Yes and the criss-cross of nerves forming big Xes just before the ocular nerve enters the cranium is a great argument pro AND con the Design creationism. Keep white ing at it all, Stephen. ehugggzz

You're an amazing human, my friend. And I've started reading your friends' comments, and wow, you have a bunch of amazing humans in your collection, too! Love and hugs (from a distance) to you, Stephen.

Hi Stephen, Terry Kayser here, from cold Minnesota. O think I first met you when we shared a room during the AVP-USA conference in Bellingham Washington. You travelled there by public transportation, how great. I am sorry to hear of your latest predicament and hope it resolves in your favor. You are the last person I would expect to have such a condition. Your strength impresses me. If you don't mind, I would like to put a notice on the AVP-L with your Caring Bridge page. I am hoping for great outcomes for your recovery. Peace to you. Terry

Dear dear Stephen,
You are a wonder! You maintain your curiosity and enthusiasm in the midst of all this!
Tonight, I am thinking of you while seeing the setting sun light up the far side of all the little tender light green leaves on the trees between our house and the orchard. The fruit trees are in fragrant bloom and the pink flowering jasmine in drenching the back yard with intoxicating fragrance. You are in my thoughts and my heart. I am remembering the little drawing you sent me of the bird you sketched outside the window of the barn apartment when you stayed there. It is always a joy to think of you.

Something to occupy my mind while I get in touch with a service rep From Target about my grocery order. Or, I can think bout you, dear Stephen, and quit the pity party already! ( About waiting on hold) Sending you love and light-holding!

Here is a tidbit I learned in a class that focused on the brain structure:

right side of brain: interprets what the left eye sees and is the enter for art, music, holistic thought
left side of brain: interprets what the right eye sees and is the center for linear thinking and language
split brain surgery - cutting the connections between the two halves - is sometimes done in cases of extreme seizure conditions and scientists have taken advantage of these as opportunities to learn more about the separate functions of each side.
So, a man who had received the split-brain surgery is hooked up to a device - a sort of screen separator - so that his eyes cannot see the same thing. The right eye is shown a shovel, the left eye sees a chicken. He is asked to name the thing he sees - left lobe kicks in and he says, "shovel". Then he is asked what it is used for, and his right lobe discerns purpose. So he replies, "to clean up the chicken shit." :)

True account,

I believe that religion is on the left side and spirituality is on the right side. Music - -whether hymns are sung together, a choir performs while parishioners listen, or an organ pumps out the tunes -- activates the right side and opens us to embrace spirit. It deploys faith and love, not logic. Putting too many words together drives us back to the left lobe where faith does not stand a chance. So "listening beyond words" is a right brain activity.

Stephen,
I am keeping you in my heart.
They are clearly not worried about it being fast growing if they are taking this long. I hope that the extra time and the sharper images lead them to the best possible treatment for you.
I will contemplate while I put on sun screen.
Margaret

Stephen, thank you for sharing your journey with thoughtful and humorous reflection, which is a lesson to us all, on whatever path we find ourselves. In my daily walks, I can report the steam is still rising from the intersection at Larkin, the tents seem to be contact-distancing across the sidewalks, and Van Ness repairs are still going nowhere! This week I'll check out our corner. Love, Lucille

A new normal is coming! After I had my brain surgery in 1992 I had to go back to the hospital for some disturbing symptoms. I was in the waiting room at Kaiser Sunset specialty hospital in downtown Los Angeles. In little San Dimas I was very conscious of my shaved. head, but this waiting room had far more interesting haircuts than mine! The Marines say "adapt and overcome". Success has different parameters now.

Steve, How you do maintain your sense of humor through thick and thin! Right now things are thick and thin as we go through this isolation, depend on computers, and phone calls to keep us connected. I feel it is an honor to be on your Caring Bridge and continue to hold you in the light as we stay connected. Fondly, Andrea