December 9, 2007
UPDATE
“A difficult week ends peacefully” – this was the headline in the Boston Globe a week ago slightly edited by switching day in the Globe to week by Carolyn.
Jack was transferred back to New England Rehabilitation Hospital on Monday from Lahey Clinic where his surgery was performed. Thankfully, Jack’s sister Myra was able to oversee this transfer which allowed me to work. The transfer went well. He is in Room 102 which is the same area that he was in before. By being in the same area, he has the same therapists. Since they had a very good understanding of him prior to surgery, we believe that they will be better prepared to know what his regression is and where to begin again with him.
Keep in mind that Jack had two major surgeries last week. He was also on 16 mg/day of steroids to reduce brain swelling. He still has two blood clots in his groin and left leg. Now that the tumor is gone and the surgical procedure swelling diminished, the latest medication is a blood thinner to dissolve the clots coupled with a major reduction in the steroids. Steroids give people a false sense of energy and very bad side effects. One of the primary reasons for the surgery was to reduce the steroid use. He is now taking 6 mg/day. Reducing steroids has to be done with much precaution. If the reduction happens too quickly, the body can go into shock. We produce steroids but not enough to control the kind of swelling that Jack had. When extra steroids are given, the body stops producing its own. One of the good things about the steroid reduction, Jack no longer needs insulin to control his blood sugar.
Since Jack's biopsy on August 23, his left hand and arm have been swollen. Over the last several months, the swelling had increased coupled with the lack of mobility of any kind. Now that the pressure from the tumor has been removed, the swelling in his left hand and arm has completely disappeared. He is extremely weak on that side but he has bicep motion as well as lateral raises (elbow from side to extension upward). So far he does not have tricep function. He has also done some walking with a cane only. He walked 30 feet and 40 feet on two different occasions on Friday. Even though he has a long way to go, he is slowly regaining some strength.
Jack has always had what I have called a farmer’s appetite. One of the other side effects of steroids is a ravenous appetite. Jack called me at 3:00 AM on Saturday morning to tell me he could not get anyone to give him a snack and he felt like he needed one. He wanted me to call the nurse’s station since he could not get a quick response from them. Needless to say, I was back in the business of “playing Carolyn and nurses” at 3:00 AM no less. I must tell you that I am highly motivated to prepare his snack of peanut butter and graham crackers and buttermilk or yogurt. I place it on his right side near his bed so that he can eat it when he feels hungry. I also programmed his cell phone to call the nurse’s station instead of the “Central St.” station. I am totally excited about his removal from steroids!!
Jack has minimum energy at the moment. For those of you who have visited him this weekend, you probably were disappointed in his desire to talk. He is sleeping a lot. Everyone is very happy about his resting coupled with his food intake. Nothing could be better for him at this point.
This week was my 60th birthday and I must say the best present I could have had was to have Jack beyond the prior difficult week. Many of our friends, neighbors, and coworkers helped me ring in this milestone. Jack and Courtenay conspired with Courtenay doing Jack’s shopping and delivery for him. Thank you everyone for creating a fun few days.
Jack has a long road to recovery. He has his next appointment with his Lahey Clinic team next Friday. We are still waiting for the results from the CA oncology lab to see what chemotherapies might work on the tumor tissue that was extracted during surgery. The potential need for additional chemotherapy is due to the likely potential of not extracting all of the live tumor cells.
His radiologist was surprised by the amount of tumor death that Jack experienced. She said that very few people have had that kind of tumor response. We believe that our Lord has heard the legions of prayers that have been prayed all over the world.
We continue to need your prayers, encouragement, and comfort during this arduous recovery. Jack continues to proclaim the comfort of our Lord and sing his praises to all who listen. It makes me think of the verse in Psalm 71:8 – “My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long”. I will continue to update as our lives are adapting to all of the changes and challenges that we have faced over the last few months. We thank our Lord for each and every one of you.
Blessings,
Carolyn
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Frank Rhodes - a former student
Dear professor Howard
I was saddened to hear that you have been diagnosed with brain cancer.
I wish you the best as you struggle with this challenge.
I received a MS/BS thesis from your and worked in your lab in 1980 and 1981. You were head of the ChemE Dept at the time.
