Many years ago I had a college literature professor whom I connected with immediately. It was a summer school class, I was in my late twenties, the rest of the class was made up of 19 and 20 year olds. We talked often after class about both what we were reading (Nathaniel Hawthorne, Willa Cather, Washington Irving, and other 19th century American authors) and about life, family, etc. It was during these discussions that he mentioned something that has stayed with me since; after one of our discussions about family health, he asked "What would you do if something happened to your wife? Was I prepared? Had I ever given it a thought?" In the end, he suggested I should go through the routine mentally, not to obsess with it or worry about it, but ask myself "What would I do if something ever happened?"
In addition to these discussions, Mary and I have joked back and forth for many years about outliving each other. We were always firm that we were truly soul mates and would go on alone. I still plan to outlive her and the actuary tables will need to be adjusted!
Never, during either of these "mental exercises" did I imagine I would be at this place.
I have been trying to put myself in her shoes lately, it's unimaginable for me. Many of you have commented on my strength and inspiration, you too cannot imagine hers. She has never wavered from her positive attitude, she encourages me on a daily (sometimes hourly) basis. She is my rock, she is my Gibraltar!
Furthermore, as I have discussed before, after first being diagnosed, I looked down the road, saw the fork and with her help we took the path we are on today. There have been many other forks in our lives together, and she was instrumental in my choice so many other times. She has been there and will continue to be for many, many years and through many, many choices! We both believe in fate and predetermined paths, God blessed me with her and I am eternally grateful to him for doing so! He drew the map and blessed me with her as a navigator/co-pilot through my life journey.
May 26, 2005
May 20, 2005
Grandparents, bracelets more....
My grandmother had a stroke yesterday. She's 99 years old, lives in a home but is still very alert, of a sound mind and delightful to visit. Apparently it wasn't too severe, she was awake and talking to my dad yesterday afternoon. She was much better by today, awake, up and dressed, eating, etc. We only get to see her 3-4 times a year when we go to St. Louis. She is my last surviving grandparent.
If you to describe a grandparent as faith-filled, kind, loving, giving, gentle etc., then that would be perfect for her. She has had a heck of life! She visited King Tut's tomb in the early 1900's on a trip that included a steamer across the Atlantic, she lived through the Depression, raised two wonderful sons, lost her husband over 35 years ago to cancer and then traveled extensively for several years. One of my favorite stories she tell is when she was about 10 years old and her best friend and her crept into the Catholic church and put a kitten in the Baptismal font! If you ever met her, you'd never believe she was involved in such a thing. I blame it all on the friend! She's quite a lady. I'm not ready to say "I miss her", I pray she hangs on until after November 11th, we plan to celebrate 100 years with her!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bracelet Update: We have sold over 800 bracelets to date and raised almost $2,500. Part of the money paid for the application fees for the IRS 501.c.3 designation, some shipping charges and web hosting for the soon to be launched website. We have also placed a re-order for 1,000 more bracelets. At some point next week Mary and I will either decide how much the initial donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation will be or we will wait until the foundation board meets for the first time. Everything will be fully disclosed at www.flhw.org by early June.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other quick notes:
> Cardinals vs. Royals this weekend, go Redbirds, I'm predicting a sweep. We'll be there tonight.
> 1st camping trip of the year tomorrow (weather permitting).
> First week of work in the bag, really liking it and getting back in the flow.
If you to describe a grandparent as faith-filled, kind, loving, giving, gentle etc., then that would be perfect for her. She has had a heck of life! She visited King Tut's tomb in the early 1900's on a trip that included a steamer across the Atlantic, she lived through the Depression, raised two wonderful sons, lost her husband over 35 years ago to cancer and then traveled extensively for several years. One of my favorite stories she tell is when she was about 10 years old and her best friend and her crept into the Catholic church and put a kitten in the Baptismal font! If you ever met her, you'd never believe she was involved in such a thing. I blame it all on the friend! She's quite a lady. I'm not ready to say "I miss her", I pray she hangs on until after November 11th, we plan to celebrate 100 years with her!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bracelet Update: We have sold over 800 bracelets to date and raised almost $2,500. Part of the money paid for the application fees for the IRS 501.c.3 designation, some shipping charges and web hosting for the soon to be launched website. We have also placed a re-order for 1,000 more bracelets. At some point next week Mary and I will either decide how much the initial donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation will be or we will wait until the foundation board meets for the first time. Everything will be fully disclosed at www.flhw.org by early June.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Other quick notes:
> Cardinals vs. Royals this weekend, go Redbirds, I'm predicting a sweep. We'll be there tonight.
