Turtles at Poipu Beach, Kauai It’s been nearly a year since I was diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD). Since then, I have learned a lot.ILD is a broad term for a group of disorders that have progressive scarring of the lungs. There is no cure for ILD. When I was first diagnosed, much of … Continue reading Finding Focus Through the Setbacks
I’ve paused, laid low, and really absorbed life lately. The peace that I have been feeling as I continue to march through adversity has felt remarkable. I recently had a chest CT scan. It shows significant scarring in both lungs as result of my battle with Covid.Interstitial lung disease is the diagnosis.The lung scarring is … Continue reading What Does Terminal Even Mean?
A year ago today I entered the hospital for a massive fight for my life. I’ve always been keenly aware of special dates in my life and their significance. The last few mornings I have woken up even earlier than normal, unable to get back to sleep as I’ve been thinking in depth about those … Continue reading Ahh Life!
“That people’s memories are maybe the fuel they burn to stay alive. Whether those memories have any actual importance or not, it doesn’t matter as far as the maintenance of life is concerned. They’re all just fuel. To the fire, they’re nothing but scraps of paper. It’s the exact same thing. Important memories, not-so-important memories, … Continue reading Memories; Fuel for Staying Alive
I can't quite figure out yet what just happened, but I am getting there. I nearly died from coronavirus pneumonia. My wife, our two sons, their girlfriends and I all met in San Diego for a fantastic Thanksgiving weekend. While there all six of us got sick, but only my wife Shelly and I had … Continue reading Lessons Learned From the Edge of Life
I’m approaching the four year anniversary of sharing my story of gratitude. It was difficult to allow myself to suddenly be so vulnerable, but I knew that I had a journey that needed to be shared. A difficult journey that started with the death of my fiance 30 years ago. My hope was that maybe … Continue reading Growth of Gratitude
I sat down early this peaceful morning like I do most mornings, with the intention of spending time on the book that I am focusing on finishing. But my thoughts keep shifting to the specifics of it being June 13th, so I decided to write a short blog entry instead. I marvel at time. How … Continue reading JUNE 13th
Continuing to inch closer to completing my book, this morning I was working on a particular point in time that was a crucial point in my journey. My visit to Dana's room after 24 years pulled so much together in giving me the grace for some much needed peace. The writing of this visit was … Continue reading Revisiting the Upstairs Room
Grief is a lifelong journey. As much as others wished I could, I could not wave a wand and be over it. My life was turned upside down by the sudden death of my fiancée, Dana. The night prior to heading back to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo for her final weeks before graduation, she … Continue reading Celebrating My Past
In a few weeks it will be 25 years since I moved away from Bakersfield, California to Western Kentucky. One of the most difficult things was saying goodbye to Dana’s parents. I had become very close with them in the 2 and a half years since Dana had died. But I knew to move forward; … Continue reading The Upstairs Room
Ten Thousand Days 