"Gratitude is an attitude where the mind and the heart unite in sincere appreciation. Throughout life, we experience great victories along with serious challenges. It is as though the good and the bad are in a constant battle to capture our thinking. In moments of clarity we remember… In all things be grateful… for as long as we live, we learn. That is what makes us better!" -Doyle Slayton
2008- My year of gratitudes
As you can imagine, I have alot to be thankful for. With Thanksgiving upon us, I feel compelled to share some of these thank you's to some people that have had an unbelievable impact on my life this year. Bare with me, but I need to list many of you out by name!
Dr. Zaheer- For having the foresight to recognize my symptoms as more than just an "inner ear infection" and send me to the hospital.
Dr. Crute- For your amazing skills as a surgeon and unending compassion that has proven to be one of the top reasons that I am still here.
Michelle- For the compassion that you brought into my room every day while I was in the hospital and taught me what Hope is all about.
Dr. Mehta & Dr. Robbins - Your team approach proves why you are ranked with the best in the world. You designed my Radiation and Chemo treatments to drive the success that I am having today and I am eternally grateful.
Jeff- For being there to support not only our business, but my family. There are no words that can adequately express my gratitude.
Marky P - For pulling together the greatest support group I could have imagined, creating a night to remember, and most importantly, for being there. It means more than I can say.
Lyle & Swan - For countless trips to Madison, reuniting old friendships, road tunes, and laughter. When I needed it most, you were both there. Enough Said.
Kim- For being my rock. It is what it is and we will deal with it - Together! A simple statement, but it has carried us both through the worst of times.
And so many more! From my family, to the amazing Talbott support group, to the nursing staffs, techs, and others at all of the medical facilities that I have been to in the last year, to those of you that encourage me with your comments on this blog. You have all been a huge part of my recovery!
My life is full of things to be thankful for, and I am sure by this point, you are thankful that his post is almost complete. :)
I could not let this Thanksgiving go by without sharing with you a small sample of how full of richness my life is because of all of these gratitudes. I am a better person because of what I have gone through and because of the people that have enriched my life in so many ways. For that, I am grateful! In these tough economic times, it is easy to forget all the things that we have to be thankful for, but this year has taught me to cherish every moment and believe in HOPE.
GOT HOPE? Share it with those you love!
Happy Thanksgiving to all, I wish you and your families a truly happy holiday.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Perspective is everything
David Bailey is a 30 something brain tumor survivor of over 12 years, and a musical artist. I have blogged about him before, his inspiration and music has been a big part of helping me keep my attitude positive. Here are two samples of David's work...His first song, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhtHtURCIFs and a poem he recorded recently http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVW2YdbKlmE&feature=related
This week David had a serious scare. He had another 8 centimeter mass removed on Thursday. He and his mother notified his fans via email. The first one announced that he had the tumor, the second announced the surgery date, and the third one gave us the results. He came out of the surgery great and should be home by Monday.
It was a strange and sad feeling when I heard the news. I have gotten to know this man through his music, and continue to lean on his music when I am in need. Watching him go through this scare from afar after 12 years as a survivor was a little rattling to say the least.
Selfishly, I thought back to my ordeal last December, which has been bouncing around in my head, avoiding the "switch" all week. Will a tumor come back to me? Is this what my life is going to be like? Will I have to deal with this forever? If it comes back, will I be able to fight it again?
Today, he sent an email personally to his fans, and I want to share it with you... This is why he inspires, he is known as the "Hope Guy" for a reason!!
I wasn't ready for another scar
I guess none of us ever are
They seem to take too long to heal
And as they do there's too much to feel
Scars are ugly - but can be fine
They only speak of some of the time
And yet they do also suggest
The passing of another test
The worst kind of test to take
Is one that lets your spirit break
I did not expect the weeping
Bless my soul this scar's for keeping
And when you see it, know this, friend
Although it's large, it's not the end
Fall down seven times, get up eight
Even if you hesitate.
A friend told me that hope's still alive.
