We went to Mexico last month for a bit of sun and relaxation. We had a great time. You would see variations of a T-shirt that said ‘No Bad Days” with a guy fishin’ or just sitting beach front with a cocktail that involved fruit. Side note - those are not my drinks. Perhaps two finger of good bourbon neat or an expertly crafted dry vokda martini up with an olive - mostly so Mela can have it - unless it is stuffed with blue cheese of course.

Anyway No Bad Days. I truly do believe that. That being said - there are good days and there are hard days. Some really hard. Good days are not hard but hard days are good. As I write this it is the day of the California International Marathon. I imagine even for the elite runners it is hard let alone the first timers but the good far outweighs the hard. Or maybe you worked really hard on a project at work and got a much deserved raise. You get the idea. We all have different standards. For example with the damp weather we are having - we have some ants. If Mela finds a few wandering the kitchen island it is a hard day. And for simply including this modest example it may assure I have a hard day.

In November of 2024 I went blind and had a horrific rash from head to toe which were side effects from the drugs fighting my cancer. Crazy hard. Thank goodness for steroids and cortisone cream. I believe I came out better for it. Admittedly perhaps a different story if I remained blind. December 2024 I lost over 20 pounds in 10 days and my body was emaciated from my second two drug infusion. Again crazy hard. So hard and long to come back. I literally could not support my own weight for a push up and can now do 21 and working toward 30. Growth. Not too mention that during the - put on weight phase - I ate half a package of family sized double stuffed oreos in one sitting without guilt or concern. Talk about good.

Do I want the cancer? Of course not. Do I pray for it to go away? Absolutely! But there has been good and growth. I think I have improved but that is too deep for this simple soul. Did I mention the lobster roll at Woodhouse Fish Market, the vanilla sprinkle donut at Johnny’s Donuts, the carnitas taco at the Taco Bar? For those of a certain age - that expression of - I will bet you dollars to donuts is long gone! Overnights when I needed them for my treatment at our kids house and seeing our grandson. My blog this past year is really a look at his first year. Such a blessing. Our vacation to France that we may or may not have taken but for my - Best if used by date. I have been able to share my story of Faith, Family, Friends, Fun and Cancer on two podcasts. I have the audacity to think I have something to say. In short - Hard is good. That’s where the juice is.

Be Kind, Be Humble, Stay Strong and God Bless!