Life After Tum . V, O ( Fix poem... ) X M done But check the X's

LIFE AFTER TUM 

   On Thursday January 31st, around eight thirty in the morning, I arrived at Cedars Sinai hospital...        My family members and close friends were already waiting... They stayed until I was connected to          an IV and was wheeled to the surgery room. I would later be told how amazing it was to see such a Calm  and Fearless Patient like me...   The worried expressions on my visitors' faces made me laugh    out loud. "Why do you worry?",  I asked.  "Look at me; I am not scared at all!" Before long a nurse came to give me a shot, which made me feel a bit tipsy... I was trying to search, among the young doctors for a 'possible candidate' for my future son-in-law, but fell asleep before finding one...

   The surgery took about five hours. When the nurses tried to wake me up, they were unable to do so When I finally opened my eyes, I could see my husband my daughter sitting by my bed, crying..."Why are they crying?" I wondered.  "Am I already dead?" As I looked around, I found myself in a beautiful room upholstered in calming pastel colors.  For a few moments it seemed as if I was staying in a magnificent hotel... I would later learn that Al made sure. I will be at the most beautiful (and expensive) part of the hospital, where I would be seen by the best doctors only!...

  There were several flower arrangements and cards on the oval table by the window, as well as beautiful  'works of art' decorating the walls. Through the sparkling glass windows, I was able to see the lights of the houses in the Hollywood Hills... For a moment it seemed as if I was staying in one of the five stars hotels (Al introduced me to) or in a fancy cabin on a cruise ship. When I finally noticed the I.V tubes  attached to my arms, remembered  where I was.  Karen and her (then) boyfriend, who spent the night sitting on chairs by my bed side, would later tell me how happy I was to see them when finally  I finally woke up! They said I was very funny; "Almost as if you were a real Stand up Comedian!" I was also told how I tried to convince two doctors, three nurses and some of the cleaning crew, to join me in  a very important spiritual discussion regarding the "up coming Golden Age!" Using strange words like,  X"Oness consciousnesses and unconditional Love!" They also said, how during one of the most interesting moments of conversation, I would suddenly close my eyes and fall into a deep sleep. One of  my close friends X Suggested x "To fill up bottles with Shira's Laughter, sell them in the hospital's Gift Shop and make a Fortune!"     

   On the following day (so I am told) I was 'getting short' with one of the nurses, who asked me for my date of birth, where was I at the present moment, and why was I there... After asking me the same questions for the third time I said: "Is something wrong with your memory? I have just told you, several times, the date of my birthday! What is yours?" X After she answered, I told her she was a 'Leo' and the meaning of her sign!... When another nurse came in, to ask how I was feeling, I said I was fine, accept for having difficulties keeping my eyes open..."Do you  have double vision?" , she asked “How can I tell if I have double vision... when my eyes are closed?", came my answer...  

Dr. "Ali" and
Rabbi "Karebear"

Karen and
Allison at 12

    Alison and Karen have been best friends since the fourth grade ."Ali", who had two siblings to compete and fight with, enjoyed the "Peacefulness and Calm" at Karen's family home... Since Al and I decided to have 'one child only', our home was always open to Karen's friends...We  loved to have young people around and they enjoyed attention!  Being an only child, Karen once accused me  that, "You love Alison more then you love me!"... After Alison graduated from Medical School she would always come to visit me, at one of the hospitals I stayed; due to the new 'Exotic Illness' I had at the time...Whenever 'Ali' and 'Kare Bear,' were getting together, they seemed to regress to an earlier stage of their lives.  I was always amused by the conversations of these  two "Valley Girls", who grew up to be a Physician and a Rabbi... I can not remember how long was my stay at the hospital before finding out if my tumor was malignant or not... Eventually, we I heard the good news: "The Tumor is Benign!"

   When I finally came back home after my surgery, our dog Moses was barking with joy, running around me... I was told how he was often found sitting at my side of the bed during the better part of my hospital stay... During the first two weeks of my recovery, I was waking up around three or four in the morning, to the delight of my Israeli friends and family members. We were able to chat on the phone before I went  to sleep in L.A and then again when they just woke up in the morning.  During the time of my long recuperation,  Al was taking such good care of me, I told him he is the 'Male Version' of Florence Nightingale (the 'Legendary British Nurse' during the second World War)... After Al told me that "I was  afraid I am going to lose you!",  I said I was going to record him and play it in the future, whenever he might criticize me.... 