> 1st camping trip of the year tomorrow (weather permitting).
> First week of work in the bag, really liking it and getting back in the flow.
May 16, 2005
1015 + 60 + 5 + 2 +1
Yesterday I rode my mountain bike for the first time in about 12 years.
It really felt good. For those of you in KC, did you ever notice that on windy days it doesn't matter which direction you face, the wind seems to always follow you!
I only rode for and hour, slow and steady, I didn't want to pull something. It was so relaxing, return trips are a must. So the numbers above mean:
1015 = the number of songs on my iPod, I listened the whole time
60 = the number of minutes, didn't want to go overboard
5 = the number of miles
2 = wheels
1 = person
Today was my first day back at Sprint, not real eventful but there is a lot of work ahead, I'm pretty excited about it!!!
Next weekend Brad and I are going camping out near Lawrence, KS. It should be a lot of fun. I'm praying for good weather!
Not much else to add today.......
It really felt good. For those of you in KC, did you ever notice that on windy days it doesn't matter which direction you face, the wind seems to always follow you!
I only rode for and hour, slow and steady, I didn't want to pull something. It was so relaxing, return trips are a must. So the numbers above mean:
1015 = the number of songs on my iPod, I listened the whole time
60 = the number of minutes, didn't want to go overboard
5 = the number of miles
2 = wheels
1 = person
Today was my first day back at Sprint, not real eventful but there is a lot of work ahead, I'm pretty excited about it!!!
Next weekend Brad and I are going camping out near Lawrence, KS. It should be a lot of fun. I'm praying for good weather!
Not much else to add today.......
May 12, 2005
My "sometime" is sooner.....
As I begin to write this, I will do my best to make it positive, because that's the way I want you to read the contents of today's post.
I scribbled this down one day last week, I'm not sure what triggered it? I haven't been down at all over that last few weeks so it must have been one of those fleeting moments. I am fully cognizant that those moments are normal, healthy, expected etc. , they are just the inevitable bump in the road. I also am aware that the key is to remain aware of them and work through them and keep the highs higher than the lows are low. Mary and I have done a great job so far (sorry for the pat on the back) but again, this was just a brief interlude for me.
We have all heard the adage "we all have to go sometime". Well, for whatever reason this is what was going though my mind at the time.
It's inevitable, we all go sometime
We live our lives, day to day,
knowing that "that" day, is many years ahead.
However, I have been cursed,
having to arise everyday,
knowing that I am one day closer
to "that" day,
and many years closer than you.
My death is now much more certain,
while yours remains,....forever probable.
Let me remind you of my comments above, I am not depressed, not even close! This again was a fleeting thought that I just happened to capture. I still have FAITH and HOPE and am blessed with your LOVE to help me WIN this battle!
I scribbled this down one day last week, I'm not sure what triggered it? I haven't been down at all over that last few weeks so it must have been one of those fleeting moments. I am fully cognizant that those moments are normal, healthy, expected etc. , they are just the inevitable bump in the road. I also am aware that the key is to remain aware of them and work through them and keep the highs higher than the lows are low. Mary and I have done a great job so far (sorry for the pat on the back) but again, this was just a brief interlude for me.
We have all heard the adage "we all have to go sometime". Well, for whatever reason this is what was going though my mind at the time.
It's inevitable, we all go sometime
We live our lives, day to day,
knowing that "that" day, is many years ahead.
However, I have been cursed,
having to arise everyday,
knowing that I am one day closer
to "that" day,
and many years closer than you.
My death is now much more certain,
while yours remains,....forever probable.
Let me remind you of my comments above, I am not depressed, not even close! This again was a fleeting thought that I just happened to capture. I still have FAITH and HOPE and am blessed with your LOVE to help me WIN this battle!
May 08, 2005
Mother's Day
Not much to update today, I'm just looking forward to a beautiful Mother's day weekend.
Mary is the best, yes it's sappy but she is "the wind beneath my wings". I hope she likes her little gift from Tiffany's!!!! The best to all you other mother's on your special day!!!
[Please direct a few prayers the way of S.P., she came down with meningitis last weekend. She is doing better but will not get released from the hospital until tomorrow or Tuesday.]
