I first heard "I'm One" when my brother Alan shared the album Quadrophenia with me as he was experimenting with The Who probably around 1974/75. The Who made a career out of speaking to us youngsters. Please listen to Keith Moon's drumming after the song gets going, he laid down an impressive bit of music. I definitely fit into the demographic of young teenager; feeling a lot of angst over my lot in life. I wasn't popular. I didn't have a girlfriend. I was overweight and would hear the term "fatso" quite often. I didn't have a lot of friends, and to top it all off I couldn't beat my dad in one-on-one basketball! The stereo turntable played many a rock song in those days expressing frustrations, in the mid 70's it was very much in vogue. I heard I'm One and felt like it was written just for me. Pete Townsend, who it would later be discovered had some of his own troubles growing up- composed the Quadrophenia rock opera after the successful Tommy, in 1973. The opera tells the tale of Jimmy who is growing up in 60's England with many troubles including taking his own life. It is obscure today, but there are many great lyrics in contained within all of the songs from the album- my favorite being: "I got a Gibson without a case, but I can't get that even tanned look on my face."
When things are not going well, a headwind starts up just as you start to peddle your proverbial bicycle; take stock, regroup, get into a tuck, or peddle faster. You will succeed, or feel better trying. Instead of why me? try to think about the satisfaction of overcoming odds and staying true to yourself as you do it. There are a lot of surface distractions, sometime people who pretend to support you or care. If you find real people who are supportive, revel in their company/advice.
Had a fun day in Tacoma at the hospital/clinic yesterday, as I came down with another blood infection. They got me started on the always rough and ready vancomycin anti-biotic. Then it was discovered that my central line catheter was infected so it was removed (YES!) More meetings with infectious disease doctors and we were sent home at 5PM. I am very happy because: No central line means I can swim again soon! I should not contact as many infections, and that darn thing was a royal pain in the arse! (My anglophile stuff is coming out due to a recent wedding.) Now the infection just has to be beat back followed by a couple of chemo rounds and I am done with treatment. Living Happy!
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| My sister Cathy and I 1977 |
Had a fun day in Tacoma at the hospital/clinic yesterday, as I came down with another blood infection. They got me started on the always rough and ready vancomycin anti-biotic. Then it was discovered that my central line catheter was infected so it was removed (YES!) More meetings with infectious disease doctors and we were sent home at 5PM. I am very happy because: No central line means I can swim again soon! I should not contact as many infections, and that darn thing was a royal pain in the arse! (My anglophile stuff is coming out due to a recent wedding.) Now the infection just has to be beat back followed by a couple of chemo rounds and I am done with treatment. Living Happy!
17 comments:
Hi Greg,
Keeping good thoughts, ALWAYS! Enjoy the nice weather.
Greg, great comments,love the music. Dad
Greg
Enjoyed talking to you yesterday. Reflected on a lot of what we talked about when I was out stair climbing today (hey, no sense in waiting to the last minute to get ready for next year's big climb, right?). I was listening to a julia sweeney monologue an hour or so ago and was wondering what you might think of her views. Will get the title of it when I get back into the car and will send it to you.
Carol
OK- some how my daughter's name showed up on that last entry...just to keep you on your toes....
vancomycin anti-biotic was my drug of choice for a week at VM. Then I went on to two weeks of home iv anti-biotics....(glad Robin is a nurse)
Glad you will be done soon, it is sooooooo nice to get your bodily functions back to somewhat normal, it just takes toooooo long. Take care and get swimming soon....TRex
Well Saturday turned in to a lovely day and Sunday is supposed to be also.
Enjoy
Prayers
Hank
Hoping you feel better! I too was teased by kids at school. That's why I get so upset when I hear about bullying. Gotta love that video of the fat kid who had enough and let the bully have it. I'll have to see if it's on utube!
Love, Cathy
Glad to hear you got the line out. I know you've been eager to get back in the water. Here's to continued improvement Greg.
Greg: Glad to hear that you are free of the central line and are feeling better. Teenage years are never easy no matter how much we wish they were. For a small group of us in ne portland we were all the friends we had or needed. I count myself lucky to have known you through the easy and not so easy times, you were always there when I needed a shoulder or a friend to drink an under age beer with. I remember seeing the Who years ago in the Rose Garden at the beginning of their Quadrophenia tour. Keith had just broken off his self-imposed "no more windmill fast", John Entwistle would play one of his last concerts and Billy Idol stole the show as the Bellboy. My ears still ring occassionally, worth it though. Keep on rockin' in the free world.
Greggers, You never cease to amaze me with your candid "exposure" and genuine thoughtfulness... such a rare quality in men in general in our culture (sorry if that offends anyone, but it's way too true unfortunately!)... Perhaps your painful experiences as a youth opened you up more than with the "general" population? Whatever, just want you to know that I appreciate that aspect of you more than I can describe in words. Your blogs are from the Heart, NOT just from the head, and that is why I will read them for as long as you keep it going!!! I will cry with you when there are setbacks, rejoice when there are moments of Joy, and reflect along with you over the twists and turns of our lives... Isn't LIFE glorious!!!! Thank you for reminding me of all these things---you are and continue to be such a breath of fresh air! Keep on keeping on! Hugs, KKW
I didn't think I could ever top receiving comments from Sadie last week, and now this post. I am blown away! Helen, thank you for caring and helping me with true compassion- we need a lot more of that in our world. Dad, do you remember taking the picture, or was it Mom? Carol- you made me reflect as well, I will check out Ms. Sweeney (is she famous?) T-Rex, we need to both count ourselves lucky to have spouses who are smarter than us who provide tender loving care! Hank, it is going to be a glorious SUNday! Cathy, can I bottle your spirit and give it away to everyone who needs some soul? Mel- I might not compete in the triathlon but knowing you are helping and motivating others to support a great cause is good enough for me. Phil- I am so fortunate you were part of my 70's formative years, I will write more about some of those experiences when the statute of limitations run out! Karen- I know you figured me out a long time ago, today you brought tears to my eyes absolutely making my day. Get out there and enjoy life folks!
Hope the sun is shining up there, it is here!
Greg, We had sun also, its a good sign.Lots of love from Logan, Dad and Alice
We had our one day of sun for the week, now there is one scheduled for Wednesday and maybe one for the following week. It was a good day, got in a walk, a bike ride on a real bicycle, and did some work around the house. Here's to a bad forecast!
Greg,
Enjoyed your last two posts very much. It is poignant and meaningful to hear about people's childhood memories. It explains much about everyone of us. Sorry to hear of the blood infection and am hoping it's minor and you'll soon be on your way to more normal living.
We had howling winds for a few days here now it is partly sunny and trying to warm up but it's been having a hard time.
At least spring is here and that gives great hope.
Keep up the good work!
love,
Mary D.
Gregie - you are amazing! I marvel at your writings because they project such a positive and purposeful man. I am so glad you got that line out, it makes a big difference, eh? I really admire that you tell us all about your
ups and downs, and be proud of yourself for your successes in life! Miss you and wish you well, hugs and much ALOHA, Pineapple Princess (aka Valerie)
How's it going?
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