   After we came back home, Al was telling the many people who wanted to see me that I was not     quite "ready for visitors"... My protests did not help; he made sure I was taking my medicine, arguing me to eat and was constantly asking how I was feeling... I am convinced, that the love and care from my family members as well as our good friends, helped my recovery more then the 'Bitter Medicine' I had to take... Before my 'Bon Voyage party', I had written a goodbye poem for "Tum the tumor" X and shared it with my visitors.X" Don't you Hate this Tumor?" One of my friends asked me... I had to think about it.The truth  was that I did not hate Tum; I was actually grateful to this tumor; realizing that because of Tum, I got in touch with old friends, made new ones, had a great party, inspired  people to be more calm and positive during challenging times. I also helped some to  learn to overcome fears, by using Hope and Laughter during difficult and scary moments...This challenging experience encouraged me to write Poetry once again...Below is a poem, written and dedicated to Tum the Tumor, who is now far away ... 

                                                                     A poem for Tum

                                                             Some of my friends don't like you                                                                                                                      and this is what they said:

                                                            Good bye, Nasty Tumor; get out of Shira's head!
                                                             We toast to your departure; good by                                                                                                                   unwanted Brat! Don't even try to                                                                                                                          visit, forget we ever met!

                                                                 Although you were not welcome                                                                 I thank you 'Tumor Tom' 
            You came  for a short visit   
                                                                      and left when it was time                                                                                                                                   The 'Tumor Humor' blog                                                                           'was born' thanks to you   

          and this lovely party

          is your doing too!
       ♥♥♥
        Bon Voyage!
         ♥♥
            Adieu!!
          ♥
              Good Buy!

                                "It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light!"                  

                                                                        (Aristotle Onassis)                                                          

                              

With Love and light,
Shira

Bon Voyage Tum! Done ?? M ???

       BON VOYAGE, TUM!

   Today is an important day: I am about to have a surgery, in order to remove 'Tum' the Tumor', which would be transferred to the lab at Cedars Sinai Hospital in order to be evaluated by specialists, to    make sure it is not 'Malignant'... (God forbid!) I would like to ask you dear readers, to please send  Positive Wishes for my 'speedy recovery'... I have been asked several times, how can] I stay so calm before a 'Brain Surgery?' (Since most people would be terrified!)  realizing that even as a child, I was 'Unusually Courageous' learning early on that Love brings Happiness, Joy, Laughter, Compassion and Peace of mind, while Hatred creates the opposite...                

   From the moment I was diagnosed with a 'Brain Tumor', I began to write a Blog, which I named "Tumor Humor", using my sense of humor to describe how I was able to keep my Fears away! I hope and trust that my experience would provide comfort and hope to those who may be going through painful health challenges or other difficult moments in their life...  May we all learn to be brave as we are facing fears and other challenges throughout our life's journey and learn to overcome any difficulty, by using hope, courage and strength.. If I am able to calmly face such a challenge as a Brain Tumor, so can you!

   I invited a few close friends and family members, who live in California, as well as a handful of my    clients (in spite of the 'Rules and 'Regulations') to come for a "Good Bye Party for 'Tum The Tumor!' When I met with the owner of the "Club/ Restaurant" where the party would take place, he asked me  what was the occasion for this party. "It is a "Good-Bye party for my Brain Tumor before surgery",        I said. At first the man was speechless, then he began to laugh and shake my hand vigorously: "I had  many parties in my restaurant during the last thirty five years", he said laughing, "but never before have I heard about this kind of a party!"

     The party was for women only (thirty four adults and several children) The guests who seemed at      the beginning a bit fearful and scared, warmed up and eventually began to smile and even laugh! They were eating, drinking and 'showering' me with love! The kids were running around, shouting with joy  and were exchanging their old toys, which I asked their mothers to bring, in order to keep them busy...  My niece, Gali , and her thirteen years old daughter Shelly provided 'Face Painting' for the 'Younger  Guests, as well as for the "Inner Kids" of the few adults who wished to join them...

   During the three weeks preparations for this 'Event', I was on 'Cloud Nine'... I would later be told that  the 'Atmosphere' in the restaurant was "Amazing!" My guests, besides the family members and friends  were a few of my "Patients", whom I befriended (against regulations). There was a total lack of judgment, competition, or any signs of discomfort, which women who do not know each other may experience, when they meet for the first time.  I could almost feel how the energy of 'Pure Love' and 'Deep Concern', was entering my heart and creating a protective wall around me... 

