Evening everyone (or morning), I’m writing to let you know about my “King of a Day”. It was something quite spectacular, and actually I should rewind to Friday as the past number of days really have been quite exceptional. However you happened to learn about my journey and join the My Friends Email Group you should note that through much of the media attention and support that my journey has received – especially here on the Rock during August-, I was in hospital. Not for all, but for a large part, that coupled with the fact that I don’t watch much TV, or listen to much radio, or read the paper much, I was pretty shut out. Thus I was largely unaware of the community awareness that has been created and continues to grow. Of course I saw, and still see, the results in my inbox, but I’m starting to think that for every person that made the effort to join the email group, there are 10 who have meant to, or thought of it, or have heard of my journey and wish me well.
This past Friday night I had the pleasure of attending the 30th birthday of Newfoundland’s Cancer Treatment and Research Foundation, and I was given the honour of writing and delivering the blessing. A very special night, for many reasons, the events of last week and the fact that it was my first time out since my relapse were two of the more prominent ones. It was the writing and “internalizing” of the blessing that prompted my “blessed” thoughts from Friday past, as I want you all to know how blessed you are. Another blessing of mine was that Friday night also came with an incredible experience as I interacted with some of the many people who were there to support and celebrate. Straight out, I was and still am moved by the whole experience. I guess it helped me to see first hand, again, that my efforts are having a Positive impact on other people. And that is greatest feeling I’ve experienced, ever.
So then, moving from that high of Friday night through a great weekend, we come to this morning. It was what I called my “Comeback Presentation” as I went back to Prince of Wales for the first time since last school year, and obviously since my relapse. We had a full school assembly and I reconnected with the students who I know from last year and introduced myself to the new grade 10’s. I talked about my story a little, and more importantly about Positive Attitude and Cancer prevention. I’m not sure how to describe the feeling except to say that I could have stayed there all day. The exchange of energy was something that I cherish, and just being there in front of those 800-900 students was one of the more amazing experiences I’ve ever had. Last year was exceptional, and being there again today was inspiring.
To put out the effort, to work and develop an idea, and then focus on delivering the product/program, as we did last year with the first RealTime Cancer Challenge, that is a great experience. But to have the privilege of seeing how your efforts have made an impact, that is something on another level. I am blessed to have experienced this level, as I sit with my computer reading email listening to John Mellencamp, as I attend special and significant events and interact with supportive people, and as I get the opportunity to reconnect with those who are of particular interest – high school students and young adults. Today’s experiences were King, and I look forward to creating many more of those experiences.
Prior to going to PWC today I had blood taken, and things are still looking good. Hemoglobin is continuing to climb, platelets are stable and white cells are rising, a little high maybe, but no sign for alarm. I’m back for blood next Monday.
This morning I talked with the students about my Cancer Challenges, and then I addressed the fact that I’m a big fan of choosing Challenges, as well as tackling those that are placed in your path. And that lead directly to me inviting them to Climb Signal Hill with me on Thursday evening. 3/2 days till we Climb – 6:00 p.m. registration for a Climb at 6:30 starting from the NewTel building. I hope you are all up for the challenge of climbing the Hill with me, for those of you who think it’s too tough, I’ll tell you that if I can get up it so can you. And I will get up it.
I want to say a sincere thank you to everyone who continues to write, I know I don’t always respond but I read everything, and do love to hear your thoughts and feelings about my thoughts and feelings. You can count on hearing from me again soon. Take care, and…
Always…
Live Life. Love Life.
Geoff
