Green Day & Remission...

 

This article is about a mixed-race woman who's HIV went into remission after receiving a transplant of stem cells from umbilical cord blood.    She was being treated for here leukemia  A couple of things about this.  As of yet, it has not be announced as a cure, just a remission.   Next, her being of mixed-race heritage is medically important.  The more factors a person has, the more difficult matching for transplants becomes.  Mixed race or distinctive ethnicities can complicate the matter genetically.  

Today's St. Patrick's.  It's colder here, but at least it's sunny & green.  Take care.

Cya...

St Patrick's Day...

Today is the Emerald Day for many.  The day you might get pinched if you don't wear green.  Its also a good day to talk about perceptions.  

For many, probably most, this a holiday about green beer, corned beef & leprechauns.   For the more devoted, its about St Patrick casting out the snakes of Ireland.  For pagans, it just might be something  altogether different.

The snake wrangling legend isn't what it seems.  The problem is, no such reptile ever resided on the island.   The snakes in question, were a derogatory reference to followers of the beliefs present in Ireland before that Catholic came a calling. 

So, is this a light day of tomfoolery & feasting?    Is it a day of religious significance?  Or, is it a day indigenous people were driven out & persecuted?  

Historically, there were no snakes.  We know the Catholic missionary went to Ireland.  We know the church had little tolerance for anything not Catholic.  So, all 3 viewings of the holiday are correct.  There just weren't any reptiles moved out of Ireland.  Stories are almost always more complex than they seem.

Cya...

St. Pats

It's St. Pat's but don't expect too much happy out of me.  However, it is a holiday for some & therefore I'll at least make a small posting.

Here's a shamrock for you.  I'm not that into St. Pat's but I will make my wishes.  For all you that read this I wish:

1. You have your health
2. Your burden is never too heavy
3. Your friends are loyal
4. You see it isn't too Annie-ish to hope for tomorrow
5. You have as much green beer as you can handle 

I'm stopping with a short list in honor of leprechauns, which are short.

I'll end with this toast; 

Dance as if no one were watching

Sing as if no one were listening

& live every day as if it were you last