Team KCB (Kick Cancer's Butt)

Sep 8, 2013

            Lost amid the rush and thrash that has been the past couple of months was recognition of an anniversary.  It was 43 years ago this past weekend that a blue, 4-door 1950 Pontiac Silver Streak 8 pulled up in front of the house on 10^th Avenue in south Minneapolis.  Behind the wheel was a tanned, blonde-haired 18-year old who had just graduated from high school a couple months before.  As he stepped out of the car into the glow of the streetlight, a young lady and her best friend came to the door of the house at 4924 10^th Avenue. 

Muggy turned to best friend Denise and said, “Denise, you see that guy who just got out of that car?  I’m gonna marry him some day!”  Where in the world did that thought come from?

            Yet, Muggy and I did indeed meet that night and the rest, as the saying goes, is history!

            And here we are, 43 years later, still experiencing the adventures of life together!  I’m not sure why, but we have been asked three or four times recently how long we’ve been together.  It usually takes the form of someone saying something like, you two just seem so comfortable with each other; or, you two just seem to be so in love.  It’s humbling on several levels.  For one, that we are so blessed to have enjoyed all these years together.  And again, the fact that others are sensitive enough to notice.

            I’m in awe of the experiences and insights I’ve gained in the past couple of months.  You know, cancer is not something we put on our bucket lists.  It is not something that as a 20-something we think, “You know what?  I think I’ll have cancer when I’m 61”.  But, if one maintains a good attitude and really looks for what can be learned from the situation, one can experience aspects and insights of life that would otherwise be missed. 

            Today was Jersey Day at church.  Anyone who chose to could wear the jersey of their favorite team to church this morning.  Then, following the second service, there was a big tailgate party in the parking lot.  Doesn’t sound like a typical day at church does it!? 

            Well, being the AVID sports fans that Muggy, Erik and I are, we wore our favorite team jerseys; Cancer Awareness.  Everyone is familiar with the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness, but did you know there are colored ribbons for just about all the cancers and many serious diseases?  I didn’t until good friend and cancer buddy Kellie J. filled me in.  She shared this image:

            There are more colors and if you’re interested you can Google them.  Today, Erik wore a white headband and I wore a teal headband, the two together representing cervical cancer.  Muggy wore pink for breast cancer, and I had on burgundy and white for head and neck cancer.  Several families from our church and amongst folks we know are all facing cancer right now and we wanted to promote Team Kick Cancer’s Butt!

            So, tomorrow it’s back to Atlanta for the week to begin

week 2 of seven weeks of radiation and chemotherapy.  Muggy

and I are excited about the new experiences we will have and our continuing education.

            Here’s a picture of the three of in our Team Kick Cancer’s Butt jerseys.

           Thanks for reading!!  Blessings to all!