I don’t really have it in me to deliberately set out to be clever, but on a recent outing to a picturesque area located in the Palos Verdes Peninsula with its unstable geological conditions it just hit me. This outing relates to where Jay and I (and our family) are right now. We are living on unstable ground.
I am more comfortable talking about the history and unique geographical phenomena of this area than the personal bumps. So we’ll start there.
Our daughter and son-in-law once lived in this general part of Los Angeles County, and suggested we begin a recent Friday with breakfast in Manhattan Beach, about 25 miles from our home. And from that point, we headed a bit further south to enjoy the stunning coastal cliffs, rugged terrain, and panoramic ocean views.
This particular day Catalina Island was “reach out and touch” close.
Portuguese Bend is an informal but well-used name for an area that first received its designation from the 19th century Portuguese whalers. One of the notable features is its unstable geological conditions, the land prone to landslides and erosion due to steep cliffs and unstable soil composition.
Southern California has recently experienced record breaking rain and this area of Los Angeles, already struggling with geological instability, has been particularly challenged.
Piping water above ground in this area of Palos Verdes Peninsula provides utilities minimal risk of water damage and pipeline risk due to constant ground movement.
The highway is wavy! Maintenance construction on this stretch of road is continual and yet despite the challenges posed by its geological instability, it remains a popular destination for hiking, sightseeing and enjoying nature. Several hiking trails wind through the area and coastline views are breathtaking.
Overall, Portuguese Bend offers a unique blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and a rich history, making it a cherished destination along the Southern California coastline.
Whenever I’m feeling stressed I do my best to access an ocean view. I’m completely at home and at rest when I’m near the Pacific Ocean, and although we don’t live in a beach city, we are close enough to make this happen when I need it.
As our son-in-law functioned as our chauffeur and we navigated these twists and turns, car bouncing with bumps up and down along severely rippled asphalt, I couldn’t help but draw a direct comparison to life currently under our roof.
I have previously alluded to health issues and generalized “troubles,” but it’s been difficult for me to discern when and if I would amplify sharing more details with you, my blogging friends. As I’ve pulled back from regularly meeting you in this social arena I have heard from some of you in private messaging, noting my absence.
For the past two years Jay has been in treatment for a very aggressive Cancer.It is hard to have a blog titled “Breathelighter” and then to share the incongruent ups and downs of Cancer treatment. No one enjoys these “conversations.”
We are so fortunate to have an abundant and robust support “team” of friends and family. Jay is currently being treated at UCLA Medical Center in addition to his more local oncologist and medical team, and whenever we need help we can call on others. It is also a blessing and HUGE personal benefit that daughter Aimee is an experienced nurse. Having her to consult and advise and care for her dad is incredibly supportive. Priceless, really.
And so, as I share this personal “state of our union,” I also release you, my blogging friends from the discomfort of searching for how to respond. I know you wish us well. And really, there are no words. I don’t intend to turn this blog into a medical journal.
One very wise friend responded when I shared some of the more ludicrous and tone deaf conversations that occasionally slip through the net, “I usually just say I’m sorry and then what can I do to help?” Believe me, that response is perfect in these situations. Each of you likely knows someone close to you going through similarly difficult medical complexities. Try to remember this phrase. It is much preferred to thinking you have to say more and then stumbling around a topic that is painfully awkward for everyone.
There really are no words, and yet I like to share. So you’ll still be meeting me in these pages, and I am confident that despite the fact that illness and all that comes with it do hijack our days, spring is coming, and we’ll find ways to enjoy our friends, family, and the best of Southern California living.
And I will likely want to tell you about it.
breathelighter 