e-mails with you that I wrote then, one prior to surgery and the other three days after surgery. I am not sure if this shows the “best side of Bob. "Butt" I will let you be the judge.

July 14, 2003

Dear Friends,

Two years ago Anne rode with me to begin the Ride across the country.  We appreciated everyone's support and encouragement.  This morning Anne and I had a beautiful bike ride together.  We were headed West most of the ride with the sun to our backs.  Our shadows were straight ahead of us leading us on a new life venture - "the path to recovery." 

As most of you receiving this e-mail know, I was diagnosed with colon cancer 2 1/2 weeks ago.  That was the "bad news."  The "good news" is that it was caught early and will be removed tomorrow.  I will be "cancer free" and join the ranks of a remarkable group of individuals - cancer survivors.

If I haven't preached to you yet about the blessing of early detection, I will.  As someone said the other day, "the only thing worse than having cancer is not knowing you have it."  If you are 50 and older please have a colonoscopy.

Two weeks ago someone who followed "A Ride With A Reason" said there was a "prayer tree" working for my safety then and it has come alive again.  For that I am forever grateful!  I am writing this in the admissions room of the hospital with tears rolling down my cheeks - not because of fear but because of appreciation for all the support, hugs, love and prayers of so many.

I was given a very special chest in which to "save and savor" the treasures that come our way through this "bump in the road."

Last night (or actually early the morning) I tried to photograph the full moon.  The sky was so clear and the moon beams so bright.  It made me feel "connected" with each of you.  Look up tonight; I hope it will be as pretty.

"Ride with a Reason" was dedicated to Rich Crane who died from ALS in January 2002.  We called him our "attitude coach," as he taught us that our attitude is created by our attitude.  POSITIVE is the attitude of choice.  We gain strength from the positive energy of each other.  I would like to share some of the positive energy and prayers sent my direction from so many of you with three other special people.  I hope we can interconnect our "prayer trees."

The first person is Kim Keller who underwent lung surgery last week in her second battle with lung cancer.  Kim is 36 and a wife and mother.  The second person is Judy Homeyer who was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and will have surgery on July 21st.  We have known Judy and her husband Bruce for over 20 years.  The third person is Tom Moore whom we met 2 1/2 years ago at the beginning of "A Ride with a Reason."  Tom was diagnosed with ALS at that time and last week started Hospice care.  The disease may have Tom on his back, but he hasn't lost his smile. 

A friend gave us a bamboo plant for positive energy.  The number of shoots on the plant determines the focus of the energy.  Our plant has five shoots for "Wealth."  Although I will miss my involvement with my business, Enhance Your View, the break allows me time to focus on the "real wealth" in life - family and friends.  Thank you for your support and love and prayers!

One evening soon after my diagnosis, Laura and I shared tears and talk.  We comprised a list of 60 plus positive aspects that have/can come from this diagnosis or out of any adversity faced with a positive attitude and hope . . .most important being an open and loving relationship with family and friends.  Anne and I are both so grateful to have you in our lives! 

I've been given a room; it's now time to focus on my preparations for tomorrow.  My Love to You All!

Bob

______________________________________________________

July 19 2003

Dear Friends and Family,

Please wait to open pictures on cue.

On Saturday morning a little before 7:00, I was awakened by Dr. Witkowski; after a tug on my drain tube, I was given the feeling that I might get to go home.  An hour later, Dr. Flanigan commented that he felt that staying in the hospital couldn't benefit me any more; so I better get home and "milk it for all it's worth."

I was glad to have ridden my bike to the hospital; knowing it was still locked up in front of the emergency  entrance, I had a way to get home to surprise Anne.  And was she ever surprised when I pulled up in front of the house!

Note: Clicking image will open larger picture with unobstructed view.
(Rated PG-13)

You all have been wonderful --- and "behind us" all the way!--- so we thought you would enjoy this picture.

Paragraph 1 is correct and paragraph 2 slightly exaggerated.  Anne did pick me up to begin the “road to recovery” by building my strength and endurance.  I have lost about 10 lbs. So I could easily make my high school wrestling weight.  I will be on a low fiber diet for a while to give my system time to adjust.  Other than that, I have been told I can walk as much as I want and could lift the "Sunday paper."

Saturday was a gorgeous day with blue skies and low humidity.  What a day to sit on the deck, watch the hummingbirds with Maggie in the flower garden, and pick broccoli in the veggie garden.  What a difference a week makes!

A friend gave us the book The Right Words At The Right Time by Marlo Thomas.  There is a chapter written by Mayor Giuliani.  He talks about being inspired by Mrs. Gorumba who, within a year, lost her husband, father and son.  The wisdom she imparted to Mayor Giuliani was, "when terrible things happen, I try to concentrate on the good parts of life and celebrate them even more than I had before."

Our celebration has begun!  We celebrate our talented, dedicated, compassionate medical team of: Dr. Dale Coy, who found and removed the cancerous polyps; Drs. Flanigan and Witkowski who performed the flawless surgery; Dr. Dick McDonough, who has looked after me for 24 years; and Dr. Dick Phillips, a personal friend, confidant and counselor.  The nurses, technicians, and staff at Good Shepherd were wonderful; I so appreciate their sincere efforts to make my visit safe and comfortable with the focus on beginning the healing process.

This is the "neighborhood gang" by Laura’s house.  Their artwork decorated the hospital walls and lifted my spirits.

We celebrate our family and friends who have been so kind with words, deeds, and prayers.  Having such a wonderful support group has lifted me to a new appreciation of life.  As the poet Thomas Merton said, “ in the end, it is the reality of personal relationships that saves everything.”  We are glad you are part of our life!  I do have a favor to ask; if you could continue to remember Kim Keller, Judy Homeyer, and Tom and Paul Moore in your prayers, it will strengthen us all.

Your support and caring have been beyond belief!  I will close with two bits of advice.  First, if you have not had a colonoscopy, please make an appointment this week.  Second, remember the advice of  Morrie Schartz in Tuesdays With Morrie to "live life with no regrets."

Anne and I send our love and gratefulness to each of you.

Bob

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