    About an hour into the party, a friend came to tell me that one of the guests was crying... It seems this woman's daughter just phoned her, after her doctor's visit, where she was told that a 'Tumor' was found  in her breast... I took (rather 'snapped') the mother's phone: "Listen my dear", I told the daughter, whom I have met once before: "If I am not afraid of a Brain Tumor; You should not worry about a small one! Be glad it is in your breast rather then the brain, like mine!"... "The young woman began to laugh and gave me a hug?????... Several months after her successful surgery, the two of us met again at her Mom's birthday party. She ran towards me and gave me a big hug, saying how the 'total lack of Fear" I displayed regarding my Brain Tumor helped to calm down her fears... 

    Words about the "unusual party of Positive Energy" began to spread beyond the restaurant's walls...   I was told that "people are talking about this "Unusual Party!" and that it even traveled to France, after my French friend Claudine called her aunt in Paris: "Guess what kind of a party I was invited to yesterday?" My husband Al who was 'terrified' when he first heard the news about my Brain Tumor said, "Well Shira, it seems that your 'Reputation' as a Strong and Fearless woman, is now spreading to Europe!"   He was joking, but I could tell how worried he was... 

   The latest 'Channeled Information' I received, came to instruct us that before we embark on the Trip    to the 'Fifth Dimension', we would be going through  "a few Unpleasant 'Shake Ups',  like health issues financial losses, problems with spouses, kids, family members and even close friends...There were also a few 'Scary Predictions' going around, about an up coming 'Global War', which is about to destroy Planet Earth, our present home. These rumors were followed by a 'Positive Message, telling us we are about to go  through "The Storm before the Calm!" (Instead of "The Calm before the Storm") 

   Without realizing, people are building "Emotional Muscles" in preparation for the challenges we are about to face, before and during our way from Planet Earth,??? to the 'Amazing 5th Dimension'... For quite  a while I have been receiving information that we would be going back and forth, between the 'Two Dimensions', until we are finally able to fully function from our 'Heart Chakra': Our "Fountain of Love'     I hope, rather Trust ('Hope' indicates doubt) that Mankind is able to overcome the challenges which we are about to face, before and during this up coming Journey to the Fifth Dimension, which is waiting for us beyond the Boundaries of this Third Dimension; our present home...            

        

  With love, Shira

New Horizons X DoneX M

 NEW HORIZONS 

 

  Today I have very important news to share with you.. First, my Brain Tumor has a name: it is Tom! In  Hebrew the word Tom means 'Innocent' or 'Finished and done with!" The results of my last  MRI show that, in spite of  my efforts, the tumor in my brain is refusing to go away... As a matter of  fact it grew 'One Millimeter bigger'...  I was told that even if the tumor is not malignant, it eventually may begin to push on the Brain! Dr Chou recommended  surgery "as soon as possible!"  He said  there are patients who prefer chemo therapy or radiation over surgery, which I refused to consider!

  

   My 'terrified husband' Al and his 'fearless wife' me), met with a new doctor in order to establish        the date of my up coming surgery for the 'Removal of this Unwanted Guest'... I was joking with Al that  I must have 'Created' this tumor because of my "need for attention and compliments for my bravery",  but he was too worried to laugh. I couldn't understand all the compliments for my bravery'  which I  was receiving from everyone (including the doctors) and was wondering what is the "Big deal?"

   Was I afraid?  "Not at all!"  The people I knew were not surprised by my 'Calm Reaction'... They all  knew I was never afraid! I was actually thinking that this may be an opportunity to overcome another "challenge".  As  far as I remember I have always been Fearless... Even as a child, I could not understand why people made such a 'Big Deal' about my 'Lack of Fear'...At one point I was diagnosed with an infection  of the brain (Encephalitis), which caused my hands as well as my legs to be partially paralyzed for a while.   Three years later I would have to go through another surgery; this time "Hysterectomy", in order to remove  an 'Ovarian Cancer', known as the "Silent Killer".  

