THANKSGIVING

 

When I was six years old - - almost in Biblical times - - my parents moved from New Jersey to California. Soon afterwards, I began developing alarming medical symptoms. Two prominent Los Angeles doctors said I had leukemia. One of the doctors told my parents that I'd never live to be twelve.

I won't go into the complex details of the difficult proceeding years. My parents finally found a doctor who was hopeful. He put me on strict diets, nutritional supplements, and unconventional medicines and methods. It wasn't a miracle ploy. It took many long years. I survived. 

A thousand years later - - or so it seems - - the doctors at Cookville Medical Center were baffled about what to do. I had a malignant tumor dangerously close to my main artery. If they operated I would bleed to death. In July they sent me to Centennial Medical Center in Nashville. They had no solutions. They said I would die.

Back in Cookeville I endured seven weeks of chemo and radiation therapy, among other grueling things.

A cure? A miracle? I think not. I have always maintained that there are no happy endings. Life isn't a fairy tale.

It is Thanksgiving, and I am extremely thankful to be alive - - and I'm eternally greatful for my past. I've had one heckuva life. There were many unbelievably bad times. But there were also absolutely glorious times. I've had the privilege of experiencing things that some people only dream of. All my memories are gifts.

The future?

Who knows? I have no clue of my fate. I'll look forward to whatever blessings I will be allowed.

Cherish every day no matter what struggles you might be burdened with. Life is a precious gift. Savor it with determination, strength, dignity, and grace. The abundance of good things will nourish you......and perhaps astonish you. 

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

With love, Jon

P.S. I'm home. I will elaborate about this in future posts. Don't forget me *smile*