Enough to wipe tears from your eyes?
you better believe it.
david m. bailey11-22-08
So, if that shit ever comes back to me, will I be able to fight it...YOU ARE DAMN RIGHT I WILL. "Fall Down seven times, and get up eight, even if you hesitate!" Those words will stick with me. Thank You David.
I would love to say that I am positive every minute of every day, but that would be a lie. The fear comes in waves and hits me like a brick, but all it takes is something like reading David's poem above to snap me out of it.
It is people like him, and the thoughts and prayers of all of you that show me that Hope is still alive. With Thanksgiving approaching, it is not hard to imagine what I am thankful for. Today, I am thankful for David Bailey's continued life and inspiration! Thank you David and congratulations on a successful surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
More on Thanksgiving thoughts to come this week...I have a hell of a lot to be thankful for!
Peace Out!
This week David had a serious scare. He had another 8 centimeter mass removed on Thursday. He and his mother notified his fans via email. The first one announced that he had the tumor, the second announced the surgery date, and the third one gave us the results. He came out of the surgery great and should be home by Monday.
It was a strange and sad feeling when I heard the news. I have gotten to know this man through his music, and continue to lean on his music when I am in need. Watching him go through this scare from afar after 12 years as a survivor was a little rattling to say the least.
Selfishly, I thought back to my ordeal last December, which has been bouncing around in my head, avoiding the "switch" all week. Will a tumor come back to me? Is this what my life is going to be like? Will I have to deal with this forever? If it comes back, will I be able to fight it again?
Today, he sent an email personally to his fans, and I want to share it with you... This is why he inspires, he is known as the "Hope Guy" for a reason!!
I wasn't ready for another scar
I guess none of us ever are
They seem to take too long to heal
And as they do there's too much to feel
Scars are ugly - but can be fine
They only speak of some of the time
And yet they do also suggest
The passing of another test
The worst kind of test to take
Is one that lets your spirit break
I did not expect the weeping
Bless my soul this scar's for keeping
And when you see it, know this, friend
Although it's large, it's not the end
Fall down seven times, get up eight
Even if you hesitate.
A friend told me that hope's still alive.
Enough to wipe tears from your eyes?
you better believe it.
david m. bailey11-22-08
So, if that shit ever comes back to me, will I be able to fight it...YOU ARE DAMN RIGHT I WILL. "Fall Down seven times, and get up eight, even if you hesitate!" Those words will stick with me. Thank You David.
I would love to say that I am positive every minute of every day, but that would be a lie. The fear comes in waves and hits me like a brick, but all it takes is something like reading David's poem above to snap me out of it.
It is people like him, and the thoughts and prayers of all of you that show me that Hope is still alive. With Thanksgiving approaching, it is not hard to imagine what I am thankful for. Today, I am thankful for David Bailey's continued life and inspiration! Thank you David and congratulations on a successful surgery. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
More on Thanksgiving thoughts to come this week...I have a hell of a lot to be thankful for!
Peace Out!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
The Hearts of Angels
I had to write tonight. I have been witness to an Angel at work...My niece Brianna.
I was wowed by her school program honoring veterans with my dad as one of the honorees earlier this week, but what she has done this weekend for a school project truly has me speechless.
Her project was to write a 5 paragraph "Story" about "a tomorrow". I have copied it below as it was written.
Here it is word for word:
Oh no! I just heard my Uncle Steve is in the hospital! This is so horrible!!!! How could this ever happen?! He has stage 4 brain cancer. His tomorrow is in danger.
When I heard the news, I started crying. I couldn't help it! He was so healthy. He is in the hospital right now. He already had his surgery. He has a scar shaped like a C. My brother and I always pray for him at night. We can't visit him now because I am sick. Soon we will visit him.
My Uncle Steve is still in the hospital. We keep trying to make him feel better with pictures, and drawing funny stuff, and coloring pictures. Alot of people visit him, like family and friends. We still haven't visited him yet. I can't wait to feel better so I can see him.
We finally saw my Uncle Steve today. He still has cancer. Almost every 2 months Uncle Steve has an MRI. He is still healthy and happy.