 

   My complete recovery from these scary life-threatening illnesses and surgeries strengthened my  beliefs in the power of Positive Thinking' and Visualization, to attract and connect us with Divine Protection. Like my father, I was always a positive person, believing that just as I got over several life    threatening illnesses' in the past, I would be able to overcome the threat of a 'Small Brain Tumor'     I was looking at myself in the mirror and saying with great conviction: "The brain tumor is benign and      I am on my way to recovery!" As a teacher and, later on, as a psychologist, I always feel an obligation    to help people learn and understand that fear and other challenges, could almost always be overcome with emotions... After all I have been a devoted student of 'Metaphysics' for most of my adult life and probably in my Past Lives as well...  Not too many people understand the meaning of 'Past Lives'...  

  

  I remember a friend telling me how she hates anything which makes her feel 'unintelligent'... I guess many people feel this way when they are introduced to new and unfamiliar concepts.  By the way I learned that soon "we are going to complete 26,000 Years Cycle of Life and a New Cycle is about to begin! I will have to collect more information in order to explain it better to my readers; as well as well to myself... 

 

   For years there were rumors that the 'Mayan Calendar' predicted the End of the World! What people failed to realize, is that this was only 'One part' of the Information'... For quite a while we have been told that "our world is coming to an end"... However, we were also told, that it is "The end of  the world 'As  we know it!" Which is a place of Materialism, Jealousy, Competition, Greed and Wars...The world which comes to replace our present one, is a world of Peace, Oneness Consciousness and Unconditional love; the world of the Fifth Dimension!' 
   

 I have lately received more information, telling us that the"18 Basic Laws of our Universe" begin to change... One of the most important laws is the one Darwin named "Natural Selection; better known as  "The Survival of the Fittest!".These kind of laws are behind the mistaken idea that "Might is right" x  which x leads to Selfishness, Greed, Competition, Separation, Isolation, Violence and Wars. Until now  our world was functioning in the Third Dimension. We are  told that now we get ready to take one more step, which would lead us to a "Renaissance of Consciousness" and "Unconditional Love!" We are now ready to move away from the 'Survival Mentality' of our present three Dimensional World, of hatred, fear and wars and get ready to replace it with a world of Courage, Love and Peace, then move on to receive  the 'Up coming New Age of the 5th Dimension!  I can hardly wait... 

 

       Helen Keller said :"The best and most beautiful things in the world, cannot be seen or even                     touched, they must be felt with the heart..."
 

With Love and Light,

Shira

Raw Food As Medicine . X. photo of Moses ! M

 RAW FOOD AS MEDICINE

   The Optimum Health Institute is using a 'Holistic Program' for Mental, Emotional and Physical        health... I remember sitting with my daughter Karen under a tree during one of our several visits and eating Raw Food, when a few small leaves from the tree above us fell and landed on our plates... We      didn't even  bother to remove them! (I can't remember if we ate the leaves or not). The Nutritional Program in this place is based on organic raw, sprouted vegetables only! The most important healing ingredient is 'Wheat Grass Juice', made out of special Grass growing on the premise. The guests 'feed'  this special grass into antique juicers and drink it twice a day... There are daily (non-stop) classes and lectures about health and healing, as well as massages and daily enemas, the latter which Karen and I made sure to avoid!

   Neither television, cell phones nor computers are allowed on the premises! ("If you wish to get Cancer   from the Radiation of these Electronic Devices - Do it in your own house!")  People are not supposed to talk about 'Negative Topics' and the word "Illness", is replaced with "Health Opportunity!"... During the first three days, was I picking at the Raw Veggies on my plate, with Fake Enthusiasm... The "Meal" was  consisted of a few Green Leaves, covered with raw mashed Sprouts...The "Salad Dressing" was made out of 'Water and Herbs'...There was no oil (not even Extra Virgin Cold Pressed Olive Oil! ) or a pinch of salt! I didn't realized how much I craved salt, until the fourth day; when I was having a Massage named 'Salt Glow' and began (Frantically and Obsessively) licking the salt off my arms, ignoring the concerned and frightened looks of the Masseuse...

  The Pounds were melting away from my body, which so far was the only thing I liked...  By the            fourth day, I could no longer stand the 'Mush', so I ate one lettuce leaf for lunch and two Swiss Chard    for dinner... On the fifth day we had the same Green Juice we received, on our first day and decided to name it, "Green Pina Colada"! Towards the afternoon we were so hungry, we were missing the 'Mush'    and devoured the "Crackers", which were made out of Sun Dried Vegetables...

