My friends and associates have been very kind during this past month as word has traveled about my affliction. I haven't been nauseous, have only lost a few pounds, and move around like I always have. People greet me, and with a little hesitation and a slight element of surprise say "You look good." That is a pleasant substitute for what they were probably thinking which was "I thought you'd look terrible, but you don't look any worse than you usually do."
There have been many kind gestures this past month. Yvonne Hamilton, a friend in my Latter-Day Saint congregation made a quilt for me. She gave it to me, telling me that she heard some people get cold when getting chemotherapy and that she thought I could use something to keep me warm. It is not a mere quilt - Yvonne stitched positive words and phrases in the quilt as well, such as "strength ," "tender mercies," "grandchildren," etc. Pretty cool.
Craig Fuller, a guy who grew up in my church years ago and I had a chance to coach in basketball, registered to do the stair-climb for lymphoma at the Columbia Tower in Downtown Seattle. He's dedicating his climb to me and his Uncle who also has/had lymphoma. A humbling gesture for which I will be raising donations for his 1,331-stair climb.
Many co-workers have offered help, and it has been appreciated.
Prior to my first surgery related to this cancer, I was given a Priesthood blessing by my home teacher. In it, I remember he said that I was blessed with my wife who would be an angel to me. Wendy has certainly been that and more.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to my second round of drug infusions...
Glad you like it! It was nice to be able to do some small thing for a guy who has been so good to the Ham-fam all these years. You've given us lots of laughs and good memories. Here's to many more! And...an added perk of gifting you with a quilt was seeing you rendered speechless. How often does THAT happen? ;-) Btw, if you get a moment, a photo of you with the quilt would be appreciated. Stay warm!
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