A Peaceful Saturday - Part I

A Sample of Colorado Fall Colors

Yesterday was an unusual day. Over the weekend, the University of Northern Colorado hosts a special weekend for family and friends. Jordan is in his freshmen year so we wanted to be there to enjoy the campus and time with him. There was one catch though -- I am neutropenic.

According to Wikipedia, neutropenia is a "hematological disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophils, the most important type of white blood cells in the blood. Neutrophils usually make up 50-70% of circulating white blood cells and serve as the primary defense against infections by destroying bacteria in the blood. Hence, patients with neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections and, without prompt medical attention, the condition may become life-threatening."

Given this condition, I have to be very careful what I am exposed to. Among other things, I have to avoid contact with children or people who are sick. Unfortunately, public places like college campuses, do not allow me to control my environment. At the Family and Friends weekend at UNC, there are large numbers of people and the risk for me would be high. So my choice was clear; stay home and let Katie and Lisa join Jordan in Greeley.

That meant that I had an entire day to myself and not a great deal to do. I decided to make the best of it. After breakfast, I took a long walk. Walking is now my primary form of exercise. Since leaving the hospital, I have gradually increased the distance I walk each day. Yesterday, my morning walk was four miles long. I walked from my home to the Trails Recreation Center and back. The weather was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed every moment in the sun and cool air.

Neighborhood Trees

As my walk ended, I crested a hill and approached my house. Outside I saw my neighbors Andy and Tom busy doing yard work. Andy's yard was freshly mowed and trimmed. I looked at my yard and noticed it was also freshly mowed and trimmed. I knew immediately what had happened -- Andy had mowed my yard. I thanked Andy for his kindness and Tom crossed the street to join us. A couple weeks earlier, Tom had volunteered to blow out my sprinklers when he did his. By doing this, he would save me $60. Tom let me know that he planned on doing that on Sunday. After many thank yous, I left my good friends and entered the house. I can't tell you how blessed I felt. My neighbors consistently practice something that Jesus called his followers to; love your neighbor as yourself.


My walk had really sapped my strength so I needed to eat. I heated up some leftovers pasta and chicken, and sipped Gatorade. During my walk I contemplated what I might do next. I decided to take a drive back to my old stomping grounds and reflect on my early years.

The drive from my house to my old neighborhood takes about 15-20 minutes. I currently live in the southern most part of Aurora and grew up in eastern Littleton. Getting out of the house and having some freedom felt good. On most days I spend the majority of my time in the house. My great escapes include trips to the doctor's office and daily walks. Not exactly an exciting existence.

[ to be continued ]