WE MOVE BACK TO THE POSITIVE SIDE
I am sure all of you Dear Readers were hungering for a more cheerful post after the last one. And so, allow me to share a few happy experiences that should be a positive counterpoint for all of us. This is not to dismiss the sad aspects of the month, but to describe incidents that reflect real life, which can be happy or sad.
NEW YEAR'S DAY STARTS RIGHT
We excitedly arose to catch the Rose Parade in hopes of seeing the Donate Life float early without having to endure too many high school bands, equestrian units, and insurance company-sponsored floats. Unfortunately, we did see the beginning featuring this year's Grand Marshall, Paula Deen. She waved to the crowd while flinging sticks of butter and five-pound bags of sugar to the adoring masses. Before too long, the float we were waiting for "floated" by. It was awesome, carrying transplant recipients and donor families. Many carried pictures of donors, and the float also displayed donor faces crafted of flowers. Very impressive, and winner of the Theme Award for best interpretation of this year's theme, Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories.
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One of the riders on the float was a 13 year-old named Michael Carraway. Three years ago he received a liver from a young motorcycle crash victim in L.A. After his transplant Mikey wanted to repay his gift by feeding the homeless in East Oakland, a project he has continued ever since. He met his donor family in Pasadena. We were able to meet him and his grandmother at a CTDN gathering at the Oakland office. He is quite remarkable, having experienced a lot of media attention (including autograph hunters!) at the Rose Parade.
We also met Pastor Shaq who is a CTDN Ambassador in East Oakland. He makes himself available to appear at the hospital when a potential donor situation exists. He meets with the family, prays with them, and gently encourages them to approve donation. There is a very small percentage of donor registration in the African-American community, and a rather strong resistance to the idea as well. Additionally, Pastor Shaq provides transplant information sessions in classrooms at McClymonds High, where it sounds like kids who are not texting or sleeping are loading their handguns. Pretty inspiring couple of guys.
WE'RE NOT HUNG OVER, BUT EVERYONE LOVES A HANGOVER PARTY
This year I was physically and mentally prepared to attend the Annual Hangover Party on NY's Day at the Leslie and Chris Chaw residence in Berzerkely. I have been an inconsistent attendee due to either inability to climb stairs or being a guest on 10 Long. So it was fearlessly and without trepidation that we made our way to Mathews St. to celebrate the arrival of 2011. And it was MOST enjoyable. We had barely dropped our stuff in the kitchen when Leslie's pal Elspeth thrust a warm piece of her incredible focaccia at me. It was particularly delightful to see several of Leslie's "old" gang, like Sooz,
Barbara M.(with BF Mitch), and "My Other Sweetie" Erica (and husband Mark). All in all, great food, a rousing game of Apples to Apples and a fine array of folks attending. Oh, yeah, nice to see my son-in-law too, I guess.
ANOTHER VIEWPOINT
I neglected to make our reservations to see the collection of paintings from the Musee d'Orsay, Van Gogh, Gaugin,and Cezanne, appearing at the DeYoung Museum in GG Park. I did finally secure our spots for the afternoon of the last day of the exhibit. Before we entered, we took a ride up to the top of the nine-story tower. This tall black structure is plainly visible from the 10th floor solarium of UCSF, and, if you're lucky, from several patient rooms as well. Many were the times Cheryl and I looked out at that tower as a symbol of where we would rather be instead of where we were.
While I ran around checking the views, Cheryl was looking up at the hospital. I noticed she was,uh,um, getting a bit verklempt as we say in Yiddish. She was somewhat overcome with the fact that we had made it through everything to be able to enjoy the sights from a new, better, healthier angle. It was quite a moment. After seeing the artwork, we sat in front of the DeYoung and enjoyed some twilight and a huge full moon. We had an enjoyable outdoor dinner at Belden Place, winding up a remarkable trip to the City. For a rare moment, we were close to UCSF but not needing any sort of visit. Great feeling.
LUNCH WITH THE GUYS
Due to some intense and relentless feats of scheduling, I was very happy to scoot out to Pleasant Hill to join my old Muir buddies, Ken and Mike, for a bite of lunch at Jack's. While the meal was "just OK", the company was outstanding. We talked about sports (including a small bit of F1), football, kids, cars and transplantation. It has been a while since we last socialized, and it was most enjoyable. Driving there in the S2000 was icing on the proverbial cake.
OH, AND SPEAKING OF CAKE....
To properly mark my dear Cheryl's 60th BD, the kids and I arranged a celebratory buffet luncheon at one of our favorites, Taheri's Restaurant in Walnut Creek. Due to the craziness at her actual birthday, December 23, we had the gathering in January to insure easier attendance. Sean Taheri did his normal exceptional job, in large part due to his well-trained and gracious staff. Great food and beverages were enjoyed by all, we lucked into lovely weather, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves despite my commentary. No birthday party is complete without the cake (see above), and in this case it was particularly special. Once again, Leslie's friend Elspeth offered her considerable baking talents and provided a lemon-filled cake that was quite delicious. Leslie herself amazed the crowd with her flower arrangements, and Andy's assistance on the Momma posters was much appreciated. And thanks to Allen Chaw for the photography!
AND SOME MOVIE VIEWING, TOO
We enjoy our little village of Liverless, and never more than last evening. Starting with a casual dinner outside at the First Street Alehouse (Pyramid Apricot Ale!!), we headed to the Vine to catch Burlesque. There was a line at the snack bar, as the Vine serves beer, wine and rather fine food from the Zephyr right next door. There are small tables in the lobby and in the theaters, making for a very unusual and pleasant movie experience.
As for the film, it too was pleasant. Totally incredible dancing and singing, great-looking young folks dressed scantily, and a totally predictable and shopworn plot. Not a problem; how can you go wrong with Christina Aguilara and the surgically ageless Cher. It seemed to me like a movie version of Glee, with illogical but outstanding music and dance performances separated by a story of sorts. Which I adore. Fun for us.
So, as I have indicated earlier, life does in fact go on despite the occasional and sometimes disturbing potholes in that ol' Turnpike. We never cease to be amazed and thankful for what we have. Which is how it should be.
Bob/Irv
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