Fortunately for me, my clients are much more than occasional or one-time visitors to my office. All are dear to me, and many have become like extended family. It is to these that I direct the following message:

Because of the prevalence of cancer in my family's medical history, I wasn't particularly surprised when, recently, I received a diagnosis of stage-three colon cancer. In May, the tumor and sixteen lymph nodes were removed from my abdomen. Though cancer was present in only one of the nodes, and post-operative scans showed no spread of cancer to my internal organs, I have been advised by my physicians to pursue a six-month regimen of chemotherapy, which I now begin. I am happy to say that my prognosis is good. Modern medicine has come a very long way since my grandmother lost her battle with colon cancer, while still in her fifties.

God gives us no assurances of perpetual health in this world, but I have a consistent faith in His divine plan for our lives. As well, I know that His plan includes life classrooms, which are intended to guide each of us in our spiritual growth. The bible says that the rain falls on the just and unjust alike. Both good and bad people face disease, and over our health, we have only limited control. What we can control fully is whether to allow personal suffering to use us or to use it to help others. For my part, I plan to continue seeing clients, as I always have, and I hope that whenever I do die, I will be at my desk trying to help someone. I have often joked that for the person who happens to be sitting across from me when my time comes, I have a door prize in the top drawer.

I have always believed that, upon learning one has an illness, he can prepare to suffer or he can prepare to heal. Those of you who know me may rightly expect that I am preparing to heal, even if it is suffering that awaits me. Whatever my future, God is good! I hope you will remember in your prayers not only me but the countless others who must confront cancer and other illnesses daily. Please know that I love each of you dearly and could never express in words how much you have meant to me, over these many years.

Love & Light,
Bobby

Isaiah 58:8