True Colors

Sometimes, sabbaticals teach us how to put life into perspective and what is truly important. If the last two years of my life had failed to do that (which it did not), then the last 24 hours would have. For those reading this blog, call and email your family today - tell them you love them.

Yesterday, my big (and only) brother had to be rushed to the ICU to have a craniotomy in order to relieve fluid that has built up in his head and caused disorientation and confustion. Over two years ago, Doug was diagnosed with brain cancer and even though there is no tumor re-growth, the space in his brain where the tumor was plays havoc with fluids, which most of us never have to deal with....

Doug has been through so much and is fighting like a true gladiator. He's in the hospital now (but thanks to the air traffic controller's strike in France, I could not be there for the surgery) and recovering with his wife and twin sister....

When I saw this rose today, I thought of Doug. It represents beauty, strength, peace and life - all at the same time. Doug is all of those things.

Some lyrics from a song about "colors" (True Colors, by C. Lauper) came to mind, and also reminded me of Doug when I saw the rose, so I wanted to share the lyrics with whomever may be reading this blog....

You with the sad eyes

Don't be discouraged

Though I realize

It's hard to take courage

In a world full of people

You can lose sight of it all

When the darkness inside you makes you feel so small

But, I see your true colors shining through...

And that's why I love you.

Show me a smile

Don't be unhappy

If this world makes you crazy

And you've taken all you can, then

You call me - and you know I will be there....

Doug - you are loved. You are a rose. You will recover. Show your true colors and continue to fight like hell. People around the world are sending positive energy to you from every direction.

Cancer sucks. It will not win. You will win, my brother. You will win.