Lea Wait, here. And, for anyone who missed it, June 29 I posted https://mainecrimewriters.com/2018/06/29/another-change-in-direction/
that I’d been diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Since then I’ve learned a lot — about myself and about others. And no, it hasn’t all been negative. So — here’s a short list of some of the “good stuff.”
1 – I’ve heard from friends and family all over the United States, and memories — good memories — are flooding my mind.
2 – A year ago I was worried because my financial adviser said I only had enough money to last eight years. Now? No problem! Champagne days, if I’m in the mood!
3 – Someone else will have to worry about my 2018 taxes.
4 – CNN still depresses me, but I’ve convinced myself the world will get better after I leave it. (I hope no connection!)
5 – People arrive unexpectedly with flowers and/or food. It’s a party!
6 – Deadlines? Who’s worried about deadlines. Except for maybe THE DEADLINE.
7. Medical marijuana is legal.
8. Handicapped parking makes it a lot easier to find a space in summer parking lots in Maine.
9. No more long beauty parlor appointments. My hair is eliminating itself.
10. Prayer shawls, angels, books, cards … every mail delivery is like a birthday!
Thank you, everyone, for your thoughts and prayers and encouragement and kind questions and comments.
And — onward! There’s still some life to be lived.
Kait Carson
Charlene D’Avanzo 
Hugs.
Lea, May God bless you and your amazingly positive attitude. Hugs to you always! Cheryl
What a fabulous list! Thank you so much for sharing it.
People are good. Thank you for sharing your journey.
Oh, how glad and grateful I am for you…for your life, and most of all your courage! You are a treasure t my soul! ♥️
Love you. I’ll miss you.
You are the bravest, most eloquent and positive soul I have ever met. Blessings, Lea. May it go easily for you.
Thank you for the positive message and inspiration to everyone, in the face of what you’re going through. Your being and your energy will long continue to resonate near and far.
such an interesting prism to view life through. You are forever the glass is half full….. Your life has touched so many (mine included)…with reality and humor. I too hope that your remaining time may go easily for you and you still have the strength to hang on to the positives. xo
Lea ,your spirit and outlook on life is remarkable. Number 1 memories hit home. God bless you, keep the faith.
You are so brave and clear-eyed. Such an inspiration.
Thank you for continuing to inspire and motivate me! I say again, how lucky was I that day in a cramped bookstore many years ago when a woman continually blocked me from getting to the shelf I wanted, so I was forced to grab a book from the “W” authors’ section?!?!
May your journey be cushioned with feathers from angel wings.
I’ll be working like crazy to make #4 a reality. You’ve always been a bright spot in my day when I see you. John Clark
I agree, John. It’s too easy now a days to yell at the radio and get wigged out about the upside down world we’ve got right now. Thanks, Lea, for the perspective adjustment.
I will be raising my glass,here’s to Lea
Wrapping you in warmest wishes.
If we all had your grace and courage, the world would be a better place. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
You are such a courageous, kind, and giving soul and I pray that you know how dearly you are admired & loved by so many. Thank goodness for your gift of writing books we’ll cherish until our final days. It’s not fair to the world to lose your great soul so soon but I suppose Bob wants your company. Take care of yourself and I hope you can enjoy each day you have.
Bless you. Embrace your joys.
I’ve spent many long hours living through your wonderful, imaginative stories. May your beautiful mind and spirit travel from this world, into the Heavens to be with Him, the most famous story teller of all creation. Love and hugs.
Lifting you up to the light. Blessings on you and your precious family.
Cheers to the good stuff! Thank you for sharing. You are amazing 🙂
Blessings to you — you’re an inspiration!
Thank you for writing this post. Dealing with a lot of issues and suddenly, they are no more than a gnat buzzing in my ear. Peace be with you.
God Bless you, you are brave. I am sending hugs and will light a candle for you.
Lea, you courage is joy, and you have given all of us a boost of courage. I admired you from the first moment I met you, in Martha’s Vineyard at Cynthia’s house. You are truly the class act.