   I have to admit that the Chef really tried...  One day we were served "spaghetti", made out of raw zucchini, sliced thin (like noodles...) and "meat balls", made out of 'Mush', covered with tomato juice (Ketchup?) meant for the "pizza. The "crust" of this "pizza: was made out of dried vegetable crackers covered with round tomato slices (salami? ) and raw onion slices (fries?). One of the women with an Italian last name began to cry after biting in to her "pizza"! She, most probably, was remembering the better homemade meals of  real pasta and pizza, covered with cheese, salami and olives.  

  The green 'Wheat Grass' which was considered to be the most important ingredient in this program, was another 'torture' and the only way we were able to drink it, was by pouring cinnamon on top and drink while pinching our nostrils. Now, I gag when I smell cinnamon, which used to be one of my favorite spices.  I have to admit, after hearing how 'Green Juice' could cure and eliminate any skin problem, I would  smear some of it on a cut in my arm, as well as on a tiny 'Mole' I found on my left leg. The following  day I was shocked to discover that both had disappeared. Some people were 'snorting' this juice in order to cure their sinus problems.  Others put it in their ears and bathed their eyes using a glass which could be purchased at the small gift shop... Others were pouring 'Green Juice' in their bath water... talk about "GOING GREEN!"

   Among the recommendation for 'healing methods', was a 'Fast from Speaking', which was a very big challenge for a  talker like me,  but I did it!  I never realized before how much energy we put into talking and how busy the brain is when having a conversation or arguments.  Not speaking for a full day felt like going back to being a young child who couldn't talk yet.  I noticed how 'sharp' my hearing became when I was listening with amazement to the sounds of tweeting birds, barking dogs and mooing cows. I was admiring the leaves of the flowers, feeling as if I was going back in time, regressing to the 'young  innocent child' I had once been... a girl who had been able to see Wonder and Joy in everything and everyone next next to her. I also experienced how my emotions moved from sadness to joy; anger and tears to laughter and compassion. This experience reminded me how years ago my, sensitive three years old daughter Karen, asked me "Does it Hurt the Orange when we Peel it?"...  I was deeply moved by that  and was wondering how could I protect such a sensitive child from the pain she will be going through during her long life's journey...

   We are told, that the Human Race has been slowly poisoning itself with toxic foods, alcoholic drinks and other 'chemicals' which we put on our skin and hair, besides breathing the fumes and other toxins in the air!... I made up my mind that when I return home, I would continue to eat raw food only, until  my date with the MRI machine, December 12th. I kept visualizing my Tumor 'Shrinking Away", and fantasizing how my doctor would look at the result of my tests and faint from shock when he sees that my Tumor disappeared! I even imagined myself, picking up the doctor from the floor, speaking to him about how I shrunk m Tumor, thereby  converting him to  Vegetarianism. Then we could save the Human Race from horrible illnesses, which are caused by killing  and eating of innocent, helpless creatures. I was reminded again and again about  the dangerous of ' Genetically Modified Food' and at times, I would visualize myself becoming the "Heroine of the Animal Kingdom"  after saving the poor cows, pigs, goats, chickens, lamb, ducks, turkeys and rabbits from their death!

Bagel and coffee

Doughnut and tea

   On the last day of school at this transformational health spa, we were saying  tearful goodbyes to  instructors and friends we made in this place of healing. A few of them were staying longer, but my daughter Karen and I decided to go home after one week only.  Karen was missing our dog and her friends and I felt guilty about "deserting" my husband, our dog Moses and our friends. One thing I was very happy to leave behind me was Seven Pounds! I was able to last on the Raw Veggie Diet for a few days only! My resolve dissolved the moment I smelled the fresh coffee my husband Al was brewing in the kitchen and could barely wait for the fresh and sweet taste of doughnuts, stuffed with jam, which he bought home. It was quite soon that I forgot the promise I made to avoid this kind of "poisoning food" forever!

   Two days later, a friend came to visit, bringing flowers and donuts. It didn't take long to put back      five  of the seven pounds I was hoping were lost forever. I fear I am hopelessly addicted to sweets!  I made up my mind not to eat 'Red Meat' ever again after our dog Moses received me with such joy. Moses is a black and white mix of Toy Poodle, Shiatsu and Maltese, which makes him look like a twelve pound 'Little Cow'. Moses  was so happy to see me, crying and  licking my legs, looking into my eyes with such longing, devotion and love,  it made me cry... I could almost understand what he was trying to say: "Where have you been Shira? How could you leave me for so long?! I missed you so much! I was afraid you'll never come back!"  How could I ever eat anything which resembles our Moses?  I decided to become Vegetarian once again...

