Main Page . John's Journal (2000-2003) . CLL Information . Contact John . Seattle Cancer Care Alliance . MD Anderson

October 8, 2007

"But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him."

Jeremiah 17:7

“Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you plan to stop peddling.” Claude Pepper

As I begin to write I am realizing that my recent journals are more about what is going on in my normal life rather than my medical life. Talk of my struggles with cancer or transplant complications are less and less. I feel that is a good thing. My focus has shifted from continuous concern about my health to the daily task of just living my life. My life seems to be, despite the normal craziness, a pretty normal life. My days pretty much consist of teaching school, spending time with family, and using whatever time is left to do a few things for myself. So when it comes to sharing what is happening with my health, I guess the news is pretty uneventful. I’m feeling good, my blood tests are good, and life in general…is good. My next set of tests to determine the status of my Leukemia is in November. For now, however, I really have no reason to worry and will just continue to enjoy the days I am being given. If anything, I pray this gives hope to those currently going through trials in their own lives. I can be a living example that there is hope and in time you too will move through your difficult time and experience a more peaceful life once again. Does it mean the challenges of life are over? I’d be foolish to think that. It isn’t that we won’t face new challenges. It is the hope that we will just become better at handling them.

“Difficult times have helped me to understand better than before, how infinitely rich and beautiful life is in every way, and that so many things that one goes worrying about are of no importance whatsoever.” Isak Dinesen

One of the goals I set for myself about six months ago was to participate with the Team in Training group and do a one hundred mile cycling event in Honolulu to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. My desire to do this ride stemmed from wanting to give myself a goal to build up my physical strength and to make a positive difference in finding a cure for all blood cancers. Last weekend, I traveled to Honolulu with several other TNT Team members to participate in the Honolulu Century on Sunday. The ride was an amazing experience and crossing the finish line was an affirmation of my strength and health. The ride was beautiful, but the most beautiful part of the ride was the people I rode with. There were twenty-six riders on my team and they were all very positive people with the common goal of doing something to make a difference in the fight against cancer. Making new friends with these people was definitely the high point of my weekend. Each one of them will always hold a very special place in my heart. One very special person on the team was my pastor. We have been riding together for several years now. He has been beside me on my bike and when I’ve been in the hospital. He has always been there for me and I greatly appreciate him, not just as my pastor, as my friend. His decision to do the Honolulu ride with me meant so much. Not only did we both have a great time, I think we both grew closer as friends. The ride was very challenging. It included over four thousand feet of climbing. The first half was cool and rainy, but during the second fifty miles the temperatures rose to the nineties and the sun felt as though it was sizzling my skin. I struggled with the heat, but was determined to finish no matter what. The ride was another opportunity to test my inner strength and determination so not completing the ride just wasn’t an option. I will never forget this experience and urge any of you who are able to consider doing a Team in Training event. It will make a very positive impact on your life. Finally, thank you to all of you who supported me on this ride. Your contributions truly will make a difference in helping us find a cure. Our local team raised over $100,000 dollars for Leukemia and Lymphoma research.

The trip to Hawaii was a whirlwind. I left on Friday and was back on Monday. The rest of the week has kept me very busy at school. It has been our Homecoming week this week. It is a very exciting time, but also a very tiring week. Much fun was had this week, but the most fun time was definitely our traditional staff skit. It has been a while since I have been able to participate so it was all out. This year’s skit had all of us being pirates and as you can see I got pretty into it. I am so fortunate to be teaching again, especially in such a wonderful high school where it is so much fun to work.

Thank you again to everyone for all the prayers and kindness you have given to my family and me. I am confident the main reason I am doing so well is because of the incredible support we receive from so many people. The Lord clearly shines in each of you.

Prayer Requests:

•Friends battling cancer, but living strong: Karen Gustafson, Karen Kramp, Pam Valley, Mary Fore.

•Friends Pat Finley and Christina Hogue as they battle MS.

•CJ is able to play basketball with a healthy, pain free knee.

•Thanksgiving for my ability to work full time and to be healthy enough to complete the Honolulu Century.

•Continued good health and long term remission from my Leukemia.

•Our roof can be replaced before winter.

Back
Next