So often I get asked how I come up with column subjects. Some weeks it’s easy and some weeks it’s hard, and some weeks the column just writes itself.
Over the last 12 days, it’s been a busy time for me especially when you have a former and current President of the United States visit your area within four days.
Throw in photographing several high school sports games and writing an article regarding miracle man, Kim Pace and him receiving a double lung transplant in what was probably his 11th hour of life, it has been indeed been busy.
I had to squeeze in a dentist visit, medical lab work and a doctor’s visit as well.
Thursday, Sept. 8, marked my 16th year being cancer free; even though the surgery was not easy on me, I’m still humbled and grateful to be alive.
I’ve taken on a new perspective over the last 16 years, making me appreciate so much more including things I took for granted prior to my diagnosis.
I appreciate and am grateful for the loved ones in my life and the friends I made throughout those years.
When people see me, many are not aware of my past medical issue and certainly by looking at me, I’m seemingly the picture of health.
I can tell you this, even being cancer-free for over a decade and a half, as my late friend Sammy Agolino said, there’s that deep dark thought in your mind that cancer invaded your body and you are just waiting for a return. Sammy said: “It’s like having a noose hanging over your head.”
I get what Sammy was talking about. Although I did not have as severe a cancer case as he did, I completely understand.
Naturally, the more years that separate me from my diagnosis and ultimate surgery, I think I’m going to be okay.
Thanks to local surgeon Dr. Michael Campenni for making sure I got in 16 more years.
Over time, I’ve developed an attitude where not much bothers me anymore, and that includes the world of politics. That doesn’t mean I can ignore the division amongst many in the United States, because I can’t. The “me against you” period of our country needs to end, but unfortunately it will be a long time before that happens. The anger and bitterness is still very deep.
This too shall pass, as the saying goes. The Biden and Trump divisions will eventually pass and by that time, hopefully, attitudes will change for the better.
Even though I’m grateful and often turn the other cheek to a lot of things, I still very strong against being lied to and deceived, two things I take very seriously.
During the day of celebrating my 16 years of being cancer free, it became bittersweet when I found out Queen Elizabeth passed away.
Whether you’re a fan of the monarchy or not, you have to hand it to the late queen on serving her subjects for 70 years.
Queen Elizabeth is the only British ruler I’ve even known, and as a matter of fact, 80% of all those she reigned over never knew any other ruler.
She’s one person I would have loved to have the honor of interviewing, or to even having a 30-minute chat.
Not everyone gets the Monarchy of England, especially those of us from the U.S., but it works for them and you have to respect that. The family is one of the richest in the world with the best property and jewels and art that it’s kind of not fair, but again, it works for their country.
The queen will be laid to rest beside her husband in about a week or so, that you have to hand it to the British, they are known for their pomp and pageantry and the ceremony will be regal to the highest degree. It’s an historical time and I will try to watch some of it.
If you think about it, Queen Elizabeth may be the last queen for a very long time with her son King Charles III taking over the reins and his son, Prince William next in succession, it could be decades before another queen would come along.
The next monumental date is my birthday, which is on Sept. 12. When I had the cancer surgery, I was in the hospital for five days and on that fifth day, I asked Dr. Campenni if I could be released.
When he found out it was my birthday, he gave me a big hug, wished me a happy birthday and told me I could go home.
Birthdays have always been special to me, especially when it came time for the cake, but it has lost its zip a bit when my mother passed away.
I always considered my birthday as our birthday; after all, if it weren’t for her giving me birth I would not be here. So celebrating my birthday with the woman who gave me birth was special.
We really should honor our parents, especially our moms, on our birthdays, it only makes sense.
So between Sept. 8 and Sept. 12, I have two great dates to celebrate my birth and my rebirth.
To those celebrating milestones in your life, congratulations and best wishes and enjoy life.
Quote of the week
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Truman
Thought of the week
“Remember that the happiest people are not those getting more, but those giving more.” – H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
Bumper sticker
“We design our lives through the power of choices.” – Richard Bach
