Everyone is Somebody to Someone

When I was diagnosed with leukemia in February of 2006, I couldn’t believe the amount of support that I received from all over the place. I received emails and phone calls from friends of friends of friends wishing me a speedy recovery and good spirits. I was extremely touched by the number of people who found me and took the time to reach out to me. I remember expressing this to a triathlon buddy and he simply said, “you have no idea how long your tentacles are, do you”? Well, I really didn’t know at the time but what I did know was how good that support made me feel. My brother in law was teaching in Philadelphia at the time and when he asked his students to keep me in their prayers, they also decided to create get well cards for me. I have never met any of these kids, but you can bet the house that I will have those cards forever. Just knowing that people were in my corner gave me a lot of mental and emotional strength, and it also confirmed my belief that there are a lot of really good people out there in the world who would offer their support to a stranger.

There is a member of our FOX29 blog community who has recently suffered a little health setback. In the short time that I have known this gentleman, I have learned that he is an incredibly insightful, appreciative, soulful, and compassionate human being. And I know he is reading this, although he will probably choose to sit back quietly and not comment. I do want him to know however, that his fight is our collective fight…That his battle is our battle and no less significant than someone else’s. Although the journey ahead may feel dark and turbulent at times, giving up is not an option my friend. You are not alone …. God bless you as well.