Welcome & Thank you...

Now that I've switched back to private, I have the wonderful opportunity of being more myself, as well as sharing more detailed information. I know you are all excited :)

Before I continue though, I just want to thank all of you who did write to be added, and the incredible and beautiful support you sent through all of your e-mails. I am always, always, blown away by how many people are out there that share a connection with this disease, or just simply are cheering from different parts of the country for successful treatment. I thank you, I'm grateful for you, and all of you, your e-mails, comments, phone calls, gifts sent in the mail (JessieO), and heartfelt words of encouragement.  When I feel as though I'm in this dark place -- and I know there is light somewhere, it is always the kindness of others that helps me see past everything that is blocking my vision.  So, again, thank you. I wish I could personally write back to each one of you... some day I hope to, but please realize your small act of kindness truly helps me focus and dust myself off.

As many of you have suggested, I am trying to just 'be' in the next few weeks. I am focusing on rebuilding my strength emotionally and physically, and hope that the new year leads to a more balanced life-style and mindset.  I hope it is for all of you as well...

The next news (scans) will be the week of December 21st, and we're obviously hoping for good news that this new clinical trial is working -- but if not, we will figure out something else. However, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. Luckily, classes end next week, and although I'm sure I'll have to take some extensions at this point, I'm okay with this and feel the need to pat myself on the back for still standing while juggling four classes, interning, and treatment.

Lastly, for a treat. One of my very favorite Lesley loves sent me this a while ago, but, it just seems like a perfect letter to share with all of you. Plus, it makes me smile. This is F. Scott Fitzgerald and a letter to his eleven year old daughter during summer camp. Hope you enjoy it.


Dear Pie,

Things to worry about:

Worry about courage
Worry about cleanliness
Worry about efficiency
Worry about horsemanship
Worry about...

Things not to worry about:

Don't worry about popular opinion
Don't worry about dolls
Don't worry about the past
Don't worry about the future
Don't worry about growing up
Don't worry about anybody getting ahead of you
Don't worry about triumph
Don't worry about failure unless it comes through your own fault
Don't worry about mosquitos
Don't worry about flies
Don't worry about insects in general
Don't worry about parents
Don't worry about boys
Don't worry about disappointments
Don't worry about pleasures
Don't worry about satisfactions

Things to think about:

What am I really aiming at?
How good am I really in comparison to my contemporaries in regard to:

a.) Scholarship
b.) Do I really understand about people and am I able to get along with them?
c.) Am I trying to make my body a useful instrument or am I neglecting it?

With dearest love,
Daddy
(August 8th, 1933)




Sending Love,
And a very Happy Chanukah to all my favorite jews :)


B.