BLESSED WITH AN EXTENSION OF LIFE

"I've been blessed with an extension, no telling how long, complete with a good quality of life. Whatever is happening inside me seems to have slowed to a point where I can think of celebrating the birth of a grandchild in March and even, more hopefully, the graduation of my youngest in June."

"Regardless of what happens though, I want you both to know how wonderful your gift to us last December was. It came at what has been our lowest point."

"Again my deepest thanks."

These words were part of a thank-you letter from one co-worker and friend to another.

I would like to take you back a few months to what transpired and how the generosity and caring of one human being for another made a difference in their life.

Marie and Mike were busy making plans to go on a two week vacation in Florida. They were booked into a villa in a five star time share resort.

Mike was visibly upset when he came home from work one evening and needed to talk to his wife.

Allen was in his office that afternoon and told him that he just returned from the Doctor. His test results were in and he only had a few months to live.

Allen and his wife worked very hard to provide a good home and education for their children and they rarely if ever had the money to go on a vacation. Now it was too late. Allen said that he only had months to live.

Mike asked Marie if she would consider not going to Florida and to give their time-share to Allen and his wife. Without hesitation, Marie agreed to this request.

Allen and his wife were ecstatic over this gift. Since the gift was for two weeks, they wanted to share this time with their children. And so plans were made. They would go to Florida for the first week by themselves and their family would join them the second week.

Mike told Marie of the plans and she decided to call their exchange company and see if they could get an upgrade to a three bedroom unit from the two bedroom unit that was reserved. Their exchange group was most co-operative after hearing the reason for this request and went out of their way to provide a three bedroom villa for Allen, his wife and family.

When word of this buzzed around the office building, others wanted to be a part of this gift to Allen. Sandy took up a collection and enough money was collected to cover the airfare for the family.

PRAYERS WERE SAID.........

For the first time in months, Allen was able to relax a bit. In his darkest moment, he confided in a friend and co-worker. He never expected that Mike and Marie, or for that matter, that anyone would care enough to send he and his wife away on a much needed vacation. HIS DEPRESSION started to lift.... HIS ATTITUDE changed.....

Instead of just giving up, he decided to make the most of every last moment with his family. He was going to fight for every last moment of his life.

When they returned from Florida, he felt so different.

He saw his Doctor and after more tests, surprising good news. He was in remission.

Allen saw the birth of his grandchild. He was there for his youngest child's graduation from high school. He had a new lease on life and lived for several more years.