It has been two weeks now since my major abdominal surgery and I am grateful that I am recovering slowly and healing quite well. I am also so grateful that the cyst and mass found were both benign and that I do not have cancer. Although, I am still in a lot of pain and discomfort, I have found refuge in prayer and social therapy with Heritage Makers.
I am not only taking lots of naps to allow my body and mind to heal, I am also catching up of my email messages and working on some of my pending storybook projects. In fact, I just published a “Love is…” book for my sister-in-law as well as for my good friend and her daughter. It is not always easy for me to answer your phone calls at this time, but I will return your call (if you leave a message) as soon as I am able.
Many thanks to those who had visited me at the hospital and at home. I love the flowers and the get-well cards! While I am thankful that I am overall healthy in spite of my many surgeries, I am saddened to hear the news that our Heritage Makers President, Doug Cloward is recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. He is truly a faith-filled and inspiring man! Even while at the hospital, he called in to be our surprise guest speaker at our California Regional Conference and gave the entire audience his typical motivational message (via Chris Lee, our CEO’s cell/speaker phone). My heart and prayers to Doug and the entire Cloward family during this difficult time of diagnosis and treatment.
I will end this post with a reflection and quote from Doug’s blog: “If all of this resolves itself and I find myself with more time, I will be a better friend, a more compassionate father and husband, and more committed servant. And I may feel a little foolish for what might otherwise appear to be my own epitaph, but I find the need for expression and healing purposeful. I hope my words ring true and remind you that you are remembered and loved.” – Doug Cloward