Mary is the best, yes it's sappy but she is "the wind beneath my wings". I hope she likes her little gift from Tiffany's!!!! The best to all you other mother's on your special day!!!
[Please direct a few prayers the way of S.P., she came down with meningitis last weekend. She is doing better but will not get released from the hospital until tomorrow or Tuesday.]
May 02, 2005
Rainy days and Mondays....
Friday was rainy, but in this case, unlike to song, it could not get us down.......I was offered a job! Now it's Monday, again we're not down, I'm about to make a phone call accepting the position!!
The position is with Sprint and yes that has risk being they are about to merge with Nextel. In this case, the role is in the local group which will be spun off into a stand alone company, post merger. This position is a project manager responsible for introducing new products and features into homes. (more specifically enhanced voicemail, phone books, customized family plans etc.)
Needless to say, it was a good weekend in the Emerson home. We had visitors in town for Brad's first communion so it was a busy, busy last few days. I had forgotten how special and important an event this is for an eight year old (and his parents).
Brad has been talking aout this for years, no more sitting in the pew while we go. In the hustle and bustle of getting ready on Saturday we did not have time to practice with wine at home (highly recommended). So before we went I told him just to wet his lips. Apparently, the person holding the cup tilted it just a little too much and he ended up with a mouth full! It was classic Brad again! We are so proud of him and all of his classmates. It was a wonderful day!
So, the good news is the pressure is off in at least one area! It looks like I will start on May 16th, so I've got a few more days to try to complete my "honey do" list!
Book recommendation: "Tuesday with Morrie". I just finished it last night and it is a great book. I'll probably start quoting Morrie in here from time to time. And yes, on the surface it is a book about a man dying, but it is so much more than that, it a book about living, and people, and family, and love!
[footnote} Today is the three month anniversary of my blog. I have not re-read it for some time, it makes me cry. I have always been a very even tempered person and have wondered if that has allowed me to deal with this situation relatively calmly. I don't get too high on the good news or too low with the bad. Pretty much, I just keep on, keeping on.
The position is with Sprint and yes that has risk being they are about to merge with Nextel. In this case, the role is in the local group which will be spun off into a stand alone company, post merger. This position is a project manager responsible for introducing new products and features into homes. (more specifically enhanced voicemail, phone books, customized family plans etc.)
Needless to say, it was a good weekend in the Emerson home. We had visitors in town for Brad's first communion so it was a busy, busy last few days. I had forgotten how special and important an event this is for an eight year old (and his parents).
Brad has been talking aout this for years, no more sitting in the pew while we go. In the hustle and bustle of getting ready on Saturday we did not have time to practice with wine at home (highly recommended). So before we went I told him just to wet his lips. Apparently, the person holding the cup tilted it just a little too much and he ended up with a mouth full! It was classic Brad again! We are so proud of him and all of his classmates. It was a wonderful day!
So, the good news is the pressure is off in at least one area! It looks like I will start on May 16th, so I've got a few more days to try to complete my "honey do" list!
Book recommendation: "Tuesday with Morrie". I just finished it last night and it is a great book. I'll probably start quoting Morrie in here from time to time. And yes, on the surface it is a book about a man dying, but it is so much more than that, it a book about living, and people, and family, and love!
[footnote} Today is the three month anniversary of my blog. I have not re-read it for some time, it makes me cry. I have always been a very even tempered person and have wondered if that has allowed me to deal with this situation relatively calmly. I don't get too high on the good news or too low with the bad. Pretty much, I just keep on, keeping on.
April 28, 2005
I am not alone.....
I have received many comments both in person and in email regarding how strong I am being. At the same time I also get the rhetorical question "I don't know how you do it'. To be honest, I am not sure? The best analogy is the proverbial fork in the road....go one way and let this consume me, take the other road and fight, remain positive and find the path to winning. The choice was easy, the journey is not.
Though a lot of the battle is in my heart, my soul, my mind I would be struggling to win the battle without those of you who read this and provide support to Mary and me. It is with that thought that I submit this for your review, it is from the inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI.
“And now at this moment, weak servant of God that I am, I must assume this enormous task, which truly exceeds all human capacity. How can I do this?…All of you, dear friends, have just invoked the entire host of saints, represented by some of the great names in the history of God’s dealing with mankind. In this way, I too can say with renewed conviction: I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me.”
