"Life is Fun !"

Hi Friends !

Tomorrow (Friday, May 1, 2009) will be the one year anniversary of the date I found out I had a tumor. I don't plan to buy any leis, flowers, balloons or gifts, but in many ways it will be a happy occasion. It's been quite a year. I've really learned a lot and I sincerely feel that I'm a better person for it. I've certainly learned to appreciate every day to the fullest and I now take the time to really stop and see all the beauty around me. The past year has made me appreciate how lucky I am to have so many wonderful friends. It was like getting to hear my own eulogy while still alive, which just never happens. Funerals reserve that right. The love and care that my friends gave was overwhelming ! Also, over the past year, I've learned so many wonderful things from my beautiful wife Heather, but most of all I've learned from her incredible inner-strength and positive outlook on life. She's a gem.

The past several months have really been fun for a cancer-surviving-diabetic-67-year-old. Of course, job#1 has been to try to get back some level of fitness, which has been tougher than I expected, and will continue for a good while. I'm okay with that...'cause my friends make getting into shape very enjoyable. Also, some drainage/landscape projects at the house have helped to get me fit. Work continues to help keep my mind busy and the addition of Heather's documentary film projects, including my training, has left little time to rest. In three weeks we leave for a few days of filming in Turkey for a cancer-related documentary we hope will materialize in the future. I had my check-up today with Dr. Pang, my radiology oncologist, which went well, and he commented about my active schedule, saying: "most people your age are sitting around doing nothing...and you are always looking for something new to do". I just laughed, but it made me feel good. I'll admit...life is fun ! I'm a very lucky man.

Okay...get your cancer screenings like good boys and girls and enjoy every moment.  Don