Livin', Laughin'. Lovin', gotta lot to be thankful for.

I finally have a chance to write my blog. Thanks to my 3 year old daughters hacking skills, I was locked out of my account for the past 2 weeks. I finally retrieved my password and am finally able to re-write this. I finished my Radiation and Chemo Therapy on the 22nd of OCT. and have so far been doing really well. I also got a copy of my Orders to Ft. Sam Houston finally and my report date is going to bein Dec, and my household goods were packed and shipped out for us on OCT 29th so a lot has happened in a very short period of time. For those of you wondering what this means, I am still going to remain a SGT and Animal Care Specialist in the U.S. Army. However, I will no longer be a part of the Army Veterinary Command/Public Health Command and am being re-assigned to the Warrior Transition Unit (the Wounded Warrior Program) in San Antonio, TX. That is all the information I can divulge, but I am very fortunate and blessed to have the opportunity to be a part of this unit and to receive care and treatment here.
So far my recovery from the diagnosis of my class 4 Glioblastoma has been amazing and I have so many people to be thankful for. First off I truly believe God has played the biggest role of all in saving my life and bringing about all of the people who have showed so much love and support for me and my family. There are those who I have encountered who have asked me how I can remain so positive in the face of all I have endured and have such faith and devotion, especially when I reveal that I have not always had the strongest of faith or been the most godly or religious of individuals throughout my life. Growing up I did not have the strongest or most nourishing church environment and was often in a dark place spiritually as I tried to make sense of my world and the series of unfortunate events my family experienced. By the time I got to Middle School I had been introduced to a very spiritual family in my neighborhood, the Manuekians, who had helped open my eyes and heart to the possibility of something more spiritual in my life. While I did not immediately find my way socially or spiritually, I did receive a sense of direction that has been working in my life and helping to guide me throughout the years.
One of the things I still am saddened by is when I receive messages or inquiries from people where they display anger, blame, or disbelief in God, especially at my situation. I don't understand how anyone could blame God, or whatever higher power that may influence their life. I mean, the way I interpret things, we were all given free will to live our lives, and while God does have a plan for everyone, what happens in the world is a result of what we as humans do with our time here, our choices and decisions shape our path, and some events occur that are in fact beyond our control. This does not mean that God is making bad things happen to good people and rewarding bad people in their place. It simply means that in the course of human events when bad things do happen to good people, God is there to care for them and provide strength for they and their families when they need it most. I see God in the same light I saw my parents growing up, but in the ultimate capacity. They watched out for me and tried to provide guidance as best they could to protect me, but were unable to protect me from every single contingency. When hurt they nurtured me and bandaged me up until I was old enough to take care of myself, and even then they never stopped worrying and caring for me. While my beliefs may fall somewhere between the Bible and Science, my faith has no doubt that there is a God and that he is watching out for us for better or for worse. If my cancer remains in remission and never returns or if it comes back within a year, he will be there to help me and my family through it and gives us the strength and wisdom accept his plan for us. While my goal with this observation is not to change the minds or hearts of others, it is just to express my opinions and possibly give others an alternate point of view.
There are too many people who have been involved in my recovery and who have touched my life in some way, shape or form for me to thank individually or to do everyone the justice they deserve, but I have been so blessed and whole heartedly wish to thank each and everyone who has wished us well and and been so caring and supportive during this trying time for both myself and my family.
Second to God, I would like to thank my beautiful Wife Susanna for caring for me, standing by me and supporting me during my diagnosis, surgery and initial treatment as well as taking care of our children during times when I was unable to help out due to my condition. The medical staff at the Rapid Regional Hospital who took care of me from diagnosis until my discharge was also wonderful and deserve the highest recognition for their compassion and dedication.
And those who have been responsible for my care from Dr. Salgeskog, the surgeon who removed and identified my tumor, to Dr. Schwartz, the Oncologist who has been providing weekly care and updates for me, and the rest of the Cancer Care Institute staff who cared and supported my treatment.
While was in the hospital still recovering I was also visited by several my co-workers and support elements from Ellsworth AFB, including my Commander, CPT Hegge, the K-9 Handlers from the 28th SFS, The 1st Shirt and Commander from 28th FSS, MSG Platt and LTC Rucker. I also received some spiritual encouragement from LTC Bell and Ms. Hedin. I was unable to use my phone or type very much during this time, but Susanna did check my calls and pass on several messages for me from my family, friends and lots of people from my unit.
We kept my illness quiet at first until we knew what was going on with me, and once I was discharged from the hospital Susanna sent out a mass e-mail letting everyone know what was going on with me and how I was doing after the fact. Once I had found out what my prognosis was, my first conscious request was that "I want to take my girls to Disneyland." So with the help of Susanna, SSG Buyck, my Mother and my sister Roshell, my cousin Stephanie and countless others, a mass message was circulated letting everyone know what my wish was and the response we got was nothing short of inspirational. People I had barely known responded, people I had not heard from in years responded, and people I did not even know responded in addition to those who were already close to me, donating to my families trip to Disneyland before I would begin my Chemo and Radiation treatment. We received letters of encouragement and support from all over. While I was not able to respond to many of them, I did sit with my children and read each and every one with them.
Another group of people who have been of extreme inspiration and assistance were the Key Spouse network here at Ellsworth headed up by Ms. Shayna Sidle who organized and scheduled for people to aid us with child-care, meals and other assistance, despite her times of illness and heavy school and family obligations, she is truly a blessing. For all of those who assisted us in our time of need, thank you.
I have also received a lot of encouragement from Chaplain Parrish, Chaplain Tisher, Chaplain Bell and Rev. Oliver as well as support from my friends and fellow worshippers at the Protestant and IGS services on base.
Through all of my experiences I have been feeling a bit of a calling and may actually be looking into working more with the religious services or possibly re-classing as a Chaplains Assistant once I get to Ft. Sam and get situated.
For now I am just focused on how fortunate and blessed that I have been able to touch the lives of so many people and likewise to have been affected by so many people in turn. I apologize that this blog is soo long and has an unusual flow to it, but I have been attempting to write it for some time and have been experiencing several setbacks in the process, namely Destiny, lol. I tried to be as fair as possible and acknowledge as many people as possible. If I missed anyone left anyone feeling overlooked, please forgive me. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to hearing your feedback on this.