April 16, 2011 12:10 AM

It's been a few days! But that doesn't mean that nothing has transpired, Though I have to admit that, to me anyway, it's not too awe inspiring. I did make another "First Connection" telephone call. Considering that most peiople are expected to make only 1, maybe two, calls a year; the fact that I have made 8 or 9 is unheard of. The most humbling part is that at the end of the call most of the people are so appreciative to have had the opportunity to speak with someone who has walked the walk that they are about to take. But these people are so upbeat and positive even though they still have a long way to go and the end result is far from certain. To me that is the most amazing thing. And, once again, I come away from the telephone call with a renewed confidence and faith in the human spirit - talking with people who will stare adversity in the face and not flinch. People who will take control of their own lives and persevere against all odds. This has been one of the many blessings that I have received from having this disease. It is something that I never would have been exposed to in my previous life. Tonight, however, I experienced an ongoig blessing. We went out to dinner with a group of church friends that was initially brought together as a "foyer group" - really nothing more than eight people who were to be together and share whatever activities they desired for one year until new groups were selected for the following year. This group was brought together 9 years ago and has refused to disband. Foyer groups are no longer part of our church's activity list - but our commitment to each other and to the group cannot be broken. I have to admit that living on a fixed income can make dinner at a pricey restaurant something to be carefully considered. However, the opportunity to be together and to share stories, laughs, and inner thoughts makes it more than all worthwhile. This is what life is really all about and truly captures what is important in life - good friends, good times, and the blessings that God gives to us. So, again, nothing of any major importance happened healthwise or otherwise. Yet, I was rewarded with the opportunity, once again, to observe and to experience first hand the indomitable nature of the human spirit. I am so blessed... Bob

April 12, 2011 12:45 AM

Never bemoan your fate! Today we played bridge with a couple from our bridge league. At the conclusion of the match, I asked the husband if he were retired or not. He replied that he was out on long term disability because he had brain cancer! Not only that! He has been given only one to two years to live and nine months have already gone by. What could I say? His situation is far more dire than mine even though he looked great and said that he felt fine. However, he still has many more rounds of chemo to go through. My journey pales in comparison to what he has had to and will endure. On the plus side, his attitude was great. You can't ask for more than that from individual. After that, I really needed to attend my monthly support group in order to kind of get back that monthly high that the meeting provides. To be able to meet with upbeat and positive people who have walked in your shoes is a great gift. It keeps all of us going. These events further put the beautiful spring day that we had in perspective as to how fortunate we all are to be here to experience it. Praise God for all His blessings... Bob

April 10, 2011 11:35 PM

A great couple of days! And the weather offers us the promise of a great tomorrow! 70+ degrees! Spring is finallllllly here! Took my sister-in-law and brother-in-law out to dinner on Friday night to complete the celebration of my sister-in-law's birthday. On Saturday we had three activities to do which filled the entire day and tonight we went to a friend's house for dinner. To complete this plethora of activities, from now through Saturday, either my wife or me or both of us have at least one activity(ifnot more) every day. It's great to keep busy, it seems to make life worth while. Other good news! One of the people who signed up as a bone marrow donor for our drives over the past two years has been called upon to be a possible donor! That's fantastic! To think that in some way my illness could ultimately translate into directly saving another person's life! Praise God! Let's see, what else is there? Well, I think that my eye medications might be working as I'm not using my over-the-counter eye drops as much. Only time will tell and I would definitey like to go for a few more days before really making that determination. Otherwise, business as usual. What does that mean? Life goes on as God has planned it... Bob