It's My Birthday!

Today, August 18th, is my birthday!

I've officially reached Social Security retirement age...66 years old.

Everyone after me will have to wait longer and longer to reach Social Security retirement!

The incredible and miraculous news this year

Is that I made it to this birthday

Due to the slim chance that appeared to be in January of this year!

And that August 18 marks exactly 18 months to the day

That a "circular mass" was discovered

In the pleural cavity between my left lung and heart

Which after many tests was ascertained to be malignant mesothelioma.

What a great birthday present...

*To be alive!

*To have had all four of our children

And all eight of our grandchildren, minus one,

Together this past weekend at our lake place

For an incredible time of fun and games!

*To have amazing friends like you all

Who have supported and encouraged me

Through these past 18 months!

I am blessed...

So, the BIG question:

What is my birthday wish?

I know that I'm not supposed to reveal my wish

But I'm going to give you a sneak peek:)

*Is it 18 more months or 18 more years to live?

That would be great...but NO

Because my desire isn't really for a long life but a full one

*Is it a cancer free body?

That would also be great...but NO

Because as much as I would never have chosen cancer

And the challenging and difficult journey it has embarked me upon

I am amazed at how God has used this journey

For the encouragement and blessing of others

In a way that would never have happened

If I was not walking this path myself.

So...

THIS is my simple birthday wish:

That I would finish well

With the days that I have left on this earth.

That I would love well

And that I would be faithful

In living my life for God's glory

And the blessing of others!

That's my birthday wish...

Though I must confess

That my wish the week after each chemo treatment

Is just to survive each day:)

So...how do I see "being faithful" happening?

I'm not sure

But I believe it has something to do with writing...

The story of The Coffee Oasis

The stories of our youth

The things I am learning through this cancer journey

The next New York Times Best Selling novel
(Just kidding on that one!)

Well...there you have it

And now that I've shared my wish

It may not be able to happen!
(At least that's what I was always told growing up just before I blew out my candles!)

I'm happy for you to bug me

And keep me accountable

To make the most of my time with the days still allotted for me:)

In the meantime...

Thank you again for being the friends and supporters you are to me!

Blessings,

Dave