I did a bunch of coal pyrolysis experiments on your fancy dancy machine. I mostly took data, but you were generous enough to let that pass as a master’s thesis anyway.
Not only did I learn about coal, but became quite the beer sophisticate, as well. Your head lab technician taught me a lot in both arenas.
You were always kind, not too demanding and always friendly and available. I remember the whole experience fondly.
After about two years plying the Chemical Engineering trade, I ended up becoming and entrepreneur. Flipping houses and running/growing a family sign business.
Again, all the best as you deal with this challenge
Regards, Frank
I was saddened to hear that you have been diagnosed with brain cancer.
I wish you the best as you struggle with this challenge.
I received a MS/BS thesis from your and worked in your lab in 1980 and 1981. You were head of the ChemE Dept at the time.
I did a bunch of coal pyrolysis experiments on your fancy dancy machine. I mostly took data, but you were generous enough to let that pass as a master’s thesis anyway.
Not only did I learn about coal, but became quite the beer sophisticate, as well. Your head lab technician taught me a lot in both arenas.
You were always kind, not too demanding and always friendly and available. I remember the whole experience fondly.
After about two years plying the Chemical Engineering trade, I ended up becoming and entrepreneur. Flipping houses and running/growing a family sign business.
Again, all the best as you deal with this challenge
Regards, Frank
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Beautiful message from Tom Bowman, a colleague from Stanford University
I would encourage all of you who follow the blog to take the time to open this absolutely beautiful electronic card and rejoice at the message it delivers.
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn and Jack,
Tom Bowman (ctbowman@stanford.edu) has sent you a Jacquie Lawson electronic greeting card.Please click on the following link to see your card. If your e-mail program has not displayed this as a link, then please copy the following into the Address or Location bar of your Internet browser.http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1321785034171&source=jl999
Alternatively, please visit http://www.jacquielawson.com/ and select the Pick Up Card option in the menu. Then enter your card code, which is:1321785034171If you have any problem at all viewing your card, please click here:http://www.jacquielawson.com/help_1.asp
Carolyn
Dear Carolyn and Jack,
Tom Bowman (ctbowman@stanford.edu) has sent you a Jacquie Lawson electronic greeting card.Please click on the following link to see your card. If your e-mail program has not displayed this as a link, then please copy the following into the Address or Location bar of your Internet browser.http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1321785034171&source=jl999
Alternatively, please visit http://www.jacquielawson.com/ and select the Pick Up Card option in the menu. Then enter your card code, which is:1321785034171If you have any problem at all viewing your card, please click here:http://www.jacquielawson.com/help_1.asp
Saturday, December 1, 2007
MORE GOOD NEWS DECEMBER 1, 2007
MORE GOOD NEWS
UPDATE
DECEMBER 1, 2007
Myra and I were in the hospital parking lot last evening when I received a phone call from Jack’s nurse, Donna, in the recovery room. Only 2 hours after surgery, Jack had given her my cell phone number to call me. We arrived in the recovery room, where Jack was amazingly alert and talkative. I got to give him the most amazing news that Dr. Cosgrove had tremendous difficulty finding any live tumor tissue for the tissue testing that is being done in CA. Jack was astonished to say the least. We are most hopeful and so grateful that this mass has been debulked.
While we were chatting, 2 of the medical doctor team members came by to check on Jack. They asked him if he could move his left arm that has been completely immobile for 2 months now. He not only moved it but he raised it several times with complete control. Jonathan and Courtenay arrived shortly after us. Jonathan, our filmmaker, brought his video camera and captured Jack talking and moving his left arm. The joy of this movement is magnified by the fact that Dr. Cosgrove, Jack’s neurosurgeon and primary doctor for his care, had told us that Jack had less than a 5-10% chance of any mobility restoration. We praise God, the Great Physician, for his most gracious mercy.
Jack is still in ICU this morning but he somehow managed to get access to a phone and called me at 6:00 AM. He said he had not slept all night but decided that we should come in this morning instead of later today. I had told him last evening that we would be in later today since I was certain he would be exhausted and needed to rest today. He told me that since the picture had changed as the result of the surgery, that he wants to talk to us. Since my Dad calls each morning, Jack beat him to the call this morning. It was a most wonderful call.
