April 12, 2010 8:45 PM

Boy am I lucky!

I just came home from my monthly leukemia support group. There was a new fellow there tonight who related his tale which is not too different from those told by many others. But, he did state that he was laid off from his job of 26 years after the required 12 week family leave period which has left him with no health insurance! As a result, his medical bills have been steadily increasing and with no income(other than unemploymeny insurance) they have now entered the 6 digit range. What a shame it is that this disease is about to bring him to financial ruin. Certainly all this financial stress cannot be aiding his recovery from the disease. I am so fortunate that I have not had to face this situation. It can be a struggle at times but nowhere near what he has to face.

Well, I finished the crown molding job. That's the good news. Unfortunately, in repainting the wall where the crown molding borders, the newly applied paint is lighter than that on the existing wall - especially the wall over our fireplace. So, guess what? I now have to repaint all the walls in my living room and dining room. Fortunately, I'm one of three people in the world who actually likes to paint so I have now taken that on as the next task. In the long run, it'll really spruce up the area.

When you go to these support meetings, they contually push conferences and events along with asking for volunteers to help in various areas. That's all fine. But, you could stop everything in your life by pursuing these activities. They seem to occur just about every weekend. I have decided that I will do what I can by tackling those activities that I feel will be most beneficial for me and that I am really interested in doing. My life may now be considered the "new normal", but "normal" is still a big part of it and I will do those things with family, friends, and others that I wish to do without feeling any regrets or sense of guilt because I haven't supported the latest cancer fund raiser, a survival conference, a celebratory event, etc.

In truth, my life has expanded and I find it very fulfilling - but I can't let it explode.

I'm not sure if this is what everyone wishes to hear from me, but it is my "new normal"...

Bob