Living Alone but Never Alone

I have been receiving support from so many people around the world that yesterday’s article in Washington Post motivated me to say something here about it. The article is titled I had ovarian cancer, was single and living by myself. But going through treatment, I was never alone. – dated 23 May 2021.

Though everything about us is different (age, sex, location, cancer type, treatment, etc.) – we both experienced the marvelous good nature of most people and both of us enjoy living alone though appreciating the help and concerns of other people. 🙂

Some ladies of Roca Verde are still bringing me meals even though I told them it is no longer necessary. Several have shared their experiences with cancer, and sometimes it feels like everyone in this little farm town of Atenas knows I have cancer and lovingly ask me how I’m doing and offer to help. I know most of the taxistas here and they are all so caring and helpful. The wonderful, loving people of Costa Rica are a big part of the “Pura vida!” I’m so fortunate to live here.

Likewise through the internet, my blog and its links to Facebook plus emails I feel like there are literally thousands praying for me around the world and staying in touch, from old friends to never-met new ones, as is possible on the internet.

I am at peace and believe the Lord is watching over me just like all these friends and neighbors or is it God working through them? I believe so and I’m optimistic about the future with many more nature trips around Costa Rica with my camera that I can still use, even with one eye, and the trip I have scheduled 5.5 weeks after radiation concludes will have given me time to recover some from most side-effects and now gives me something to look forward to. . .

. . . I will be flying to the southern tip of the Osa Peninsula, near Panama border, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of Golfo Dulce where you sometimes see whales, while also hiking around the southern end of the largest protected rainforest in Central America. What could be better than that? And I’m still alive to enjoy it! 🙂 Bosque del Cabo Rainforest Lodge is west of Puerto Jimenez at the village of Cabo Matapalo, south of Corcovado National Park. Places like this are the reason I moved my retirement to Costa Rica! 🙂 For photos of other places I’ve already visited here see: My Costa Rica Trips Gallery. And you’ll know why I’m “Retired in Costa Rica,” the name of my blog and website.

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. 

Proverbs 16:9

¡Pura Vida!

6 Replies to “Living Alone but Never Alone”

  1. Thanks to God , Charlie! God has viven to you strenght and something know to live!
    Here i will continúe praying for you and another people with similar situation like you. ??

  2. Thank you for this post Charlie! As your sister and living so far away, I feel blessed to know you have so much support, love and prayers from people near and far. And bless those ladies of Roca Verde for bringing you meals! I send them my thanks and love for doing what I cannot do. Love and prayers continue from your family here. ♥

  3. Thanks Bonnie! I knew before I left the states that I would be too far from relatives and friends there for in-person support if needed, but I also knew about the wonderful people here in Costa Rica, both Tico and Expat and they have been with me all the way and just 12 more days of therapy and I will be way down the path!

    Your long distance support and concern has meant more than you may think and even support now from some of your blog friends! 🙂

  4. A touching post, Charlie. So good that you have the support you need, especially during this time. But I think your open outlook on life–your sheer pleasure and enjoyment of all that surrounds you in nature and in other beings–is something that must draw people to you. Hoping your trip to the Osa Penisula is all that you might wish and that you have the strength and health to enjoy it to the fullest.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *