Special Thanks

I can withstand my own suffering. But I cannot withstand seeing others suffer.

And when illness strikes so close to home, a spouse, a loved-one, a family member, a close friend, it is as if any pain they may feel also certainly becomes your own.

I think of the story of Cain and Abel often throughout my life. After Cain had murdered his brother, God comes to him and asks about Abel's whereabouts. Cain replies "Am I my brother's keeper?"

God did not answer Cain. Why? Well I think that's what the rest of the Bible goes on to answer. Of course, we're all our brother's keepers, and it's our calling as children of God. Our lives do extend beyond ourselves.

I've certainly experienced such kindness through the past months. Certainly I've had many "keepers." Certainly no one has ever asked "Am I Jim's keeper?"

I feel terrible about what a burden I have been at times. It's so much easier for me to give than to receive. But I've learned so much about compassion and giving through the great generosity of others. It's made me a more compassionate and giving person.

There's so many people to thank though all of this. But I really do owe a special thank you to my wife Barbara.

Not only has she felt everything I've felt, endured all that I've endured, but she has been a rock of support and positive energies. She's managed to keep everything moving, keep the house going, life going. She's organized transportation. She's wrestled with doctor's offices, insurance companies. She's been my nurse. She's been my nutritionist. She makes sure I'm taking all the medications I have to and when I have to. She's been my everything.

She's been my angel.

Thank you honey! I love you! So much! Forever!