Words mean things.....it's funny, maybe ironic, maybe some fate mixed in there? Those three words keep surfacing "Faith, Love and Hope".....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I met with an attorney today and began the process of establishing an official non-profit (501.3c). Once the application is submitted all donations are tax deductible. The application will be filed in about 7-10 days and IRS approval takes 60-90 days. Next steps are for me to put together a board of directors and continue the work on the website (www.flhw.org). Stay tuned for big things.....I truly believe this is the "why".
Though a lot of the battle is in my heart, my soul, my mind I would be struggling to win the battle without those of you who read this and provide support to Mary and me. It is with that thought that I submit this for your review, it is from the inaugural Mass of Pope Benedict XVI.
“And now at this moment, weak servant of God that I am, I must assume this enormous task, which truly exceeds all human capacity. How can I do this?…All of you, dear friends, have just invoked the entire host of saints, represented by some of the great names in the history of God’s dealing with mankind. In this way, I too can say with renewed conviction: I am not alone. I do not have to carry alone what in truth I could never carry alone. All the saints of God are there to protect me, to sustain me and to carry me. And your prayers, my dear friends, your indulgence, your love, your faith and your hope accompany me.”
Words mean things.....it's funny, maybe ironic, maybe some fate mixed in there? Those three words keep surfacing "Faith, Love and Hope".....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I met with an attorney today and began the process of establishing an official non-profit (501.3c). Once the application is submitted all donations are tax deductible. The application will be filed in about 7-10 days and IRS approval takes 60-90 days. Next steps are for me to put together a board of directors and continue the work on the website (www.flhw.org). Stay tuned for big things.....I truly believe this is the "why".
April 25, 2005
"The" Smoothie (UPDATED 1-12-07)
In addition to mentioning it here, I've told many of you about my daily breakfast smoothie....
well...here is the recipe, (but being me, I have to add a few comments first!).
- this is extremely easy to make, it only takes a minute
- it is VERY filling, in fact it is all I have until lunch
- it does require a little prep work - buying and slicing strawberries, making sure you have all the ingredients in the house and peeling the bananas and having them stored in the freezer so they are frozen when you are ready to make your smoothie.
A frozen peeled banana will last for a long time and sliced, refrigerated strawberries for 5-6 days depending on how ripe they are when sliced. The flax seed oil is optional, we add it because we cut red meat out of our diet and this adds back protein and a few other key nutrients.
DAVID's POWER SMOOTHIE!
Ingredients:
6 T Dannon no fat vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 cup blueberries
1 cup sliced strawberries
8 ounces pomegranate juice
2 Scoops of powdered Iso-Soy (Vanilla)
1 frozen banana
Directions:
1. Put strawberries and blueberries in blender
2. Add yogurt, Iso-Soy and juice
3. Blend on low setting for 30 - 40 seconds
4. While blending, cut frozen banana into small pieces and add through the top of the lid. (Speaking from experience, if you remove the entire lid while blending, you have a smoothie clean up project in the kitchen!)
5. After all banana pieces are added, switch setting to high for 30 seconds.Enjoy!!!!!
Yield:
aprox 20oz
Calories 456, Carbs 81, Fat 5.8, Fiber 21.6, Protein 41.9
well...here is the recipe, (but being me, I have to add a few comments first!).
- this is extremely easy to make, it only takes a minute
- it is VERY filling, in fact it is all I have until lunch
- it does require a little prep work - buying and slicing strawberries, making sure you have all the ingredients in the house and peeling the bananas and having them stored in the freezer so they are frozen when you are ready to make your smoothie.
A frozen peeled banana will last for a long time and sliced, refrigerated strawberries for 5-6 days depending on how ripe they are when sliced. The flax seed oil is optional, we add it because we cut red meat out of our diet and this adds back protein and a few other key nutrients.
DAVID's POWER SMOOTHIE!
Ingredients:
6 T Dannon no fat vanilla or strawberry yogurt
1 cup blueberries
1 cup sliced strawberries
8 ounces pomegranate juice
2 Scoops of powdered Iso-Soy (Vanilla)
1 frozen banana
Directions:
1. Put strawberries and blueberries in blender
2. Add yogurt, Iso-Soy and juice
3. Blend on low setting for 30 - 40 seconds
4. While blending, cut frozen banana into small pieces and add through the top of the lid. (Speaking from experience, if you remove the entire lid while blending, you have a smoothie clean up project in the kitchen!)