Lea, you are amazing, such courage and bright spirit. Hugs.
As a long-time reader and fan of your work, I am saddened to read your post…but…as you journey on in the spirit of positivity, bringing moments of light & shutting out the darkness, May God continue to bless you with insights and to cover you, and those who love you, with His unexplainable Love and Comfort. Happy trails, Lea Waite….you are well-loved, by those you know and those you don’t…
Thank you for the generosity of your spirit to share with us what the mind brings sharply into focus. I hold you in the light. Blessings on you.
Lea,You are such an inspiration to all of us who love your books. I wish I could have met you in person.Even tho I usually get my books from the library,I am going to buy one of your books so I can treasure it all the rest of my days . Prayers for you,Lea.🙏 May God give you peace in your spirit.Hugs to you from me.❤️
I remember you from the Bernardsville church. Just finished Death and a Pot of Chowder and was looking forward to new books in the series.
Sorry to hear the news.
May your remaining days be filled with the things that really matter. A toast to a brave, witty woman.
That was supposed to be WISE, but witty works, too.
Girl, I want to be just like you! Go out with a bang! <3
When contemplating my own inevitable death sentence, I’ve often considered the same advantages. But then I had a brush with mortality recently and I bawled like a weak little baby. So I have extra super duper admiration for your sublime bravery.
Here’s a little terminal cancer story about irony:
Recently, Tim, a lovely man from our small Vermont town, decided to stop all chemo and quit doctors’ visits. Faced with a terminal illness, his attitude was, why the depressing updates? So, he proceeded to live his life outside of hospitals, still wondering, of course, why him. Then he had an epiphany while walking down the sidewalks of Montpelier – we are all in sinking canoes. Every one of us. For some of us, the water is up to our necks. For others, the hips. And for quite a few, the water is higher than they realize.
Tim died this winter. Not in an ICU or hospice, but in his kitchen in a freak accident that had absolutely nothing to do with his cancer. Swift and painless.
I hope and pray I have your strength and perspective when the time comes. Who knows how high that water really is. Bless you and thank you so much for sharing.
Prayers for you and I am truly touched by your positive attitude. By the way, I love your books.
Thank you for this brave, brave post. I’ve been enjoying your books, and am heartened by the woman writing them. Enjoy the champagne!
You’ve got class, woman!
You are a beautiful writer, and clearly, a beautiful person. I’ve been reading your past posts as well and wish you strength and love on your journey.
Wow,
Incredible!
What a wonderful post. All of your writings, either in books or posts are always great, but this one is over the top enlightening. While I am so very sorry for your diagnosis, I am so very happy to see you are living every moment as if it could be your last. You give me hope and make me smile. Enjoy that money, leave your worries behind and of course medical marijuana is legal. My prayers and thoughts are continuing for you
Lea, you are a true inspiration. Wishing you a safe, calm, and peaceful passage, and all the joy you can hold while still among us.
I hope every day brings you something positive to help you through this journey. My best to you.
Now here’s a great attitude. You helped me put my arthritis into prospective.
Godspeed.
Hi, Lea.
Your message tells me you still are the bright, ebullient woman you were nearly 50 years ago when we met at WE.
I wish you a peaceful, graceful passing with (as always) your friends’ love and affection.
Lea, your spirit and courage are amazing. Sending you all the light and love. I’m so glad we’ve gotten to spend some time together, even if just on the occasional SinC panel, over the years. Clea
Cheers to you! I’m a mystery book buff all my life but been out of touch with reading for several years as life took over. Saw a post by Naomi Hirahara on you and I’m going right out to buy your books and enjoy some good mystery!!! Thanks…. Wendy Anderson
Love you Lea.
blessings on you, Lea.
Lea, I’m so sorry to hear this news, but in awe of your grace and wisdom. Sending support.
Blessings and prayers to you! Your star shines bright.