With Love and Light,
Shira

Naming the Tumor. V (done) O M M

                                                            

     

NAMING THE TUMOR

      

  After re-reading in my blog about the 'Discovery of my 'Brain Tumor and how 'Fearless Shira' (me)        was handling this scary "Uninvited guest", I realized that actually I have been 'Fearless' my whole life.   This kind  of reaction was not new to me.  My brother and I were often told that the most important part of our growth was to learn how to move away from our 'Comfort Zone' in order to be ready for the long journey to our destiny. After sharing with my family and friends the news about my "New Born Tumor', I asked my Blog Readers  to help me find a good name for it and  was laughing out loud as I read the suggested names in English  Hebrew and even in 'Yiddish', which is an old mixture of German and Hebrew, which was used by the European Jews.    

 

  My dear funny friend Charles, from Northern California (who is one of my blog readers) suggested     that "This is not a Tumor, but a 'Matzoh Ball', brought by Jewish 'Extra Terrestrials' from the planet"    "Oy-Vay!" ('Bad Problem')... It made me smile to realize how glad people are to join in the fun, even     if the 'fun' has to do with a "Brain Tumor"... When I shared the news about the tumor with my dentist,     he and his nurse joined in the 'Naming Game', suggesting 'Casper' (the ghost)... More names were sent   by friends and family members who were ready to share in this Fun...

    

"Gone; No more; Darth Vader; Dennis (the Menace); Genie; Expelled and Bye Bye!" My friend 

Janet suggested Hitch; for a Hitchhiker who comes and goes away without leaving a trace. Below      are the Hebrew and Yiddish names, sent by friends and family members in Israel, as well as by readers    of my blog in California, Florida, New York and New Jersey: 

Gidulchik -'Gidul' is Hebrew for Tumor, 'Chick' is an endearment for something small
Lech lecha! -"Get going!" A quote from the Bible about God talking to Abraham
Chai Zar - An"Extra Terrestrial" (Hebrew for a stranger from another planet!)
Yablit - A Weed which may be choking and harming the Garden Plants 

Yiddish names:

Debuk – A 'Dark Entity' which enters the body and could be removed by Exorcism only
Mamzer -'Illegitimate child'; 'dishonest, sneaky and annoying' (a Smart 'Trouble Maker'!)
Shmate'-  Old cloth; a rag of unwanted left-over fabric, used in Multi Tasks of cleaning
Tzatzke  - A toy,  also describes an 'Imposter', who may have some Bad Intentions 

Tzure - Trouble, an Unexpected Problem, which needs to be dealt with, as soon as possible

Shlimazel - One who 'Lacks in luck (Mazel). Unlucky person who fails in everything he dose 

Shlumiel - One who can not succeed in whatever he/she are doing (A relative of the "Shlimazel")

  The last name was provided by my Korean Acupuncturist, Dr Young, who was having a very hard          time naming my tumor.  I suggested 'Kimchi' (a Korean dish similar to sour kraut).  However, since     our sense of humor must be very different; she was looking at me with great concern, probably wondering if the Tumor already affected my brain.  

On December twelfth, I am scheduled for another MRI. When  I asked my doctor if all this radiation could kill me before the Tumor does, he began to laughed! (Do you  think it is funny?) I have been trying to shrink  the Tumor by using a combination of Humor and Positive Thinking, Meditation, Guided Visualization and the powerful 'Energy Work', of "Chinese Pranic Healing". Please wish me Luck...

 

Our "food"

Optimum Health
Institute

    My "Journey for Healing" took place at the Optimum Health Institute in San Diego; a place which combines several kinds of healing methods for the Body, Mind and Soul. This was my third visit to this isolated, peaceful place... In my next post I would share  some of the experiences I have gone through in this lovely place of Peace and Healing... Until then my chin is up, my steps are soft and  my heart is light! I am not afraid and look for reasons to 'Laugh a lot', since I have always believed in the saying, that "Laughter is the Best Medicine"!

