very strong influence on her teaching and my practice. I want to wish you well and thank you for your love and support at a very influential time in my yoga practice. I wish I could see you now but please know my prayers are with you. I am getting married in two days. I wanted to share that with you. Your friend, Craig Lambert from San Diego.

Ninap said...

Dear Mary,

I hope you are getting stronger and healing quickly.

I am preparing for my first trip to India (with Karen Allgire!) and I think of you daily while I practice and mentally prepare. Your voice echos through my mind as I lift,explore and settle in my poses.

Love, Nina

Anonymous said...

We are with yo Mary
Win