On Jan. 9th, my world took a dramatic twist while driving with my brave 12 year old son who saved our lives by taking control of the wheel. Fortunately, no one was injured, thanks to Chad's quick actions, but our car was totaled. After various tests and MRI, Dr. Pante's team at Des Peres determined I had experienced a seizure due to multiple brain lesions. Upon my transfer to Barnes for an open brain biopsy, the specialists diagnosed the tumors as metastasized (non-primary) melanoma....
Much to my surprise after hearing this dreadful news, I was not afraid. My life journey has truly been profound. I have no regrets, and I can't even come up with a "bucket list." I am blessed by incredible friends and family. My beautiful wife Cindy provides me with the extra courage and strength that I need. Lilly and Chad are my precious gifts to this earth. Facing this challenge with all of you while I am young, feeling good and coherent is encouraging.
My journey as a Christian is strong. In my opinion, Jesus Christ is the most powerful man in history. Christ never settled for the norm... He was ahead of his time. His constant courage to question and challenge complacent behavior has always been my inspiration. He surrounded Himself with curious men and extremely strong women at a time when women were hardly even considered. My choice to follow Christ is confirmed by his profound Beatitudes, the most beautiful human factor ever professed.
My journey with God through this ordeal has been miraculous. Please know that my spiritual foundation was truly set into place by the Order of Servants of Mary. These spiritual women taught me in Grade School, Junior High and High School. I am most grateful to the OSM's, who are often referred to as Servites.
On Sunday evening at Barnes Hospital my friend John Seliga came to my room with a relic from St. Peregrine for me to have during my journey. St. Peregrine happens to be the Patron Saint of Cancer, and last week I discovered that Peregrine was an OSM (Servite) Friar.
I am sharing my spiritual journey because I know you are reading with a heavy heart, and I want to assure you that I seem to be in God's good and gracious hands. I don't believe in coincidences - everything happens for a reason - including the generosity that has surrounded me and my family with encouragement. I am feeding my soul with your kindness and feeding my body with healthy ingredients to nurture the good cells, while starving the tumors.
Thank you for being part of my journey as you have reached out in so many ways. I FEEL your prayers, passion and positive energy!
Please continue to keep my family and brilliant medical team in your prayers.
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