The legions of prayers have been heard by our merciful Lord. His strength continues to be magnified in our weakness. My weakness, for sure, is the unbelief of the possibility of such a miracle as this one. “Lord, help thou my unbelief.”
As we all continue to rely on our Lord and His sovereign mercy, I am so reminded of
Habakkuk 3:19
“The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer to enable me to go to the heights.”
As we continue to pray for mercy, strength, and hope, we embrace all of you have been such prayer warriors on our behalf. Please continue as the Lord leads.
Love and Happy December,
Carolyn and family
UPDATE
DECEMBER 1, 2007
Myra and I were in the hospital parking lot last evening when I received a phone call from Jack’s nurse, Donna, in the recovery room. Only 2 hours after surgery, Jack had given her my cell phone number to call me. We arrived in the recovery room, where Jack was amazingly alert and talkative. I got to give him the most amazing news that Dr. Cosgrove had tremendous difficulty finding any live tumor tissue for the tissue testing that is being done in CA. Jack was astonished to say the least. We are most hopeful and so grateful that this mass has been debulked.
While we were chatting, 2 of the medical doctor team members came by to check on Jack. They asked him if he could move his left arm that has been completely immobile for 2 months now. He not only moved it but he raised it several times with complete control. Jonathan and Courtenay arrived shortly after us. Jonathan, our filmmaker, brought his video camera and captured Jack talking and moving his left arm. The joy of this movement is magnified by the fact that Dr. Cosgrove, Jack’s neurosurgeon and primary doctor for his care, had told us that Jack had less than a 5-10% chance of any mobility restoration. We praise God, the Great Physician, for his most gracious mercy.
Jack is still in ICU this morning but he somehow managed to get access to a phone and called me at 6:00 AM. He said he had not slept all night but decided that we should come in this morning instead of later today. I had told him last evening that we would be in later today since I was certain he would be exhausted and needed to rest today. He told me that since the picture had changed as the result of the surgery, that he wants to talk to us. Since my Dad calls each morning, Jack beat him to the call this morning. It was a most wonderful call.
The legions of prayers have been heard by our merciful Lord. His strength continues to be magnified in our weakness. My weakness, for sure, is the unbelief of the possibility of such a miracle as this one. “Lord, help thou my unbelief.”
As we all continue to rely on our Lord and His sovereign mercy, I am so reminded of
Habakkuk 3:19
“The sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer to enable me to go to the heights.”
As we continue to pray for mercy, strength, and hope, we embrace all of you have been such prayer warriors on our behalf. Please continue as the Lord leads.
Love and Happy December,
Carolyn and family
Friday, November 30, 2007
Surgery UPDATE
UPDATE
November 30, 2007
6:30 PM
I want to let all of you know that are prayers have been answered beyond comprehension. Jack came through the surgery with flying colors. Not only did they remove the dead tissue, but 99.9% of the tumor tissue was also dead. The tumor, needless to say, had not progressed but had caused massive swelling due to the dead tissue.
Dr. Cosgrove said that he had a great deal of difficulty finding any live tumor tissue for the tissue test that I described this morning. He also said that it will be days to weeks before we know if any of the motor function will return. What he does feel confident about is that Jack will be able to come off of the steroids in several days. After Jack recovers from this part of his treatment, he will be moved back to NE Rehabilitation hospital for a few weeks.
Jack’s sister, Myra, a former student, Rich Shantross (surprised us by showing up at the hospital – he took a day off work to provide us with support), and I spent a couple of hours with Jack this morning and walked with him to surgery. The Lord has truly carried us to the heights today and we are most thankful. The legions of prayers have been answered. We will continue to wait on the Lord as the next phase of this journey unfolds. My birthday is next week and this gift is the best one that I could ever imagine.
We continue to desire your prayers, love, and support. We are all looking forward to a restful night’s sleep.
Carolyn
November 30, 2007
6:30 PM
I want to let all of you know that are prayers have been answered beyond comprehension. Jack came through the surgery with flying colors. Not only did they remove the dead tissue, but 99.9% of the tumor tissue was also dead. The tumor, needless to say, had not progressed but had caused massive swelling due to the dead tissue.
