I grew up in an alcoholic household, an only child in an environment in which domestic violence was the norm. As kids, we watched our mother's, friends, brothers and sisters beaten and abused by those who were supposed to love and protect us, and for the most part, I have lived exactly the kind of life one might expect from that.
I always had my health. I have been sickeningly healthy my entire life, until this cancer struck me. Not only healthy, but blessed (?) with an order of nerves so low that what was pain to most people scarcely bothered me at all. As a child, bullies were afraid of me, not because of the damage I could wreak, but because I could take so much and not give up.
In January of 2011, I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. In April it seemed to be in remission. In July, it returned with a vengeance, compounded by having a Chromosone 17, which makes the Myeloma particularly, unusually aggressive. On this day, I understand, that this is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I stare death in the eyes daily, and I know I am the one who is going to blink. Having to face the light at the end of the tunnel gives one a different perspective. My eyes are open in a new way. My heart is open in a new way. When I talk to my children and grandchildren, I listen better, and speak better. When I walk the dogs, I appreciate my footsteps, their enthusiasm at the silliest things. I appreciate my wife, look forward to each honey-do.
I write this in the hope that a positive change in my life can help someone who may need a little boost. So many people who enjoy this game, as I do, have expressed their love and support, given me encouragement, and I want to thank you. People have given me teams, and gift certificates, people I have never met, who I wouldn't recognize if we sat next to each other. Isn't that a wonderful commentary on us? Thank you all for adding so much to my life. Although we are invisible to each other, we are here for each other in very special ways, through the vehicle of a simple, maybe even silly (ahem) game. Isn't that just a wonderful commentary on who and what we really are, amidst all the talk of how bad things are? Thank you. I love you all.