Any Port in a Storm

Idioms are expressions that aren't meant to be taken literally, but can be.  I guess the same can be true of idiots.  I also am guessing that idioms don’t come from idiots, since their origin is Latin and Greek.  But those intellectual Greeks were probably a dime a dozen, while those Greek idiots were more like a drop in the bucket.  Just because they gave birth to western civilization doesn’t mean there weren’t a few slackers among them.  It’s all Greek to me.

The idiom, any port in a storm, came to me yesterday for a number of reasons (yes, idioms even come to retired science teachers), but primarily because Miki got a “port” installed.  I guess it would be more accurate to say she had a procedure done that left her with a device placed just under the skin, that allows IV (intravenous) things to be done through it.  Rather than mining for veins each time she needs to receive fluids, like for her chemo treatments or a variety of other medical necessities, it is a central spot where a connection is made with a tube, leading right into a vein that is always available.  Her’s is located just under her right clavicle (or collar bone for you none science teachers).  She is okay for show and tell if you are curious.  Now she no longer needs to worry about painful needle sticks and bruised forearms, she has a port for her next storm.

While you think what about what any port in a storm means to you, it is easy to describe some of her ports, since this storm started blowing weeks ago. The hospital that we seemed to have gotten all too well acquainted with, has supplied numerous ports.  For starters, the hospital airbed that she came to covet upon her first visit, gave her comfort that a traditional mattress could not.  And when she did not have one at the onset of her second and third visits, nurse Joe and nurse Dana respectively, went on the hunt and came up with one in short order each time.  They were the silver linings in some darkening clouds.  Of course the nurses can make all the difference in the world and we lucked into Kelsey.  Not only was she very personable and caring, but pivotal in making Miki’s literal port happen.  We took a liking to her, along with the “port doctor.”  Talking to him was like having a conversation with a good neighbor.

Centerpoint Medical Center, one of our ports in this storm.

All of Miki’s friends on this journey with her have been individual ports of call, you might say.  In their own ways, they each have comforted and sheltered her in one way or another.  Through sharing, smiles and hugs, and gestures of all kinds, they have lifted her spirits more than they know.  Our dogs with their waggy tails, and their infectious smiles.  Yes, I said smiles.  And their domain, the backyard, she loves her backyard.  Her sanctuary and its guardians.  And finally, both our families have been ever present, whether by phone, text, in person or in spirit, their presence is our foundation that holds us up.

So in a nutshell, accepting any help you are offered when you are in a difficult situation, although you may not want to, is one way of looking at the idiom, any port in a storm.  And I am continuing to slowly admit and accept mooring up at new ports.  Thank you for providing these ports as needed.

Now I don’t want you to go out and beat a dead horse, because that would be gross or bend over backwards and pull something.  And please don’t abuse idioms as I have done here, but remember that even the smallest act of kindness could be the smallest of ports for someone in the smallest of storms.

My Zen from Home:  For a few days this week I slept (using that word loosely) on a chair that morphed into a bed-like-torture device, only to wake up to a 4 am nurse invasion that lead to Miki needing to pee, and finally me leaving to go home and take care of the basic needs of Tuck and Tooga. Since I don’t find myself up that early on a normal basis, I found it an interesting and peaceful time as I drove my 6 miles in 13 minutes (or less if necessary), door to door.  It is easy to understand why photographers espouse the use of the early morning light and joggers get out in the cool, early morning air.  I saw incredible sunrises and wildlife waking up to new adventures on the back roads home.  I probably won’t change my normal wake up time, but I may get up early more often to see things in a different light.  So go do something you always do, but at a different time to see if you see things differently.