Fromto

the definition of fromto:
(verb) fromto * fromtoos * fromtooed * fromtooing
(noun) fromto * fromtoos
(adverb) fromtooingly
(adjective) fromtoeous

etymology: 
unknown

examples:
from working to retired
from trapped and helpless in this body to freedom mentally and spiritually
from being too physically drained to being energized enough to do some cooking, baking, etc.
from isolation to connection with other people...  and myself.
from withdrawn at home to "engagement once with donna
from stifled to creative
from shutdown to open
from increased anxiety to increased contentment
from agitation to contentment

application to include fromto in next edition of webster:
pending

The act of receiving

last week a reception was held in honor of my retirement.  I had asked that it be postponed until i might was in a better state of health.  and i did feel pretty good.  the kind words of friends and colleagues touched me deeply.  and the song written by the counseling center staff was hilarious.  it was titled, 'stephen is one of our favorite things' to the tune of the 'sound of music' song.  they roasted me but good!

the reception was indeed 'a receiving'.  for the love and the honor given to me was amazing.  after being away from the university for two months, it was though i also was received 'into the fold' as one of their retirees. 

receiving love and honor is a special thing; also, it is a humbling thing.  'it is more blessed to give than receive' has it's merit.  but the converse is true as well.  for those of us who are 'givers' the act of receiving can be difficult.  avoiding the common tendency to diminish the compliments from others, a simple 'thank you' means 'i receive your gift of love with gratitude'. 

so for those who gave gifts of love, i say  THANK YOU!

Cleveland

today we traveled to cleveland for my quarterly check-up.  the routine was the same...  two breathing tests that are from hell.  "blow! blow! blow!" cheers the technician trying to have me empty my lungs as much as possible.  i hate this one. i usually get light-headed and sometimes nauseous after 5 or 6 attempts to get consistent results.

the next one was less harsh; it tested the ability of my lungs to exchange gases.  this test could be made more fun if i got a dose of helium.  after resting a few minutes, we were escorted back to the waiting room.

the two women seated at the reception area are hoots.  i spent time talking with them and teasing them a bit.  i ordered a gin and tonic or a long island iced tea.  the woman on the right reached down into a bottom desk drawer as if she keeps a stash of booze. 

then my name was called; donna and i were escorted to a consultation room. jeff chapman, my pulmonologist, spent 30 minutes gathering information, discussing test results, and checking my lungs for crackles.  then together, we decided on a course of action for the next quarter.  the results were not too bad.  my breathing test results revealed a dip in my lung capacity.  the doctor, however, was not too concerned at this point. no change in medications...  i was hoping for a reduction in the steroids.

leaving the clinic, we headed back to dayton.  .  it's good to be home!