Rafe’s Story

Site created on August 28, 2019


On Thursday, August 22, Rafe had surgery to remove his colon as a result of a severe flare up of the Crohn's disease that he has had for decades. Rafe had been in the hospital for over a week in extreme pain and had lost twenty pounds by the time it was decided that surgery was his only option. Since then, his recovery has been slow and difficult. We are deeply, deeply grateful for the many expressions of love and support we have received during this time. We hope this site will make it easier for everyone to keep abreast of what is happening with Rafe's condition. Thank you for visiting and leaving your comments.

Newest Update

November 23, 2019

Journal entry by Rose Martin —

Dear Caring Bridge Friends,
 
I want to thank you all so very much for your support and your encouraging words (and deeds!!) through some very difficult times. I have been home 7 weeks now (!) and my sense is that I'm pretty much 80% recovered. Of course, this recovery of normal really means a new normal. In some ways it is quite strange and disorienting, and, yet,  in some ways it is better. Clearer. More focused. With much more gratitude for the so-called ordinary things of life: one's senses, one's mind, one's family and friends; the abilities inherited from one's ancestors, as well as those developed through one's own interests and efforts. 
 
Our son Jake came to visit last weekend. It was great to see him. The last time I had been quite ill and he and our daughter, Ariya both came to be with me, to sit through some nights with me, in the hospital while I hovered between realms. Their presence opened a path for me to return to life. Love is a real power -- so I've learned. 
 
So, I've attached a photo from Jake's recent visit this last weekend. That's us at the Memorial Art Gallery not far from our house.  So -- yes -- we got out and we did stuff together! 
 
Today Endless Path Zendo re-opened and I resumed my Zen teaching. It was a wonderful morning with a full zendo. We ended the morning with a Thanksgiving Ceremony. (A photo of the altar at Endless Path Zendo is attached, too.) Also this week, for the first time in 3 months, I resumed painting. I've attached a photo of this most recent painting as well.
 
So, all is good. I owe all of you a debt of deep deep gratitude. And I especially owe, Rose, who kept me going and helped me survive and regain a life and who also created this Caring Bridge site to keep everyone in the loop. (So there's a photo, too, of Rose and Jake from last weekend, clearly happy!) 
 
This is a special Thanksgiving indeed! Plus our daughter, Ariya turns 45 this weekend! And this same weekend, her three-woman photography collective, Southerly Gold, had a show open at the New Orleans Museum of Art!! Hooray! Hooray! And Happy Happy Birthday, Ariya!!
 
Wow! Happy Thanksgiving one and all!
 
Rafe 
 
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