Staying Positive and Remaining Appreciative

            Throughout our lives, if we are listening, we hear the comment made “don’t take your health for granted”!  As I sit here in the quiet of a Saturday morning following my first week of chemo and radiation therapy, I’m inclined to consider the wisdom of this advice a bit more deeply. 

            I used to be the guy who said he'd never sit around and talk about medical conditions.  I've taken a pretty keen interest in medical conditions (both mine and others) in the past couple of months.

            I have now completed one week of therapy for throat cancer.  I’m home on this Saturday morning and find myself with a lot to contemplate and consider.

            I’ve met a boatload of new people this week at the Hope Lodge in Atlanta where we’ve been staying.  There are folks from many parts of the country; individuals such as you and me who were moving forward with their lives, some were looking forward to retirement, some are still working; all of them have lives that they are anxious to be living.  We are all blessed to be on the ship known as the Hope Lodge.    And now, each of them is in a battle with cancer.  I am reasonably certain that to a person, each individual would rather be on with life, with grandkids, with retirement, with work, with family.  Each of those important components of an individual’s existence is still there, but it all is put on hold, so to speak, to confront the disease.  But, we are sailing together through these storms.  There are calm seas and troubled waters, but we are in it together.  For some, our faith is strong.  For others, there are others places to trust.  I know that for Muggy and I, we are endeavoring to show the love of Christ to all we come in contact with.

            It is utterly amazing how quickly the bonds form between the folks the Hope Lodge ship.  When we checked in on Monday, another couple was there checking in also.  We introduced ourselves.  Then, the next day, we see them around the hospital going from appointment to appointment.  This particular couple is here for stem cell implants.  So, they left on Thursday and will be back in a month.  We should still be at the lodge, so we hugged and wished them well.  I cannot fully comprehend or explain how quickly we bonded with these folks and the genuineness of the love and caring evident.

            Some have asked me if my experiences this first week have been as good as previous entries in this blog have reflected.  I would say absolutely yes to answer that question.  I do, however, choose to maintain a positive attitude in circumstances.  I will not subscribe to negative confessions about what may or may not be coming.  I am blessed and thankful for where I’m at, what is going on and the experiences we are having.  My sister-in-law shared a phrase that pretty well sums it up: this is the worst blessing I have ever wanted!

            And, what amazing blessings have come my way.  A fellow Air Force officer and friend from long ago in high school called to express his encouragement.  And another friend from high school (Remember folks, I’m talking about ancient times here.  I graduated from high school 43 years ago!!) drove across the Atlanta metro to pay a surprise visit.  How amazing is that?  How am I so blessed to be the recipient of such graciousness?

            How do I describe to you the commitment and caring on the part of Muggy?  She’s amazing.  This is a turn-about for us in our relationship.  There have been lots of times I’ve been the care-giver to her as a patient.  But she has an almost immeasurable level of compassion and caring manner.  She’s there for me whenever I need her.  And, there are so many generous offers and well-wishers as we move through these challenging times.  Thank you all so very much!!

            More later!  Thanks for reading!