5. After all banana pieces are added, switch setting to high for 30 seconds.Enjoy!!!!!
Yield:
aprox 20oz
Calories 456, Carbs 81, Fat 5.8, Fiber 21.6, Protein 41.9
April 22, 2005
It gets better.....
We turned a corner over the past 48 hours....
1) We realized and agree that things are no worse off than before we went to Houston. Yes, it is hard but we vow to take this a day at a time, go step by step (insert in your own cliché here), etc.
2) I had an interview today and another on Monday, YEAH!
3) Insurance again, is not an issue. Everything will switch over to Mary's coverage on May 1st. I spoke with them yesterday and referrals etc are taken care of and we are set to go.
4) We met with my urologist (Dr. Brad Davis) today. I have spoke of him in past entries, I can not say enough about him. He and his nurse (Mel) are truly remarkable caregivers! I feel blessed that I was referred to their care. Dr. Davis agreed with our decision to leave Houston and not participate in the study. He is pleased with the progress of the current treatment and was optimistic that we are on the right path. (By the way, Lance Armstrong walked out of MD Anderson - I am sure it is a fine institution and it's reputation is impeccable, just no "Love Connection" for us). Dr. Davis instills a lot of hope in both of us. We realize that this is the mother of all battles, but he just leaves us feeling confident that we will make it, we can "WIN" with Faith, Love and Hope (good meds, strict diet and consisten exercise regimen. He again said we could go years and years (3, 7, ...?) on this medication and new disoveries are made daily. You just never know!
5) I have an appointment on May 2nd with the general oncologist that Dr. Davis had recommended. Just an initial consultation to make sure he too agrees with our battle plan.
6) The night before last Brad had a nightmare, something that rarely happens with him. Last night he was acting a little abnormal, just kind of moody. When Mary asked him what was the matter he broke down in tears and said "Dad could die!". After she calmed him down he was much better. He was much better today and had the day off school. I took him with me to the barber shop and on the way home we broke the law and I let him ride in the front seat. I asked him about last night and we talked about what was going on. I told him that first he didn't need to worry about something happening to me immediately. I assured him it would be years before (and if) things got worse. Also, when they did get worse, that is when I would need the "tough medicine". After the "tough medicine", it "could" be several more years. I also explained that in all that time there could be a doctor or scientist that discovers something to make me better. His reply was, and this is classic Brad, "So it could be 10 years from now?", I told him that was possible as long as I take my medicine, eat right, exercise and we all keep praying. He said "10 years", I'll be out of high school and be living in Texas, that's fine!" (it's a long story about moving to Texas...) Anyway, I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while....classic Bradley!
So...the weekend is here, it's a movie tonight (Oceans 12), disc golf at 7:30am, more painting (almost done), two soccer games tomorrow and one on Sunday, Mass, mow the grass, clean the carpets......just a "normal" weekend!
[New Music on the iPod] Keb Mo - Slowdown. I've actually owned this for about 4 years, great blues album. Not in the classic blues sense, more along the lines of Robert Cray etc.
Enjoy - Peace be with all of you!
1) We realized and agree that things are no worse off than before we went to Houston. Yes, it is hard but we vow to take this a day at a time, go step by step (insert in your own cliché here), etc.
2) I had an interview today and another on Monday, YEAH!
3) Insurance again, is not an issue. Everything will switch over to Mary's coverage on May 1st. I spoke with them yesterday and referrals etc are taken care of and we are set to go.
4) We met with my urologist (Dr. Brad Davis) today. I have spoke of him in past entries, I can not say enough about him. He and his nurse (Mel) are truly remarkable caregivers! I feel blessed that I was referred to their care. Dr. Davis agreed with our decision to leave Houston and not participate in the study. He is pleased with the progress of the current treatment and was optimistic that we are on the right path. (By the way, Lance Armstrong walked out of MD Anderson - I am sure it is a fine institution and it's reputation is impeccable, just no "Love Connection" for us). Dr. Davis instills a lot of hope in both of us. We realize that this is the mother of all battles, but he just leaves us feeling confident that we will make it, we can "WIN" with Faith, Love and Hope (good meds, strict diet and consisten exercise regimen. He again said we could go years and years (3, 7, ...?) on this medication and new disoveries are made daily. You just never know!
