To Every Thing, There is a Season... - 2009-01-11 10:33:58 Ecclesiastes has it pretty much right: To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to reap; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance...
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2009, I will be going into the hospital for surgery. I don't care to get into the details of it but you can search "colon resection" to get an idea of the plan. It's not pleasant to think about but there it is. I know most of you are far too young to think about this but, as you get a little older, be sure to get your annual exams from your doctors and keep healthy habits - no smoking, drinking to excess, etc. A routine exam was how my problem was discovered. If you're over 50, think "colonoscopy." Enough said about that!
I have great doctors and a wonderful family of friends, especially including my wife Linda, to see me through. I have to get better, of course, so that I can finish my next novel, tentatively titled "The Dinosaur Hunter" which takes place in Montana, one of my favorite places in the world. I also want to see published "Be the Change," Anousheh Ansari's memoir I co-authored with her (www.anoushehansari.com). Then there's the Broadway show based on Rocket Boys I look forward to seeing on stage (www.rocketboysthemusical.com). I also want to keep up with everyone who still writes to tell me they've enjoyed the Coalwood trilogy, the "Josh Thurlow" series, and even good ol' Back to the Moon, not to mention the latest, Red Helmet.
So, to quote myself when asked if I'm sorry I never got to go into space: "I'm not dead yet!" Linda and I are scheduled to go to our home in St. John on Feb. 17, joined by some great and wonderful friends. It's a goal worth going after.
I'll write more after the procedure. In the meantime, thanks to all my friends and fans for your support of my work over the years. It's been a ball! And please never forget: Aim High (but don't blow yourself up)!
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