“Laughter is Inner Jogging."
- Norman Cousins

With Love, Light and laughter...

Shira

The Beginning, or "Fearless Shira!" V O M M

                                                       

                                                                    THE   BEGINNING  

   On Tuesday night; August 21st, 2012, I was getting out of the Jacuzzi, in our back yard: and Passed  Out... My husband Al and our daughter Karen, were unable to wake me up... I was going in and out of consciousness and vaguely remember the Ambulance, which taking me to the small hospital near our home, in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles...    During the few moments of being aware, I tried     to figure out, what was going on with me: "Did I just pass out, or was it another one of the 'Spiritual Experiences', which I used to go through from time to time?"  The doctor told me that because of 'my  age'  I will need  to have a Cat Scan, in order to make sure I did not have a Stroke! Even though people say I do not look a day over fifty, I have recently celebrated my Sixtieth Birthday; a week later, after my  yearly check up; I was told that a 'Small Tumor', was growing on the left side of my  brain... According   to my doctor, the tumor should be dealt with "Right Away!" In order to find out whether it was Malignant or not!

 

   One thing you should know about me dear readers, is that I am and always was Fearless! I heard      from my parent that even as a toddler who could barely walk, situations which would scare most of the kids 'Half to Death, never frightened me... During my adult life, I experienced several life threatening illnesses: a Kidney Tumor; Acute Transverse Myelitis'; Encephalitis and a small Ovarian Cancer which required an immediate hysterectomy!"... So far I came out of these 'Ordeals' without a scratch!' (well, maybe a few scars)... During my work as a 'PhD Psychologist', I have been using 'Clinical Hypnosis'  in order to help people overcome disturbing fears, like Agoraphobia and Claustrophobia,  a fear of being 'Locked Up' in a closed place; fears which I personally never experienced, Thank God!        

 

  I don't remember much about the hospital I arrived to; except telling the few Muslim technicians in      the 'Urgent Care Unit', that we should create a "Universal Brotherhood in the Middle East!" Several of   the nurses, whose parents came from the Middle East, joined the conservation and we were having a  loud  and friendly discussion about the Tension between their Muslim countries and Israel, my small country of birth. I was later told how amazing it was' to meet a 'Patient' (me), who was just diagnosed with a 'Brain Tumor' and did not know yet if it was malignant or not, yet was so Fearless and Positive!   

       
   The MRI confirmed that a Tumor was growing in my brain; just behind my right eye... Doctor Chou   the Chinese specialist, was saying that even though the Tumor seems small, it may eventually create      a 'Big Problem'... My family and friends who heard about this latest development were very concerned.  I on the other hand did not experience any Fears...  Actually I found myself going through an excitement one may experience before going on a 'Great Trip to an Unknown Destination'. It is said that 'Laughter is the only thing "Fear is Afraid of"...  So I made up my mind that instead of worrying about this new  "Uninvited Guest', I should be laughing, which I did...  

 

    I called my friend Helen, who was suffering from a severe case of Vertigo (Fear of Heights) inviting   her to bring her 'Vertigo'  for a 'Play Date' with my Brain Tumor'... Helen began to laugh, saying she would be happy to do so, asking how many people would be at this 'Party'... "If Life gives us Lemons      we can always make Lemonade!" I read some were...At one point I realized that these two words (Brain Tumor) could work Miracles; like the time I was trying to make a dentist appointment and was told that the doctor was unavailable:. "But I just found out that I have a Brain Tumor!" I said and immediately was treated with great tenderness, as if I was some kind of a delicate flower.  I would soon realize that using these two scary wards ("Brain Tumor') could open many doors, like avoiding long lines for the bathrooms at the 'Hollywood Bowl during intermission...

   As a 'New Age Therapist', I have been teaching my 'Clients' (Not 'Patients' mind you!) how to use       the power of "Positive Thinking", as well as other Unconventional Methods of Healing, in order to help remove Phobias and other Traumas, by using "Voice Dialogue" (created by Doctor Hal Stone) in order to remove 'Toxic Phobias and Fears"... It seemed that my 'Little Brain Tumor', became my big helper, since some of my "Clients" who became 'Terrified' by these two words, realized how small their problem were in comparison to mine! After all, how important could their 'Fears of Flying' or 'Public Speaking' be next to to my Brain Tumor?! 

   

With Love and Light

"Fearless Shira"