5) I have an appointment on May 2nd with the general oncologist that Dr. Davis had recommended. Just an initial consultation to make sure he too agrees with our battle plan.
6) The night before last Brad had a nightmare, something that rarely happens with him. Last night he was acting a little abnormal, just kind of moody. When Mary asked him what was the matter he broke down in tears and said "Dad could die!". After she calmed him down he was much better. He was much better today and had the day off school. I took him with me to the barber shop and on the way home we broke the law and I let him ride in the front seat. I asked him about last night and we talked about what was going on. I told him that first he didn't need to worry about something happening to me immediately. I assured him it would be years before (and if) things got worse. Also, when they did get worse, that is when I would need the "tough medicine". After the "tough medicine", it "could" be several more years. I also explained that in all that time there could be a doctor or scientist that discovers something to make me better. His reply was, and this is classic Brad, "So it could be 10 years from now?", I told him that was possible as long as I take my medicine, eat right, exercise and we all keep praying. He said "10 years", I'll be out of high school and be living in Texas, that's fine!" (it's a long story about moving to Texas...) Anyway, I haven't laughed so hard in quite a while....classic Bradley!
So...the weekend is here, it's a movie tonight (Oceans 12), disc golf at 7:30am, more painting (almost done), two soccer games tomorrow and one on Sunday, Mass, mow the grass, clean the carpets......just a "normal" weekend!
[New Music on the iPod] Keb Mo - Slowdown. I've actually owned this for about 4 years, great blues album. Not in the classic blues sense, more along the lines of Robert Cray etc.
Enjoy - Peace be with all of you!
April 20, 2005
Finding strength in midst of chaos....
The sun did come up today......
I dropped Brad at school and then stayed for Mass. It was unbelievably difficult to restrain myself from losing it right there in the pew.
Something Fr. Bill said that hit close to home (paraphrasing)..... "Love is the satisfaction you feel when you help someone else". Though not always forefront in my thoughts and actions, in my adult life this is what I have tried to do most of the time. Now I need help from others, doctors, researchers and a cure that doesn't exist today.....in the mean time I pray for the strength to get through each day as chaos swirls around me.
At the end of Mass the kids always sing a song and use their arms to act out the words....I couldn't look at Brad, I can’t really think about it now without crying......
I spoke with Fr. Bill briefly after Mass and brought him up to speed on Houston, and then I mentioned the job situation. His response was "Oh my God!". I guess when you’re your Priest mentions the Lord by name, things are pretty bad!
Don't let the commercials fools you, Monster.com and other internet jobs sites are not a good place to find a job, at least not in Kansas City.
Have you ever heard Diana Krall's rendition of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are"? It's intriguing how music effects you differently in different situations, times, moods etc.. I want to remember everything I have learned and everything I have felt over the past two months, but turn the clock back to before I was diagnosed or better yet rid my body of this filth.... and keep things just they way they are....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients. His feast day is coming up, May 1st.
Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to
The source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
I dropped Brad at school and then stayed for Mass. It was unbelievably difficult to restrain myself from losing it right there in the pew.
Something Fr. Bill said that hit close to home (paraphrasing)..... "Love is the satisfaction you feel when you help someone else". Though not always forefront in my thoughts and actions, in my adult life this is what I have tried to do most of the time. Now I need help from others, doctors, researchers and a cure that doesn't exist today.....in the mean time I pray for the strength to get through each day as chaos swirls around me.
At the end of Mass the kids always sing a song and use their arms to act out the words....I couldn't look at Brad, I can’t really think about it now without crying......
I spoke with Fr. Bill briefly after Mass and brought him up to speed on Houston, and then I mentioned the job situation. His response was "Oh my God!". I guess when you’re your Priest mentions the Lord by name, things are pretty bad!
Don't let the commercials fools you, Monster.com and other internet jobs sites are not a good place to find a job, at least not in Kansas City.
Have you ever heard Diana Krall's rendition of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are"? It's intriguing how music effects you differently in different situations, times, moods etc.. I want to remember everything I have learned and everything I have felt over the past two months, but turn the clock back to before I was diagnosed or better yet rid my body of this filth.... and keep things just they way they are....
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
St. Peregrine is the patron saint of cancer patients. His feast day is coming up, May 1st.
Prayer to Saint Peregrine
O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fiber of our being, and who had recourse to
The source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favored with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you.
(Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying)
Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
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