Exploring the Jungle —Mary Lott

Note: This column was updated July 25, 2025, to correct the term coagulate to agglutinate.  Three points make a plane. I learned this rule back in eighth-grade geometry class. At the time it was a bit of pointless trivia I filed away, but it was my introduction to the significance…

A friend of mine asked me, “You’re always staying home. Have you always been a homebody?” I got mad. This comment was many years ago, and it still irritates. But I didn’t express my irritation to my friend. They couldn’t have known that their words were insulting to me; plus,…

The nurse had taken all of my vitals, and the doctors had come in for a chat. My checkup was almost over: yay! But the part I hate most — the blood draw — was next. I hoped the nurse was in a good mood, as I’m convinced it makes…

“We need to schedule you for a bone marrow biopsy.” My doctor was on the phone delivering his evaluation of recent blood work. Of all the tests and treatments, a bone marrow biopsy is among my least favorite. I had one before and know what’s coming up. It…

I haven’t felt well since early February. Many days I haven’t wanted to get out of bed. Even pushing the covers off or pulling them over me takes a gargantuan effort. Healthcare providers have told me I don’t look anemic, that I seem fine, but I knew my blood work…

I was heartbroken when I unpacked my luggage a couple weeks ago and found my beautiful coffeepot smashed into 22 pieces with accompanying shards and small chips. In my tiredness, a moment of good decision-making pressed through: I didn’t throw it away, as is my current habit. I knew I…

I dipped my foot in the water before plunging in. Oh! It was cooler than I’d wanted. I jumped in anyway, hoping I’d warm up as I swam. I’m a good swimmer, and I’ve always loved to do it. Although I’ve never been particularly speedy, I can swim for hours.

I had a china coffee pitcher that my husband gave to me one Mother’s Day. That alone made it special, but it was already unique. It had the requisite bowl for the coffee and a spout, but what I loved about it the most were its porcelain morning glories. In…

“No, you don’t have cancer.” The doctor was explaining what my bone marrow biopsy had revealed. “You do have an abnormality in your blood that may develop into either leukemia or lymphoma, but right now, you do not have cancer. We have to watch and wait.” This conversation was in…

“Mike, stop!” I yelled at my boyfriend, now husband, as we crossed an intersection in Auburn, Alabama. “Let me move that turtle out of the way.” A few disgruntled drivers were in cars behind us. As a soft-hearted nature lover, I made everyone wait while I dealt with this more…