Why am I writing this blog?

Euclid (Cleveland), Ohio, United States
Here I share the amazing spiritual journey I began on July 19, 2007. I received the diagnosis of a golf-ball-sized tumor on top of the left parietal lobe (motor functions) of my brain. I had severe symptoms all up and down the right side of my body and had received an MRI scan of my brain. In August 2007, I learned that my diagnosis was a Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM). This is a common form of fast-growing brain cancer with a challenging prognosis. That's the external story about that moment in time. In the spiritual world I found (actually more like it found me) what I came to call the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path, and I began an amazing journey. After October of 2008, I lost the use of my right arm, and in early 2009, my cognitive abilities were struggling, and treatment options ended. My wife, Susanne, then began doing most of the blog postings, with my review and input whenever possible. I continued to apply the Fact-Based Spirit-Guided Path as the adventure continued. My soul then flew to the Kingdom of God on July 1, 2009. Thanks for your interest in my journey. Craig

Susanne's Perspective

During this entire journey, my wife, Susanne, had an entirely different kind of experience. Initially she added comments to some of my posts describing her experience of the moments I discussed and offerred perspectives on our relationship. In the latter stage of this journey, she is writing the blog, as I am no longer able to do so. I am truly delighted that she is doing so. Susanne and I work together as marriage educators/relationship coaches and she has written many books on preparing for and strengthening marriages so you can count on her comments to be insightful and poignant.

Monday, October 1, 2007

September 30

We had a relaxed day. We actually slept in fairly late and Susanne made a delightful healthy pancake breakfast (with nuts and fruit in the batter). I made a few phone calls and have the schedule of drivers for transporting me to the daily radiation treatments nearly full…Susanne was surprised and pleased at how easy it was to find people available and willing. I also went outside for a nice chat with my 2 neighbors, Frank and Howie. Howie will be one of the drivers.

In the afternoon, we took a field trip to Patterson’s Fruit Farm and got apples and low-sugar preserves. Susanne and Janet Lyon will be making applesauce (low-sugar variety) on Tuesday. There are many trails at this farm so we walked a fair distance with some significant hills. At the bottom near a pond we laid on the grass and soaked up the sunshine. I had my cane but did not wear the shoe with the brace. I did just fine, which was very confirming. We splurged, dietarily speaking, and had hot, freshly popped kettle corn and iced cider…a combination we have agreed will be an annual event.

I had the final IV infusion (yeah!!!) and I am now coordinating the removal of the PICC line from the vein in my arm and chest.

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1 comment:

Britt Elizabeth Verstegen said...

God bless you both, Craig and Susanne! You are an inspiration to many, including me. Bahá'u'lláh has blessed you abundantly! I am in awe of true Bahá'í marriages, and I know that is exactly what the two of you share. No matter what the challenges, your two souls have become one and will remain so through all eternity. Such a supreme gift! It is a precious and rare gift, indeed. Hugs from Chicago!

October 1, 2007 at 8:37 PM

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