Thanks but ...

I wanted to thank all those who have expressed their concern and prayers for me recently. I truly appreciate them all.

There were two people in particular whose comments I wanted to address. I hope they won't be embarassed or hurt in any way about what I'm about to write.

doodirock says: DG, you sir are a fantastic human being. Even through all this your writing shows an up beat side and general understanding of what matters in life. I only hope I have half the courage that you do when Im 66. Keep hanging in there.

doodirock says: again, you are my hero.

DEEP_NNN says:
Good luck in the days ahead. I'm such a wimp. I don't think I could handle all the same kind of stress.

I don't view myself as a "hero" or "fantastic human being" or even a "non-wimp". My attitude comes more from observing others and KNOWING that my life is not so bad as others.

For example, my brother-in-law died of cancer at the end of January. He was only 39 years old and died from Melanoma. He had lost his brother to the same disease only 3 months before. Also, of the 2,709,918 Americans who served in Vietnam, less than 850,000 (32%) are estimated to be alive today, with the youngest American Vietnam veteran's age approximated to be 54 years old. My nephew's son, Zachary, had to have brain surgery at the ripe old age of 3 for Chiari Malformation.

I am 66 years old, have had full and interesting life with much love associated with it. There were several times when I could have died and would not have experienced so much, known so much, or met so many wonderful people, including you folks here at 2old2play.

But when I compare my illness and trials to someone like JollyRoger, my life seems tame and easy to cope with in comparison. Jolly has not blogged recently, but if you want to admire someone for courage and strength, then he and his family are the ones to look to.

In his twitter page, twitter.com/J0llyRoger and through conversations and communications with others, it is found that in addition to the pain and mental pressures of dealing with their daughter, Megan, who has an incurable mitochondrial disease, they are now dealing with their middle child Ian's crippling Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

So my apparent strength and calmness is a direct consequence of observing true strength and faith evidenced by others. Thank you for your support and kindness but remember even more, those whose lives are truly challenged by trials and tribulations that far surpass mine.