A nemesis is “One that inflicts retribution on or vengeance,” according to Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.

Knowing that, I am sure I have a live-and-kicking nemesis. It’s called pneumonia.

I’ll swear, all I have to do is hear the word pneumonia and I know what’s coming.

This is the fifth battle. About a week ago I went to bed feeling “not right” but not sick either.

By 2:30 a.m., the inability to breathe well enough woke me up and then came a massive nose bleed.

I rang for the night resident assistant.

I had a fever by then along with extremely low oxygen intake and the feeling I had finally convinced me (not an easy task) that, as much as I dislike hospitals and ambulances and night rides in them to a hospital far away, that is exactly what I needed last Wednesday night.

My cats sensed illness and turmoil and the fact, God forbid, I was about to leave with four uniformed paramedics in the early morning hours without even feeding them first. Consequently, they threw up all over the floor.

An observant RA sort of followed them around and cleaned it up. It was a scary night.

My daughter Phoebe was called and met us at Swedish Hospital, which I felt awful about. She is absolutely amazing.

Now it is one week later. I’ve been home two and half days, where I continue to slowly heal.

The nurse said today I still crackled in both lower lobes so we will still stuff me with I don’t know many antibiotics to try to resurrect my poor failing lungs and bronchial tubes.

Every time I revisit my nemesis pneumonia I never am quite as well and strong as I was the last time.

I get competent and loving care here at the assisted living, so it’s not that. It’s that my body flat out is unable to rally as well. But then, isn’t that the way life works?

My cats were so happy and a little fatter to have me home.

My beloved “P” will not leave me and protects me from everyone who comes into my apartment.

Bella, though, is still uneasy with my disappearance and interruption in her daily routine. Maybe girls carry grudges longer.

I’ve learned a new life lesson.

Whenever I have to fight my nemesis, the healing largely depends on my attitude and my strong desire to get well because I don’t feel my life purpose for being here is done.

Well, “P” and Bella are telling me it is time to put away this pen and paper and feed them supper.

I am so thankful to be able to do it but I sure do wish my nemesis would go away and leave me alone. Five bouts is quite enough.

The view from the mountain is wondrous.

Jean Brody is a passionate animal lover and mother. She previously lived in Winchester, but now resides in Littleton, Colorado. Her column has appeared in the Sun for more than 25 years.