Savannah, photoshopped in as a little Girl (betcha forgot I had this?)
Hello my fellow travelers! I hope you are all well and swimming upstream as we are! We are in the heart of our clinical trial and planning the next trip to Duke University November 23rd 2015. We will have the usual lab work, blood draws, and dreaded MRI . The beauty is that Heather, my daughter is going down with me. I Love her voice and amazingly positive attitude. She is a harbor in a wild winter sea in my life and even if things don't go positive, she will make me smile and be thankful she is there with me.
As I have probably told you all, Thanksgiving is my forever favorite holiday. It not is only a great fellowship day, but as you know, we get Friday off as well. Nothing better than a 4 day Holiday! And more importantly the chance to be so thankful for our blessings we call life.
I am so lucky to have a circle of friends, family and generally just wonderful people in my life, that I cannot describe how blessed I am. This is a terribly hard roller coaster of a life, we are constantly battling with adversity, strife, and cost's. The people around us help us, hug us, and prove that Love is so strong. We have people who support us, hold us and make us realize that life is about continuing to fight and challenge this battle! I am very blessed to have people lifting us up and supporting us as we try to battle this horrible cancer. I am truly thankful to everyone!
When the kids still lived at home, we would always make it a tradition to ask the, "What are you thankful for?" This year, I am thankful for all those that have helped us through the year of hope. You have all been so unselfish, that it makes me overwhelmed. I feel so blessed to have people share with us to make multiple trips to Duke and pay for insurance. I don't know if this is going to work, but I know I can lay down knowing that we are truly loved, and people sacrifice for us in ways we can never repay.
Please, understand that we are very common people. We have never had money, or a break. We are hard workers, with common jobs. we are blessed that you can help us in any small way that gives us the chance that might allow me to live another small while. Thank you mostly, for your thoughtfulness and sacrifice. As I have told you, I am a lucky man!
Enjoy Thanksgiving! It's a great chance to tell those you Love, that you appreciate them! Hug those who are close, let your children know how special they are and give an extra hug or two, it will make you both smile. Know I will be thinking of you and smiling at the Love we all share! I love you all! Make every day count!
