It's hard to imagine that so many people would want to hike in the desert. The picture above is a far west Texas desert in the Spring. Poppies sometimes bloom and other desert plants are in bloom. Fascinating to some and desolate to others, the desert is a calming place to spend some time.

There is something about writing late at night that is refreshing and therapeutic. Maybe the quiet of the night calms the mind and frees the thoughts. A few hours ago, I had dinner with a friend that taught with me for several years. We talked about a lot of things, including her two children, both of whom were in my class. They were two shining stars. They were outgoing, pleasant, and respectful. They were very intelligent and daily manifested their creative skills and their ability to learn. A teacher can only imagine what the students in their classes will do with their lives, These two students grew into fine adult citizens who are preparing to lead and serve their country. I'm glad I got to play a small part in their lives. Since I retired, I often meet former students whom I've taught who are now making their own ways in this community and in this country. They give me a hug and say "Thanks." Teaching isn't about making lots of money.....rather it's about helping people succeed. And the "thanks" says everything! It helps to make all the years worthwhile! On a final note for tonight, I'm still not much into this blogging...I'm my own worst critic. I just hope that as I continue doing this, I can take a better look at myself and get some insight into what makes me tick........Goodnight, all!

As those who know me may remember, I was diagnosed with bladder cancer (Level 4) on April 28, 2006. I learned quickly what other cancer patients already knew - being told that you have cancer in any form can be traumatic. I had often wondered how I would react if I ever found out I had cancer in my body. I imagined myself going into uncontrollable crying and unrelenting hopelessness. So it was an experience in itself just learning how I would react. Luckily, a friend had gone with me to the examination by the doctor. But the doctor talked to me alone about it. After the initial disbelief and feeling my face flush and perspire, I asked him what I should do next. He said, "You have a large malignant tumor in your bladder and it must come out. I said, "When?" And he replied, "Like tomorrow." The nurse, a kind efficient lady named Irma, got on the phone immediately to make emergency arrangements for surgery the next day. The rest of that day was really a blur to me.....my friend took me to the hospital from the doctor's office and helped me process with the preop tests. The next day, another friend took me to the hospital and by 10:00 I was in surgery to remove the large tumor. The doctor was greatly relieved because he didn't have to remove the bladder. The tumor, after all, was in an advanced stage. The surgery was a success and so was the second surgery a month and a half later. Then came six weeks of bladder treatment to hopefully discourage other cancerous tumors from developing. It was the most challenging and harrowing experience of my life. It was life-changing for me. My El Paso friends were witnesses and my family was praying. In various ways, they were all there for me. But the life-changing part was far deeper than that. I was reminded that God was there too.......every minute, every hour. He was in control of the surgery and of the surgeon. And He performed a miracle! He is still taking care of me! Today (September 6) I had another cancer follow-up exam - as the doctor gave me a "thumbs up" he said, "You're o.k.!" And I said, "Thank you God!" I was reminded once again, that my angels are always with me and I'm never really alone. It took me a lot of years to learn this! I pray that I will never, never forget!
Posted by Retired Teach at 10:05 PM
Wednesday, September 5, 2007