The lesson I learned from Uncle Steve's cancer is don't give up and keep trying. With a bit of support from your family, your tomorrow will be good and filled with love.
Wow! Brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.
Thank you Brianna. Thanks to you, my tomorrow will definitely be good and filled with love!!
It never ceases to amaze me...the power I get every day from the support of others - family and friends, and every once in a while...beautiful words from an angel.
--Brianna, if I have any pull with your teacher, you will get an "A" ! :)
I was wowed by her school program honoring veterans with my dad as one of the honorees earlier this week, but what she has done this weekend for a school project truly has me speechless.
Her project was to write a 5 paragraph "Story" about "a tomorrow". I have copied it below as it was written.
Here it is word for word:
Oh no! I just heard my Uncle Steve is in the hospital! This is so horrible!!!! How could this ever happen?! He has stage 4 brain cancer. His tomorrow is in danger.
When I heard the news, I started crying. I couldn't help it! He was so healthy. He is in the hospital right now. He already had his surgery. He has a scar shaped like a C. My brother and I always pray for him at night. We can't visit him now because I am sick. Soon we will visit him.
My Uncle Steve is still in the hospital. We keep trying to make him feel better with pictures, and drawing funny stuff, and coloring pictures. Alot of people visit him, like family and friends. We still haven't visited him yet. I can't wait to feel better so I can see him.
We finally saw my Uncle Steve today. He still has cancer. Almost every 2 months Uncle Steve has an MRI. He is still healthy and happy.
The lesson I learned from Uncle Steve's cancer is don't give up and keep trying. With a bit of support from your family, your tomorrow will be good and filled with love.
Wow! Brings tears to my eyes every time I read it.
Thank you Brianna. Thanks to you, my tomorrow will definitely be good and filled with love!!
It never ceases to amaze me...the power I get every day from the support of others - family and friends, and every once in a while...beautiful words from an angel.
--Brianna, if I have any pull with your teacher, you will get an "A" ! :)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veteran's Day/MRI Day...
Veteran's Day
Thank you to all of our men and women of the military, past and present. We appreciate what you have done for us. Thank you to my Dad for his service to the Navy, to our Country in WWII, and to our family. Today is Veteran's Day, a day to thank everyone that has served in the armed services, and for me, another chance to thank my Dad for his part in making me who I am. Thank You Dad!
MRI Day
Sing along with me.... "It's off to see the wizard...the wonderful wizard of the tube" (ie MRI)... We knew it was going to be a great day for my 5th Post Radiation MRI. Kim had the day off, we had to go to Madison, and the forecast was for SNOW/RAIN Mix...yippee yippee. :)
So we got up early and started our trek north...turns out...it was worth the hassle.
To sum up the MRI results, I will phrase it the way Dr. Ian did... ROCK SOLID! Ok so to work down my checklist of living... Get a clean bill of health from my 5th Post Radiation MRI, and begin my 9th (of 12) cycles of Chemo... CHECK!, CHECK! WOO HOO!
Short Post tonight, but I wanted to pass on the good news and say thanks!
Peace Out!
Thank you to all of our men and women of the military, past and present. We appreciate what you have done for us. Thank you to my Dad for his service to the Navy, to our Country in WWII, and to our family. Today is Veteran's Day, a day to thank everyone that has served in the armed services, and for me, another chance to thank my Dad for his part in making me who I am. Thank You Dad!
MRI Day
Sing along with me.... "It's off to see the wizard...the wonderful wizard of the tube" (ie MRI)... We knew it was going to be a great day for my 5th Post Radiation MRI. Kim had the day off, we had to go to Madison, and the forecast was for SNOW/RAIN Mix...yippee yippee. :)
So we got up early and started our trek north...turns out...it was worth the hassle.
To sum up the MRI results, I will phrase it the way Dr. Ian did... ROCK SOLID! Ok so to work down my checklist of living... Get a clean bill of health from my 5th Post Radiation MRI, and begin my 9th (of 12) cycles of Chemo... CHECK!, CHECK! WOO HOO!
Short Post tonight, but I wanted to pass on the good news and say thanks!
Peace Out!
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