I’m now 86. Seriously and joyously preparing for my demise. This, the very end of my life, has brought unexpected fulfillment of my dreams – in particular the one I “married” and tried to give up years ago. If you’ve read my bio, “Getting Lucky at Eighty,” you’ll remember that at the end I “divorced” my hope of ever getting out a cassette-taped message about male/female relationships, an epiphany, which I had had. It’s hard to imagine how much of my later life I have given to that dream. I was only 50 when it happened.
The fact is: I was way ahead of my time by doing what would later become an audio book. It went from cassette, to cd, and now to an mp3, so that you can hear my conviction in my actual voice just as I intended and recorded it in a Hollywood studio in 1981. And NOW, I have transcribed it, and so it’s also available in pdf to read on line, print or download. Amazing! Unbelievable, but true. I’ve contracted with Amazon for the audio version of “Gentlemen Prefer Bitches” and it should be on Audible any day now. Print versions (the pdf) are already on Kindle, at my own website and two others coming soon.
So, yes I’ve done what I came here to do. Last year, because I had borrowed some money to stay in real estate, not accepting that it was over for me, I had to file bankruptcy and give up a profession that I’d loved and clung to for 50 years (1961 to 2011). Because I’m a Scotch/Irish Oakie and a proud Aries, that decision and the stressful months of waiting for it to happen cost me my health. But even at that, God has been good.
I have a rare disease called Avium Complex. It’s an incurable, slow-growing bacterial infection that had already eaten away much of my right lung before they found it. The stress of giving up work in 2011 brought an immediate loss of appetite and constant nausea. I lost 47 pounds. I guess that’s good for my overall survival, but I’ve been prettier. I have now opted out of taking the recommended three, powerful antibiotics that MIGHT help but would not cure. Why would I do that to an already compromised body that I owe such a debt of gratitude? I have loved and appreciated my body since I was thirty-five.
This infection has REALLY slowed me down – won’t let me walk more than a block – chase boys, or even talk for extended periods of time. But I am not in any pain at all; just have to sleep a lot and rest often and hire help for almost everything that takes energy. I mean, is that a blessing, or what? To have ample warning that it’s all going to be over, and probably without that end-of-life suffering that so many people endure? I’m not good at pain; never was.
Every thing material is now just something I get to need to rid of or to worry about how I’m going to get rid of it. I’m trying to complete my preparations. I have help; so it’s actually fun. Years ago I signed a “Do Not Resuscitate” and filled in the book, “A Graceful Farewell” (Maggie Watson), to save my beloved family all the trouble I can.
But the greatest joy is knowing that my gift will always be available to bring transparency to male/female relationships and the possibility of leaving my kids some pocket money. We really can’t improve upon how the universal laws work, can we?
Hey Mavis . . . how are you?
I’m hangin’ in there. Dealing with shingles in my diminished body for the last six weeks. Get the shot. You don’t want this to happen.
I wish we could get together, Anna. I haven’t been ‘over the hill” for months, but will try to visit my daughter in Smith River soon. Dave will take me there and Erin will bring me back after a couple of weeks. Why don’t you plan to spend a night on my sofa after that?
Love,
Mavis
You go, girl! You are such an inspiration. As long as we have been in the real estate business together, I’ve admired your style and flair and zest for life, plus all that you have accomplished…. Sending good wishes for a beautiful rest of your life…may it be longer and better than you can imagine! All the best, Sara
Mavis. You are one amazing woman. This post filled me with so much, well, life! And love. I want to have your guts and gusto when it’s time for me to go-go! Love you madly! Inez
You are amazing!
That gift (Gentlemen Prefer Bitches) is a transcendent truth, useful for both sexes who need a deeper context, a spiritual backdrop for their sacred union. Your work is not so much about gender, however. You are careful to describe the state of polarity as being “the opposites” happily without attaching a gender to each of the polarities. Your work is about the principle at work within the dynamics of opposites, all of which can be intimately contained between any combination of gender. In 1981, that was a far ahead vision, my friend. I am deeply sad to hear you speak of your once-robust health with such fatality. Everything in me resists. Sending an angel.
Dear Mavis,
“It’s a wrap?”
Standing ovations to you dear one! I’ll always remember the Light from stage. Your performance continued as an inspiration to me since we’d first met. I’ll always remember. If I had my way, I’d keep you for an encore, just so that others may enjoy, too.
My prayers for you include your continuing wishes be granted.
Love always,
Fraternally in L.V.X.,
Craig Ford
I did – eventually. Thank you.