Dr. Cosgrove said that he had a great deal of difficulty finding any live tumor tissue for the tissue test that I described this morning. He also said that it will be days to weeks before we know if any of the motor function will return. What he does feel confident about is that Jack will be able to come off of the steroids in several days. After Jack recovers from this part of his treatment, he will be moved back to NE Rehabilitation hospital for a few weeks.
Jack’s sister, Myra, a former student, Rich Shantross (surprised us by showing up at the hospital – he took a day off work to provide us with support), and I spent a couple of hours with Jack this morning and walked with him to surgery. The Lord has truly carried us to the heights today and we are most thankful. The legions of prayers have been answered. We will continue to wait on the Lord as the next phase of this journey unfolds. My birthday is next week and this gift is the best one that I could ever imagine.
We continue to desire your prayers, love, and support. We are all looking forward to a restful night’s sleep.
Carolyn
Update November 30, 2007
UPDATE
November 30, 2007
This week has again challenged us with the unexpected. Jack’s left leg has been swelling over several days. Each evening both of his legs are encased in a mechanism that inflates and deflates to enhance the circulation is his legs. There is always a concern for the occurrence of blood clots when a person is less mobile than they had been previously coupled with chemotherapy side effects. As his leg began to remain swollen and even worsen, the Dr. decided to do an ultrasound test on him last Tuesday afternoon. What they discovered was that he has 2 large blood clots now – a likely side effect of the chemotherapy he was on during September and October. One of the clots is in his right groin while the other one is behind his left knee. The concern is that as the body tries to absorb these clots that pieces will break off and migrate to his lungs and heart. Unfortunately, Jack is not a candidate for blood thinners. Tumors are huge blood banks. If Jack was given blood thinners, he would potentially have a brain hemorrhage at the tumor site. Thanks to modern medicine, the Doctors went to plan B. Jack was taken back to Lahey Clinic emergency room on Tuesday evening for Plan B. Plan B is a filter that looks like an umbrella that was placed in the large groin vein. If the clots try to migrate, the filter prevents large pieces from going to the lungs and heart.
Here comes the fun part of the evening – we can always find humor and joy in the events. Picture Jack in this high tech emergency room with various people coming and going doing their jobs. The doctor comes in and describes in detail what the procedure is going to be and how it works. Jack is flat on his back, paralyzed on his left side, special stockings to improve the circulation, Jonathan and me at his side – as the doctor describes the filter, Jack wants to know the pore size of the filter. Only Jack!!!! That engineering mind has not stopped yet. The evening only gets more interesting. A young Dr. walks in the room and says – hello Professor Howard. MIT students always refer to faculty as Prof. We immediately have a clue. Apparently, this student thought Jack was a math professor at MIT (there used to be another Jack Howard in the math department at MIT). This Dr. decided to google Jack; consequently, Jack was discovered. The procedure finally occurred in the middle of the night since the team that specializes in this procedure had gone home for a quiet evening. Jack was conscious throughout the procedure. Apparently, there was much discussion about the world’s energy crisis with this team consulting with Jack during this surgery. Who would have guessed that maybe our energy crisis might be solved in an emergency surgery room! Thankfully, the procedure was successful and we all went home to sleep for a short winter’s night.
Jack was admitted that evening to Lahey Clinic since the doctors and Jack had decided that he would have the brain surgery. There are several hopes for the surgery. One of the big hopes is to maybe restore the use of Jack’s left leg, extend his life for some months, and remove the need for steroids that have many negative side effects. Initially, surgery was not an option due to the high risk for paralysis. We have the paralysis, so we do not have that as a concern. Jack has another brain image (MRI) this morning followed by surgery at 1:00 PM today.
Jack had a very comfortable day yesterday. Two more “southern” friends came in to visit him. Victor Vejins, Nano-C’s CEO – I think Viktor and his family must live in Southwest West Concord, MA, and Jack’s first office mate at MIT last century, Bill Dalzell, who definitely qualifies as a Southerner since he lives in Marshfield, MA on the deep south side of Boston. Jonathan spent time with him during his lunch. Jonathan called to say he was off to get Jack more coffee – Jack’s favorite drink of choice.
