I am a professional writer with over a dozen books to my credit, including a trilogy of titles dealing with faith and business: The Entrepreneur’s Creed, Executive Influence and Giving Back.
My most enjoyable project to date has been an eight-volume juvenile fiction series called Matterhorn the Brave. It’s based on variegated yarns I used to spin for my four children. They are now grown and my two grandchildren will soon be old enough for stories of their own.
I live in Colorado Springs, Colorado with my bride of 35 years, Susan.
In July of 2008 I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer—Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma of the Diffuse Large B-Cell kind. I started this blog to chronicle my journey toward the valley of the shadow of death. I wanted to de-mystify the disease by sharing what I was learning and experiencing.
After several rounds of chemo I was tumor free for the first few months of 2009, but the cancer has returned so the adventure continues.
As you read this blog, remember that I’m a professional. Don’t try this level of introspective writing at home. You might suffer a dangling participle or accidentally split an infinitive and the grammarians will be all over you like shoe salesmen on a centipede.
11 Comments
July 15, 2008 at 7:36 am
Well Mike you have made it less of a hurdle for me to check out a blog for the first time ever. Thanks for posting such stuff. I always have enjoyed your crisp, clear, communicative style. I know the day’s ahead will be a mix, and this is your solo, but we will be trekking along w/ open hears to join you in the groaning, sighing, and we trust — rejoicing! I had just prayed the substance of Matthew 4:4 for my kids this morning and was quite heartened to receive your elaboration on that. I guess it always has been a hazard to confuse the echo, and mirage. Thanks again my brother for every expression and utterance. You have always been one of my favorite stars. Jon Marks
July 15, 2008 at 2:39 am
I’m so glad you are doing this. We want to be part of your journey. As you know, we have journeyed with others in this territory. The advances during the years we’ve traveled there are phenomenal, just as you noted. Of Jon’s four sisters who battled cancer, his sister Carol is the one who faced non-hodgkins lymphoma — her first treatments were ten years ago now! She will soon be 68.
Your words have provoked us to deeper thinking. And, we love your humor. We will follow along. Keep writing.
July 12, 2008 at 9:00 pm
Hi. My sister had Non-Hodgkin lymphoma at age 18 and had chemo & radiation – this was in ‘73 and since then I’ve known quite a few who had this and after treatment are fine now. Sadly, she died after 9 months of it. Thankfully now there is more knowledge of how to treat this. God bless. Jill
July 12, 2008 at 6:46 am
You are on our prayer list; love you brother!
July 12, 2008 at 3:54 am
why is there no picture or comment about me? As you understand my people started this entire thing and are in control of your destiny.
Love Aaron