March 23, 2011 11:25 PM

We all die, but we don't all live!

A comment from a TV show that I was watching tonight. They were referring to taking chances with your life in order to make you better understand and appreciate what life is all about. But I think that you can still get that exhilierating feeling by making a contribution toward helping others as well.

This is not meant to be self-serving. The other day I was asked to make another "First Connection" telephone call - easily my 7th or 8th one. When I commented to the co-ordinator that 1 or 2 seemed to be the expected norm - she agreed. But, she said, feedback from the people that I had called was so positive that when someone now requests such a phone call, my name is always surfaces. Believe me when I say that I don't really think that I am some sort of wordsmith here such that I can make people forget their current situation and falsely give them cause for hope. However, I'm glad to hear that people were genuinely happy to get the call. My response to the co-ordinator was that they were all a bunch of liars.

I was totally unaware that each recipient of a call was asked to provide feedback so it was a totally unexpected compliment. I guess that I can only say that God provides because when I make the calls I have no idea what the situation is or how the person is reacting to their diagnosis or what the future may hold in store. Fortunately, they have been realistic people who have put things in perspective and just want some clarity as to what may happen in the future from someone who has been there before.

This blog, the support group that I attend, and the telephone calls that I make have all turned out to be blessings in my life. None of which I would have had without contracting leukemia.

Early on, I had commented on what the intended purpose might be for mygetting this disease - maybe this is part of the answer. But the blessings seem to be coming more my way than going the other way. Then again, that's the way that God always seems to work.

Today, however, did not work out as planned as I was supposed to install a vanity for some friends. But, he has some recent health issues and had to go to the hospital for some tests. At our age, we tend to get very concerned about such things. I can only pray that all turns out well.

Other than that, out to dinner with other friends last night and we are preparing to go to a cancer survivors breakfast Sunday morning and hear from my original New Hampshire doctor who is to be the speaker at the event. She is a marvelous doctor and my wife did not want to miss this opportunity to see her again.

Life continues to be busy for me.

I can only hope that others feel it has been worthwhile...

Bob