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Show 404 Early in the remission, when I ran into doctors and nurses from the hospital and there were always awestruck comments as they watched me walk. No one expected me to live. And I still see Dr. Emerson professionally from time to time and as he hammers at my reflexes and pulls on my limbs, we always ask warmly about each other's children. I now own a cello and I am remembering how to play it. I have added "build an energy efficient 'green' home" to my "Things to Do Before I Die" list, in its place. We have taken our family to the Pacific Northwest of my childhood, and I added "do a mission of service in our old age" in its place. I will somehow find a way to serve others, even if it is from my bed yet again. I do believe that my being made better for those few years came attached with an obligation to tell this story, for whatever its value to the reader. This story, after all, is mostly about learning to find life in all circumstances not about avoiding it, narrowly seeking only a cure, only a miracle. Cures and miracles are good, no doubt. But I have found that there are also rich rewards and sublime lessons to be found in surprising places. An iris is a sturdy flo^er-^nd.canthrive in its royal majesty in spite of any lack of talent in portraying its beauty. Laughter can come honestly and deeply in the most desperate of moments and there is joy in its sharing. It is true that I am the same person sitting or standing. And there is much to be said for discovering the sacredness of every single life. The sacredness of every single breath. |