Dennis, a friend I grew up with in Indiana (we’re talking fifty years) is a cancer survivor. Dennis went through radiation, chemotherapy and multiple surgeries. In hindsight, I wish I had been more supportive. I guess I let a thousand miles and ignorance get in the way. Since my diagnosis Dennis has “been there” for me any time I need to talk. That’s what friends do and I am blessed to have so many of them just like Dennis. I’ve known Dennis since I was a child. Dennis, I love you like a brother. I don’t believe I’ve ever told you that. Thanks Dennis!
The first piece of advice he gave was to try to make the people around me as comfortable as possible. They’re not going to know exactly what to say, what to do or what to think. NOTE TO MY FAMILY & FRIENDS: You have all been wonderfully supportive, encouraging me every step of the way. After the initial shock wore off I began this blog. I didn’t realize it at the time but this is my therapy; my way of saying how I feel and what’s going on in my life. My attempt to make you AND ME comfortable as I (we) go through this!
A lesson from the book… I had been living my life like it was a prologue to something else, something more. Then, one day in the waiting room, it hit me: “This is my life, right here, right now. This is it.” I have always lived in the moment, probably to a fault. It is easier than worrying about the future or agonizing over the past. Besides, my personal angel Ginger does enough worrying for the both of us. This disease grounded me for a while. I reflected on everything past, present and future. Now I am trying to balance “live for the moment” with a realistic outlook. In other words, live each day.
Some of you folks have told me I’m brave. Thanks but the truth is I’m selfish, very selfish. I want to live, to be here with you because that’s my life, right here, right now!
Four of my many reasons for hanging around...
Trent
Braden
Teagan
Carter
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