Impossibilities?

About a year and one-half ago I (Bob) was given a prognosis of 12-18 months of life left on this earth. Today I've finished my second round of chemotherapy and am "free" of it for the next little while, and I'm feeling quite good.

About two and one-half months ago Carol first broached the subject of her folks moving into a senior's living setting. Today the move is complete, her folks are happily settling in and their former place is cleaned out and ready to sell.

Two "impossibilities" when viewed from the front end, but today look very different. I like the thought attributed to Soren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, who said, "Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." And so we live forward, with all its mystery and uncertainties. And when we look back there is much that becomes clearer with reasons for thankfulness.

Some gratitudes I live with today include the fact that God enabled me/us to live through these two periods with thankfulness, not just at the end of the time period. It has sustained and strengthened me beyond what is natural. I'm grateful for being drawn into the lives of family and friends in a more significant way because they too are facing huge health and life challenges. I know that this life is not the end of things, and I pray they will be able to keep our momentary troubles in a heavenly perspective. I'm grateful for friends who have expressed concerns and prayers for Carol and me, and provided tangible help when we needed it. And I'm grateful to still be able to make a contribution in the lives of people and organizations.

I'm still doing a little consulting, including travel, as well as some coaching of people as they face organizational or life challenges. As long as God gives me life and strength I'm looking for ways to make myself available and present for those who need or want what I have to give. Who knows, I may just get some writing done, which has been on my mind for the past few months.

Thanks to all of you who read these blogs and follow our lives with such interest. You are a gift to us.

Bob (for Carol too).