I spent time with Jack last evening. It was a time of reflection on our Lord and his tender mercies toward us over the many years that we have shared. We discussed our abundance in the ways that we have been blessed with our families and friends that are far and wide. We are truly resting in the shadow of the wings of our Lord, our only place of refuge from the journey of our lives and especially the storm of this disease.
Another amazing event that has happened is that Megan’s (Jonathan’s wife) family have some dear friends in Orange County, CA. This family escaped the Serbian war a few years ago. Megan’s Mom, Margaret met them on the plane as they were traveling to the US. Margaret is a flight attendant and befriended them. They knew no one. The two families have become very close friends. We have had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family. The woman works in a lab that tests cancer tissues to determine the most effective treatment for the cancer. She has offered and is sending via overnight the kit that is used to collect cancer tissue. Jack’s tumor tissue will be exposed to many forms of chemotherapy in her lab for potential treatment after surgery. Thank you Megan for orchestrating all of this work.
When an experience such as the one we are going through happens, it is truly an awesome thing to see how the Lord has woven the fabric of our lives. It is also wonderful to see the far reach of so many people that desire to help in so many ways. We deeply express our gratitude to all of you. I told Viktor this week that I felt like I was training for a marathon. His response to me was that I am in the marathon. I agreed with him. Unfortunately, there is no training as we know training for this marathon. By God’s grace, our strength is supplied sufficiently moment by moment.
I will close with the verses that I shared with Jack last evening. Also, I will be updating the blog throughout the weekend. Jack's sister, Myra, is arriving this morning to be with us over the next several days. We continue to covet and need your prayers.
Excerpts from Psalm 16
V1. “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
V7. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me: even at night my heart instructs me.
V8. “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
V9. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure”
V11. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
November 30, 2007
This week has again challenged us with the unexpected. Jack’s left leg has been swelling over several days. Each evening both of his legs are encased in a mechanism that inflates and deflates to enhance the circulation is his legs. There is always a concern for the occurrence of blood clots when a person is less mobile than they had been previously coupled with chemotherapy side effects. As his leg began to remain swollen and even worsen, the Dr. decided to do an ultrasound test on him last Tuesday afternoon. What they discovered was that he has 2 large blood clots now – a likely side effect of the chemotherapy he was on during September and October. One of the clots is in his right groin while the other one is behind his left knee. The concern is that as the body tries to absorb these clots that pieces will break off and migrate to his lungs and heart. Unfortunately, Jack is not a candidate for blood thinners. Tumors are huge blood banks. If Jack was given blood thinners, he would potentially have a brain hemorrhage at the tumor site. Thanks to modern medicine, the Doctors went to plan B. Jack was taken back to Lahey Clinic emergency room on Tuesday evening for Plan B. Plan B is a filter that looks like an umbrella that was placed in the large groin vein. If the clots try to migrate, the filter prevents large pieces from going to the lungs and heart.
Here comes the fun part of the evening – we can always find humor and joy in the events. Picture Jack in this high tech emergency room with various people coming and going doing their jobs. The doctor comes in and describes in detail what the procedure is going to be and how it works. Jack is flat on his back, paralyzed on his left side, special stockings to improve the circulation, Jonathan and me at his side – as the doctor describes the filter, Jack wants to know the pore size of the filter. Only Jack!!!! That engineering mind has not stopped yet. The evening only gets more interesting. A young Dr. walks in the room and says – hello Professor Howard. MIT students always refer to faculty as Prof. We immediately have a clue. Apparently, this student thought Jack was a math professor at MIT (there used to be another Jack Howard in the math department at MIT). This Dr. decided to google Jack; consequently, Jack was discovered. The procedure finally occurred in the middle of the night since the team that specializes in this procedure had gone home for a quiet evening. Jack was conscious throughout the procedure. Apparently, there was much discussion about the world’s energy crisis with this team consulting with Jack during this surgery. Who would have guessed that maybe our energy crisis might be solved in an emergency surgery room! Thankfully, the procedure was successful and we all went home to sleep for a short winter’s night.
