...Lace Up Your Gloves...

You know, I would never go so far as to say that cancer coming into my life has been a blessing, but sometimes, life just works in strange ways. It was about three years ago around this time that I first remember having conversations with Greg, and it was in regards to the 3-Day that I decided to walk in 2004, by myself. He showed interest, and gave me a business card to send my information to, so that he could donate. The thing is, he really did donate. I'm not sure if that was the beginning of where we have gotten to now, but whatever the case, I wake up each day grateful for however it happened.

I know I first started falling in love with him through his writing. Finally, there was someone who could express himself in a similar manner as I did, and was impeccable with the spell-check (the little things that make one swoon). Over time, our written correspondence transformed into the living, breathing relationship that we have, although every now and then an email still sneaks in. He still continues to amaze me though, and I will always love reading his words.

He's taken so much pride in how I've been handling this whole situation, and his pride in me makes me proud, too. Unbeknownst to me, he sent this letter to a local news station yesterday:

Lin Sue,

I’m not sure if this is a story anywhere other than in my own world, but given your involvement with Komen for the Cure and Buddy Check 12, I thought it might hit home. My wife, Jen, was diagnosed with breast cancer 7 years ago, and until a month or so ago, it had been in remission. We’ve now learned that it’s returned as Stage IV breast cancer, having metastasized to the liver and perhaps other organs as well. That’s really not much of a story, as over 200,000 women and men cope with this news every year. The story is the spirit of this woman, and how she refuses to let breast cancer knock her down. The title page of her blog reads, “Lace up you gloves,” and that’s a message that I want everyone who’s battling breast cancer (or any deadly disease) to hear. On August 10, two days after her second round of chemo, Jen climbed to the top of Mt. Whitney, at 14,497’, the highest mountain in the lower 48, and proudly held a banner that exclaimed, “CANCER SCHMANCER.” She’s not a woman dying of breast cancer, she’s a woman LIVING with breast cancer, and I think she has a message worth hearing, and a story worth telling.

In November, she’ll once again participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day, walking 60 miles over three days to raise money and awareness for breast cancer. Selfishly, I’d like to see her get some publicity in order for her to raise more funds to help find a cure. Unselfishly, with or without publicity, she’ll be out there walking anyway, as she knows she can make a difference. If you can find a story in here, give me a call, and we’ll talk further. I’d love for you to meet her.

Channel 12 is coming to the house to interview us next Wednesday...

Me, I'm just glad to wake up in the mornings and smile, and be thankful for the partner, companion, friend, and love by my side.
Ok, so maybe I'm a little sappy today...