It has been thirty days since I last wrote and my apologies to all for taking so much time to update. I have received enough phone calls to know when people don't hear your update, rumors can start and since I have already heard a few, I thought it wise to update you now and put those rumors to bed before they spread. It is a reflection of how powerful Caringbridge is and the importance it has been to us and we thank you for committing to it. In truth, I have been struggling. Not with my own situation, but rather with an emotional guilt for having a type of cancer that can be treated (if caught early) through surgery and therefore less taxing on the body. Don't get me wrong, my surgery was rough, and while I may still have chemo therapy as a precautionary measure, it pales in comparison to some cancers that may be rare, have a poor prognosis once diagnosed with the disease..Colon cancer is the second leading killer of cancers, and yet if you are lucky and catch it early, can allow you to live a long and normal life. I want you know I am feeling better every day, that my doctor is very pleased I did not over do it when I got home, that I took it easy (Linda and the boys were the gestopo and put me in house arrest if I tried anything), that I was allowed to go back to work recently and feel productive( sitting on the sidelines is just not me), and that I get to begin working out, though my stitches are still sensitive.To be honest, it has been a very surreal experience and all of you have been responsible for making this bump in the road an easier journey than it could have been. But right now there isn't anything I wouldn't do to have some of my luck rub off on my classmates. I graduated from VMI and one thing you have to know about us is we have a bond that is difficult to explain, but stronger than kevlar. I have two classmates who have cancer, Ben Cottrell who lives in Norfolk with his wife Becky and their kids, and Jack Manley, who lives with his wife and children in Texas. I know Ben has been through hell and back but his chemo treatments are over, he is getting his strength back, and his prognosis looks good. Jack is another story. He has pancreatic cancer and his prognosis is not good. Linda and I are firm believers in the power of prayer and we believe in strength in numbers. We have felt the fear of the unknown, the difficulties of the surgery, the anxiouslness of waiting for the pathology report, were the lumphnodes clear or cancerous, had it matastisized, and a thoudsand different senerios you have to face when dealing with a life threating disease..I will never forget the look on Linda's face the first time the alarms went off on the christmas tree of pumps, computers, and monitors, not to mention all the tubes coming out of every opening, and I mean every opening.She continued to spin the negatives of her fears into the positive with her updates and you responded by providing much needed support to her through the guest book that helped her through the toughest of times. Now I have a favor to ask. I would like to ask all of you to take the very power, strength in prayer, knowledge of the disease, contact, and ounce of hope you have, and share it with Jack and Anne. I know what Linda and Becky went through and reading Anne's journal I know she is feeling alone. For many of you who don't know this couple, you might find this an unusual request. But I also know if you are reading this you have a good heart, you care about people, and you want more than anything to ease the pain of those who need it most. Jack and Anne are wonderful people who need our love, unwavering support, and knowledge that they are in our prayers. I encourage you to visit Jack's website, www.caringbridge.org/visit/jackmanley

and take a moment to pass along your words of encouragement. You have all been the best of friends to us during our time of need and I am proud to have you in our lives.I ask that you take that power and share it with them. No one should feel like they are on an island by themselves.

Love you all,

John