Old Life Evolved into New Life

Spring is here -
Today is the first day.
I see new life outside my window.
My home has no less than five birthing robin nests
that are on the house and not within the many trees.
Protected by the parents - who save them from the invasion
of all the big birds that would suck the life out of them.
The trees will soon block my view of the lake
with the blooms and new leaves from those small buds that I now see.
And within me life continues to re-blossom.
Yesterday at the lab my blood was again altered.
I pray that the new life that surrounds you
would be recognized by you and renewed in you.

Body & Mind -
My meditation class is finished, and I'm so happy I accepted the challenge. I didn't think I could take the three hours of pain, but God was Good. Bottom line - new skills for controlling personal pain and focusing.

I snuck in a presentation on taking the "in" out of incurable and received one of only two rounds of applause given during the 10 week clinic - it took me 1/2 an hour that I didn't think I could do, but did do, and it is now history. My instructor told me at the end that I had been an inspiration and had helped make it one of the best clinics. I say this to you not out of pride, but out of humility - look at what God can do with us if we but provide the broken material.

She also reviewed my book on the last year plus, and unless she lied, she was very complimentary and encouraged me to bring it to conclusion and publication - Wow. Others have been as encouraging, and all for different reasons - Jessie has begun the editing and publishing process - cross your fingers.

Birthdays -
As you know this was birthday month for us, and we celebrated together. The house was full with family and long time friends. I found it a little difficult to follow conversations but not the laughter and joy that filled the house - it was the best ever.

Denver, CO -
On Wed morning of this week - it was not the kids who cried. All my children were together with me as they prepared to take Tara, Jim and our grand children (less Monty) to the airport. They left us after a year plus to go to their new home in Denver. We all wept from the bottom of our souls - when you love much - you also suffer much. The kids are still wondering when they will be coming back home.

On my last job, I volunteered to go to Iraq - it is unfathomable to me to see my children go. My family surrendered three brothers to war - when will it end? I don't have the courage to see another telegram.

- Frank

Happy 70th Birthday Frank!

Here it is March 16, 2007 and now we're looking forward to March 16, 2008! Congratulations!

Good Cop - Bad Cop

I saw the doctor on Friday. I have never seen him so elated. I think I have broken the doctor patient norm of not liking each other. He put everything down and said "I have never had a more remarkable case. You have met and exceeded every expectation I have had, and those I would dare not have. Your blood work is right on. It's just remarkable. I have never seen a multi myeloma patient do what you have done starting from where we were in the beginning. As your doctor, I cannot be less than very excited with your progress. Just amazing!!"

"However, you know you are incurable. You must behave yourself, and after last Tuesday you seem to understand that. (I had gone from the previous Tuesday non stop stretching myself almost every day with absolutely no pacing). I think on Tuesday I was on the way out - just absolutely exhausted, feeling terribly sick and not wanting to do anything. (Kris thought I might even be on the way out). The doctor turned to Kris and said "I know he is strong willed and you are not, but from now on - you are in charge of his pacing and most importantly his scheduling. End of story - you both know what you have to do. I'll see you in a month." For a happy guy, he sure was pretty tough!

- Frank