Reflections

I have been trying for the past week to come up with a way of bringing closure to this blog . I am seven days removed from my last treatment and looking very forward to a new year free of cancer. These changes are all happening as we enter the holidays, which is always the toughest time of year for me. My younger sister passed away on New Year's Eve fifteen years ago and Christmas without Christopher has a hollowness that I can't express. This year I am hopeful that another sentiment will replace the dread that has recently dominated my life in the Christmas season; that sentiment is gratitude. I am so very grateful for all of my wonderful friends that have surrounded me during this battle.
They say that one sure way to judge a man is by the company that he keeps and when I look at that collection of a couple of dozen good friends who joined me for a few drinks last Sunday to celebrate the end of chemotherapy, I am humbled to be be considered their friend. Some of my friends went the extra step to share the moment with me: Rita gave up a day of work to be my designated driver, Steve left Gloria alone to deal with the youth group and the progressive dinner at his house and Mark and Matt left Matt's 21st birthday party to join me. That is just a few stories and I am sure that there are many more. I don't know how I can possibly express the gratitude for the kindness shown to me by this group of incredible people. If my association with these people is how I am to be judged in this life, I am humbled and honored by the company that I keep. Thank you my friends, I couldn't have fought the fight without you.