Some weeks ago I mentioned my friend Steve who is in the middle of a pretty remarkable dance with advanced pancreatic cancer.  The cancer has spread and metastized, but his vital signs are essentially great.  He says that aside from having cancer his health is very good.  A little side door humor, but the fact is he just keeps on going.  To look at him you would not really know.  His worst symptom so far has been fatigue.

He is a strong guy, which is probably part of the root of his already beating the odds for survival of this awful cancer well beyond the usual prognosis.  I think that his attitude has probably been his own best friend.  He remains philosophical and upbeat.  He feels secure knowing that his wife and daughters are provided for and leading active lives.  His chief doctor says that he may actually be able to return to some of his beloved finish carpentry when the new chemo kicks in.  Steve would love this.

This past Sunday there was a big party for him.  He had no idea how many people would be coming, and he never dreamt that so many people cared so much about him.  He actually looked great.  He clearly enjoyed himself, and I think it was good for his wife, too, to experience all the love and support.

The main organizer of the party said that he told Steve that he talked to everyone about the party ahead of time, and “both people said they would come”.  This brought a good laugh.

This week is the final round of an extremely potent chemo treatment.  My girl friend and I both said we hope he is one of the miracles, even though the cancer has spread widely.  He stopped by to visit  today at a job site.  Years ago Steve did some beautiful work at this home.  The owners were happy to see him, too.

In the next several weeks some other sawdust makers and I plan to descend on Steve’s house to do a little work that he has not been able to do, as I mentioned in the previous blog.  And some of us are making a point to simply include Steve in more activities.  He always was more one for work than play, although he always enjoyed “chit-chatting” with friends and customers, as he would say.

So, I would like to humbly and gratefully ask for your good thoughts and good wishes for Steve and his family.  Who knows- maybe he will be one of the living miracles.  That would be a nice thing.