The News Today

The news today....... I woke this morning to a report on the news about a significant increase in the incidence of melanoma among young women, women who go to tanning salons and lie too long in the summer sun.

The news today.....at work I got the phone call from my friend, Jim, that his great friend, Barry, had just died this morning from melanoma. Barry had a recurrence of symptoms this May, we all thought that he had more time, and this news was shocking, abrupt, and very sad. Barry wrote a blog during these last weeks of his illness. It was filled with memories of his childhood and his family, his coworkers and his friends, and reading it made you smile. Not once did Barry voice complaints or regrets, just delight in everything he had experienced so far. Take some time, read it, and reflect on your own blessings at http://barryw.blogspot.com/.

The news today......after work I was sitting in a waiting room and the television showed reports of an earthquake, 5.4 magnitude, near Los Angeles. "Shook up" seemed to describe the emotions of the day.

The news today.....going to sleep and Primetime had a special on Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon professor, husband and father who recently died from pancreatic cancer and became known for "The Last Lecture". (You can view the lecture at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo). Randy's lecture was about love and joy and living life fully every day.

The news today.....in summary, the best tribute to these two men, the best way to honor their memory, is to follow their examples and enjoy every moment of our lives.

Sunday, Crazy Sunday

• Big crowd at Sam's this morning. Mike came in with his Dad sporting some great sunglasses.
• Gladys remarked to Dr. Mike that he was smiling, so she assumed his new relationship was going well. Jack, Gladys' husband, said he always smiled on Saturday night. When Bill asked whether he smiled because of sex or a hot shower, Jack said "Either" , then admitted he couldn't remember! Jack and Gladys still blush when you mention rocking chairs.....
• Prayers go out to Glenn for his good health.
• There was discussion about friends (not present) who are naturalists (the in name for nudists). While most of us prefer that our friends are not clothing optional, the thought of Don and Bill in Speedos seemed even worse.
• Harold told how one guy tried to pull a scam after a minor car accident when he was a paramedic. The guy told Harold his neck was injured and that he could not move his head at all. When Harold asked how much he could move his head yesterday, the guy said "Like this" and demonstrated full range of motion.
• Honestly, there was much more that I can't remember! Feel free to comment with any of your favorite stories from Sam's.
• Sea Hut reopened this weekend. Prayers to the Yim family as they run their business despite their recent loss. Mr. Jim is surely missed by everyone.
• New blog readers in Malaysia, Korea, Australia, Switzerland, Sweden, France, Spain, England, Iraq, and across the USA. It still surprises me how many folks accidentally stumble upon our little blog. (And it doesn't surprise me when they never return!)
• Have a good week and stay well.