One Year Down

June 8, 2011 - So here it is, June. For me, it's the time of year for graduations, Father's Day, summer cookouts, yard work, and my birthday (40 this year if you are keeping track). This year, it also means that I'm one year removed from my lung cancer diagnosis on June 8, 2010. My big goal at the time was to make it to Miranda's graduation from Clintonville Academy. That milestone has come and gone. I guess I need to figure out another goal now.

It's been an absolutely amazing year. I've experienced kindness and generosity from people on a scale that I've never known. It hasn't mattered if it'sbeen a family member, co-worker, casual acquaintance, one of my very best friends, or a complete stranger. My support system has enabled me to cram a lot of life into a scant three hundred sixty-five days and for that, I thank each and every one of you. I'm very grateful to have been able to take my family on the Bukkit Tour down the east coast, our Chicago trip, my motorcycle trip in October, and my trip to New York City in December. I also had the opportunity to get on stage and sing for my favorite band ever, All.

There have been three amazing benefits held for my family. One at Clintonville Academy organized by Carol Cavanagh and Miriam Naples. One at By Golly's Tavern in Milford, OH organized by my sister Sarah O'Donnell and her husband Mike. And one at the Ravari Room organized by Kristi and Kevin Hittepole. I don't know where to begin to thank all of the people who donated their time, goods, and services for these events but thank you all very much. Please know that your generosity means the world to both me and my family.

There have been some down times too, but overall it hasn't been too bad of a year for having received a such a horrible diagnosis. There's been the hospital stay over Christmas, the utter fatigue of therapy, and the endless stream of needles. The chemotherapy hasn't been fun; however, it hasn't been at all what I expected going into it and all things considered I've tolerated it very well.

If there's one thing that I've learned over the last year, it's not to let your expectations get the best of you. Things are always going to be worse or better than you planned on them being so just get on with it and roll with the punches. Things are going to work out the way they are supposed to.