AnneLyze

September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. A week ago Sunday I attended the annual Teal Ribbon Race and Walk, something I have been part of as either a volunteer or participant for more than ten years.  It was a bittersweet day for me spent hugging the survivors as well as the families of women who have lost their battle. This year was different for me because I'm not sure how much longer I want to continue to be an Oncology Nurse.  Whether it's burn out, caregiver fatigue, dislike of my current working atmosphere or the changing of health care, it might be time for me to do something else. Something without the death and sadness that goes hand and hand with cancer care and something without a boss that dislikes me. Bright and early Sunday morning I reported to the volunteer table ready to assume my annual job of photographing all the teams and individuals participating in the walk and race.  It's a job that has brought a great many people joy as they stand proudl...

Soccer season started last week and it was a surprisingly poor start for a team capable of so much more. The first game of the season ended with a 0-0 tie after some very disappointing play. An inability to score despite having control of the game proved to be frustrating for the team and coaches leading to colorful, coarse language on the bus ride home, something I normally don't object to. Telling the team what they did wrong and what they did right and communicating that in language that the boys understand is the job of the coaches and none of my business. I have never been the mother to object to rough language, probably because I swear quite often. But I object to the use of coarse language when it puts some down in order to boost another. My input is not warranted nor needed for these two talented coaches to get this team going and maybe I shouldn't ask what was said on the way home. So what's my problem? The use of the word "pussy" as an adjective to d...

I climbed Giant Mountain on Friday looking for you.  I pushed myself as hard and as fast as I could go, breaking down all my barriers and protective layers as I went, passing everyone I came into contact with and slowly letting my pain flow to the surface.  Why? Because as I stood at the top, muscles shaking, dripping with sweat and gasping for air, I was looking for YOU!  For the first time in my life I was looking to a higher power for some answers.  It's on a mountain, after struggling to get to the top and seeing the beauty of the world around me, that I sometimes get a glimpse.  Finding a nice quiet rock in the sun and away from people, I let my tears flow.  "Are you there God?  It's me, Anne?" I was baptized fifty years ago in the Congregational Church in Pittsfield, NH.  I got married in a church and went to Christmas and Easter services, but I am not a believer.  Even as a child I questioned the existence of a higher power.  Un...