We always think we will have more time.

We always think we will have more time.  Time to do what we have always wanted, say what we always intended and be what we always imagined.  Then we don’t. 

Last week while working on this article I found a message I had received from our dear friend Bill Ferrence while he was battling bladder cancer.  In typical Ferrence fashion Bill could find something to laugh about even in cancer.   Some would say that Bill lost his fight but I prefer to believe that he was needed elsewhere.  After tearfully rereading his message several times I thought I should reach out to his wife Cheryl as we had not spoken in several months. 

Then I got busy doing the urgent and forgot the important.  On July 11^th Bill and Cheryl were reunited.  We miss them both but know they are always happier together.  I have included Bills’ message below hoping that his spirit of “Being Here Now” will remind us to never take the moments we are given for granted. 

Over 200 cards and letters…. the same number of visitors at the office, in the hospital and at home.   It humbles (yes, even me) one to have SO Many people that really do care!  Wow!   As to my condition…. With the help of 3mg of XANAX with EVERY possible medical procedure,  I made it through a tumor removal, 12 week CHEMO series and now bladder removal….. AND I FEEL GREAT!  I guess I should since it’s already been 17 days since surgery!  Can’t goldbrick forever!  I’ve spent about 8 or 9 hours in the office this past week so I’m almost back to normal.  (;

Just so you’ll have an example of Cheryl’s and my sick sense of humor… I’ll relate 2 quick stories. 

# 1  We bought a house that we decided to turn into the “FERRENCE FIFTIES FUN HOUSE…Pool table in the living room, Juke Box in the dining room,  Ms. Pac-man table model with 43 individual games, of course a NOTRE DAME ROOM, a “beach cottage” out back and the back yard a putting green and of course a hot tub.  Well, about a week after we closed on the house, We found about the Cancer.   One evening as we drove back to B.C. from our grandkids house, I asked I with my usual dry wit…” If I die, do you really think you want a pool table in your Living room?”   She pondered for a few seconds and answered….” It might be a GREAT way to pick-up guys!”.   NOW THAT’S FUNNY!    

#2.  As they wheeled me into the Operating room I gave my surgeon a note….” Since you’re going to remove my bladder could you also remove an extra 20 pounds of “blubber”?     Enjoy Life…. I know I do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!   BILL