Jack was admitted that evening to Lahey Clinic since the doctors and Jack had decided that he would have the brain surgery. There are several hopes for the surgery. One of the big hopes is to maybe restore the use of Jack’s left leg, extend his life for some months, and remove the need for steroids that have many negative side effects. Initially, surgery was not an option due to the high risk for paralysis. We have the paralysis, so we do not have that as a concern. Jack has another brain image (MRI) this morning followed by surgery at 1:00 PM today.
Jack had a very comfortable day yesterday. Two more “southern” friends came in to visit him. Victor Vejins, Nano-C’s CEO – I think Viktor and his family must live in Southwest West Concord, MA, and Jack’s first office mate at MIT last century, Bill Dalzell, who definitely qualifies as a Southerner since he lives in Marshfield, MA on the deep south side of Boston. Jonathan spent time with him during his lunch. Jonathan called to say he was off to get Jack more coffee – Jack’s favorite drink of choice.
I spent time with Jack last evening. It was a time of reflection on our Lord and his tender mercies toward us over the many years that we have shared. We discussed our abundance in the ways that we have been blessed with our families and friends that are far and wide. We are truly resting in the shadow of the wings of our Lord, our only place of refuge from the journey of our lives and especially the storm of this disease.
Another amazing event that has happened is that Megan’s (Jonathan’s wife) family have some dear friends in Orange County, CA. This family escaped the Serbian war a few years ago. Megan’s Mom, Margaret met them on the plane as they were traveling to the US. Margaret is a flight attendant and befriended them. They knew no one. The two families have become very close friends. We have had the pleasure of meeting this wonderful family. The woman works in a lab that tests cancer tissues to determine the most effective treatment for the cancer. She has offered and is sending via overnight the kit that is used to collect cancer tissue. Jack’s tumor tissue will be exposed to many forms of chemotherapy in her lab for potential treatment after surgery. Thank you Megan for orchestrating all of this work.
When an experience such as the one we are going through happens, it is truly an awesome thing to see how the Lord has woven the fabric of our lives. It is also wonderful to see the far reach of so many people that desire to help in so many ways. We deeply express our gratitude to all of you. I told Viktor this week that I felt like I was training for a marathon. His response to me was that I am in the marathon. I agreed with him. Unfortunately, there is no training as we know training for this marathon. By God’s grace, our strength is supplied sufficiently moment by moment.
I will close with the verses that I shared with Jack last evening. Also, I will be updating the blog throughout the weekend. Jack's sister, Myra, is arriving this morning to be with us over the next several days. We continue to covet and need your prayers.
Excerpts from Psalm 16
V1. “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge.
V7. “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me: even at night my heart instructs me.
V8. “I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
V9. “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure”
V11. “You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Blessings,
Carolyn and family
Yiannis Levendis Letter - Northeastern Professor
Dear Jack,
It has been sometimes that I have not seen you. In the meantime, I have been receiving news about your medical condition from Henning and from the internet blog.
I have not contacted you as I did not want to be intrusive and as I also faced family issues.
But having read a poem recently I thought about you a lot. So, on this Thanksgiving Day I decided to write you a note, to share this poem with you. You may already know of it; I didn’t until recently.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
By Mary Stevenson, 1936
I can only hope that now that the first round of your treatments is over, that we will see positive changes and we will see again two sets of footprints in the sand.
Jack, you are a rare breed of a gentleman and it has always been a sheer pleasure dealing with you.
When we meet you brighten my days. I look forward to many more of those bright days.
Your friend,
Yiannis A. Levendis
It has been sometimes that I have not seen you. In the meantime, I have been receiving news about your medical condition from Henning and from the internet blog.
I have not contacted you as I did not want to be intrusive and as I also faced family issues.
But having read a poem recently I thought about you a lot. So, on this Thanksgiving Day I decided to write you a note, to share this poem with you. You may already know of it; I didn’t until recently.
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord. Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints, so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,that if I followed you, you would walk with me always. But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
By Mary Stevenson, 1936
I can only hope that now that the first round of your treatments is over, that we will see positive changes and we will see again two sets of footprints in the sand.
Jack, you are a rare breed of a gentleman and it has always been a sheer pleasure dealing with you.
When we meet you brighten my days. I look forward to many more of those bright days.
Your friend,
Yiannis A. Levendis
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