Not Alone

Never once have I felt alone in this fight against cancer.

I am constantly amazed at the number of letters, messages, and visits I have received since receiving word of my diagnosis.

Hope and charity are not just good ideas, but living convictions of so many of our friends, family, and folks when just barely met or have known for years.

This past weekend, we were fortunate enough to catch up with some of our Cape Cod friends. It took only a matter of seconds for our kids to remember playing and hanging out with each other as they ate Sweet Frog’s, discussed the finer points of Minecraft and Mario, and played again like the amazing and crazy kids they are.

While the time passed too quickly, our visit ended with a surprise gift basket of the most thoughtful items imaginable to help “crush that cancer.”

Emily, Sean, and boys and Brisa, Keith, and daughter assembled the best goodies which included games and coloring books for the family. Warm socks (fuzzy of course, but sensibly sticky on the bottom to ensure I do not become a falling hazard) for my cold hospital floors. A periwinkle scarf and skull buff to show support for the fight. A little Billy Goat with a stomach of steel – since I won’t have one – along with a reminder of what my belly looked like in it’s hay day (most likely after consuming an Original Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich). Some crafts for rainy days and spiritual reminders for the possible darker moments to come.

To top it off, the best part was a heartfelt letter of comfort and encouragement from all of them. So much love. So much support. So much joy and fun and positive thoughts.

I continue to get by with a little help from my friends. So, to all of you that provide vocal, written, and / or silent support to me and my family, I thank you with all my heart.