Jan and Ana

Jan and Ana Visit During Hospice

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Home for Hospice

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes, 53 seconds

Visiting Jan 

Dr. Saksena, it’s so nice to see you,” I said as I stood by Jan’s bed, holding her hand. We had been waiting for the doctor as we both had many questions.

Jan’s smile was one of the weakest I had ever seen.

“I am sorry you are back in the hospital, but the stent has made a difference,” she said. “How are you feeling today?”

Jan shook her head up, down, and sideways. 

I am OK, just very tired of being in the hospital and worried about the lymphoma returning.

“We are in touch with Dr. Strair and his team and constantly monitor it.”

 “How aggressive is it?”

“It’s not where we would like it to be, but we are looking at various treatment options.”

She asked Jan a few more questions before leaving. 

“Thanks, Dr. Saksena!”

I kissed Jan and reminded her how much I loved her. 

“We will find a way to get thru this, my dear!”

“The lymphoma is active again; how can you be so positive?”

“Because we have an excellent medical team and….”

She napped for a few minutes, and I texted Dr. Strair.

Dr. Strair, how are you? I am at the hospital with Jan. Dr. Saksena stopped by and spoke about how aggressive the lymphoma is. Jan asked if she would survive. Saksena was realistic in her response. 

Do you know when we can speak tonight? The sooner I know, the easier it will be to connect my sons to the call.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:26 pm

He responded quickly. 

How is 7:30?

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:32 pm

I agreed and texted Jon and Mike.

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The Exhibitionist: A Novel

Read: July 2023

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The Exhibitionist: A Novel

by Charlotte Mendelson

I began reading Charlotte Mendelson‘s novel, The Exhibitionist, today. The book tells the story of Lucia and Ray, two artists whose marriage starts to fall apart over a weekend. It explores themes such as art, sacrifice, family dynamics, queer desire, and personal freedom. Charlotte Mendelson has created yet another exceptional novel with The Exhibitionist, ranked as the year’s novel by The Times of London, and described as “furiously funny.”

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Read: November 2025

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Seascraper: A Novel

by Benjamin Wood

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Discover your next favorite book and dive into a world of curated, exciting reads by purchasing through my links. You’ll have access to a diverse selection of books that I’ve personally vetted to ensure quality and enjoyment. Additionally, by supporting these selections, you’ll help me continue to provide you with more personalized recommendations. I earn a small commission from your purchase, which allows me to buy and share even more books with you. Your support truly makes a difference!

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Read: March 2023

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Hello Beautiful

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The following passage is one example of a well-written book.

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The Goodreads summary provides an overview,

William Waters grew up in a house silenced by tragedy, where his parents could hardly bear to look at him, much less love him. So it’s a relief when his skill on the basketball court earns him a scholarship to college, far away from his childhood home. He soon meets Julia Padavano, a spirited and ambitious young woman who surprises William with her appreciation of his quiet steadiness. With Julia comes her family; she is inseparable from her three younger sisters: Sylvie, the dreamer, is happiest with her nose in a book and imagines a future different from the expected path of wife and mother; Cecelia, the family’s artist; and Emeline, who patiently takes care of all of them. Happily, the Padavanos fold Julia’s new boyfriend into their loving, chaotic household.

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Read: February 2022

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When No One is Watching

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Sydney Green is Brooklyn-born and raised, but her beloved neighborhood seems to change every time she blinks. Condos are sprouting like weeds, FOR SALE signs are popping up overnight, and the neighbors she’s known all her life are disappearing. To hold onto her community’s past and present, Sydney channels her frustration into a walking tour and finds an unlikely and unwanted assistant in one of the new arrivals to the block—her neighbor Theo.

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Read: September 2023

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Creation Lake: A Novel

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