TOUR AMERICA, 2021: SUNNY OAKS RV PARK, JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA

Thursday, August 18, 2021

Cloudy, Temperature 91 Degrees

Halfway There

I’m finally on the downside in terms of treatment. I have only eighteen more treatments to go and then it will be my turn to sound the chime. I will say, it is a really great feeling.

I’ve learned a few things about cancer during my time at the center. Cancer doesn’t care about your age, it doesn’t care about what your occupation was, it doesn’t care how much money you might or might not have, nor does it care about the color of your skin. I’ve met and become friends with men from all walks of life. I’ve met math professors, engineers, construction workers and so many more. The one thing we all have in common is that we have cancer, but even more we are all fighters. There is not a one of us who doesn’t believe that we’re going to go on to live a long and healthy life. I know that I definitely will.

Then there is the center itself. Whenever I think of the Proton Center I start thinking of the TV series Cheers. No, beer is not served after treatment. But the words of the opening song to the show keeping running through my mind:

You want to go where people know

People are all the same

You want to go where everybody knows your name.

At the Proton Center you are not just another number, you are known by name. You are greeted each morning by your name by those who are there for treatment as well as the technicians in the gantry rooms. You are part of a community where everyone knows you and stops to talk to you. You are part of a community where everyone is genuinely interested in you as a person. I cannot think of a better place to be if one has to be treated for cancer.

In terms of what else is going on,

I had the opportunity to get my third booster shot the other day. The first day, just a sore arm. The second day, I had a severe case of the chills. I spent the day wrapped up in a blanket. The third day, no problems what-so-ever. I don’t regret for a moment, though, that I got the shot. Especially here in Florida.

So that is where we are at on The Road of Retirement. We’re still staying away, as best we can, from everyone else in the sunshine state. No need taking unnecessary risks. That of course means, we’re not going to a lot of places nor visiting local restaurants. Yet, no complaints from either of us, indeed, we’re still looking at the glass half full. We have each other and life is good. We hope it is the same for you.

Thanks for taking the time to read our blog.  We always appreciate your company, your comments, and your suggestions. Remember, take time to stop and smell the roses and live each day that God gives you to the fullest.

 Our continuing mission remains: Departing from our base as often as possible to explore as many new states as possible, to seek out new acquaintances and make new friends, to boldly go where we have never been before.

See you on down the road!