Life Happens!

I have been complaining about periods of shortness of breath, swollen ankles with occasionally back pains for close to ten years now. I never seemed to get any satisfaction from my doctors -so last July after a really difficult episode, I changed doctors. She has been running me through every test known to man. And even though my last blood work was in May -- just two months before I saw her -- and I was told everything was fine, when she did the blood work, I ended up on medication for high blood pressure, high Cholesterol, and low thyroid function. Also a calcium supplement and continued with my daily vitamin and fluid pill. Last fall during a routine visit she mentioned that my kidney function was low and did a sonogram for blockage. As there was none, she recommended I see a specialist. Well, since last October, my time and energy went into the ALA Presidential Campaign leaving me little time to think of much else. I had a regular check-up appointment in April. While in Nags Head -- recovering from the campaign, (see a previous blog entry) I had a very difficult four days with very swollen ankles and a lot of difficulty breathing and even walking for a short distance. I had the follow-up appointment the Monday I returned and my blood work showed that my kidneys were functioning at 50% or less -- I was to go to a nephrologist (a kidney specialist). The specialist diagnosed me with Stage IV of Chronic Kidney Disease. Stage V is dialysis or transplant. I have been undergoing a lot of tests and will see what the future holds in mid-June. The CKD means reduced production of red blood cells -- and that with the heavy fluid retention accounts for the shortness of breath and anemia is a result of fewer red blood cells so I am exhausted most of the time -- fatigued is the better word -- which is not at all like me. I am sure this is more than anyone wants to know about my health -- but it has helped me by writing this. I plan to do as the doctor says and hope I can keep the disease in Stage IV for a very long time! But there are no answers at the moment. I also plan to be in Anaheim, but will certainly obey the doctors. I think I could be excused for missing one annual in thirty years!

The Christmas Shop

The "sparkle" is back on the Outer Banks! The Christmas Shop in Manteo, NC opened again after being closed for 2 and a half years! For those that might not know, the Christmas Shop and Art Gallery is a landmark on the Outer Banks and a "must go to" attraction. On Saturday, May 10, 2008 Edward Greene cut the ribbon to open his shop again. There is still much to be done but the look is the same and it felt so very familiar -- like it had never closed. There are still the theme trees and the Art Gallery, and lots of antiques, but there are also various shops within the shop and new features like a glass blower - a tee shirt shop - fudge and coffee by the Outer Banks Fudge Company - and the History shop featuring books about North Carolina run by Bruce and Cheryl Roberts who use to own the Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts in Nags Head. I can't wait to see the Christmas Shop in November when it will certainly be all decked out for the holiday that is its' namesake.

The Outer Banks of North Carolina

The Outer Banks are magical -- at least that is what I have always felt for the thirty-eight years I have been coming here. Through the years it has been the place I would go to sort out life's challenges and disappointments. A place to put things in perspective and figure out what to do or how to handle a particular situation. That is why, for now, I moved the saying at the end of my blog to the top right under the title. And through the years, even though I have seen unbelievable changes in the area, the ability to help me deal with life has not changed. Sitting on the beach looking out to the ocean can do wonders to clear my mind and prioritize what is important! That's why I am here this week and it didn't fail me this time, but provided me once again with a safe haven to get emotions out of the way so I could see things clearly and deal with the situation and move forward. Not winning the ALA Presidential election was a real disappointment but I am more disappointed for school libraries and youth services than I am for myself. But as the week has passed, I know I will not stop fighting for school libraries and having school and youth services librarians be an integral part of ALA. I have even been able to think through the debt I incurred and how I will pay it off in under two years! Might not be traveling much or buying anything other than necessities, but I can make it work. And when all is said and done, I enjoyed the experience, learned a lot, met many wonderful people that I hope will remain friends and had a lot of fun. Once again thank you for the opportunity and your kind words.

WWJBD?

Facing emotions that have taken over every waking moment, created restless nights, and left me unable to speak to anyone without tearing up - I have tried to put some levity into the situation and asked myself - "What Would Jimmy Buffett Do?" And to quote one of his songs - "I hope you understand, I just gotta go back to the Island. . .and watch the sun go down . . . and the sea roll in . . . I'll be thinking . . .what might have been. . ." So I'm headed to my islands -- Hatteras Island and Roanoke Island.

Thank You!

I have been away from my blog for longer than I realized -- too busy writing articles, speeches and flying around the country, campaigning. It was all worth it, I met a lot of great people I wouldn't have otherwise, I had a lot of fun, and I also learned a lot! But you probably know the results by now -- I was not elected as the American Library Association President-elect. I only received 44.2% of the votes. There is no doubt about it -- I am disappointed -- very disappointed -- and for many reasons. But I want to thank all of you who showed your confidence in me through your votes. I really appreciate all your support! Thank you for everything you did!