The Wonder Of It All – It was almost 80 degrees here in NY today, a rare summer-like day at the end of October. Anyone who spent any time at all outdoors would comment on what a spectacular day it was. And so, with as full a tank of energy as I expect to have prior to my next treatment, I set out for a day of image-making with a life-long friend and photo compatriot. Our aim was to capture the autumn colors at their peak in Central Park.

So, imagine being in one of the most densely populated places on the planet on a day when everyone made it their business to be out and about. A rare sunny Saturday with children pre-gaming their Halloween costumes parading on the mall. A day when every dog in the city has dragged their human out for a walk in the park. A weekend day in the least urban part of the most urban landscape, it just seemed as if the whole city was chillin’. And yet, there was a palpable energy in the air that might be described as the rhythm of life. Everywhere I looked. people were all living in the moment. It was exhilarating to be in the midst of it, spontaneous joy.

Seek joy in the now.

Peace Through Adversity – The upheaval that I’ve endured over the past four months has taught me a lot about patience, about knowing the limits of what I can control and understanding how to react to the things that I cannot. There is peace in surrendering to the universe that which the universe commands.

In this image, my eye is on reaching the calm that lies beyond the rocks. But getting there requires careful navigation over rough terrain. In these situations I’ve learned not to forsake a helping hand. I’m so thankful for all those involved in my care and support, they are in fact the helping hand of God leading me to the calm waters of recovery. With each step, I am finding it is me and not the stones that becomes bolder.

For all those scaling the rocks, hold fast to those guiding you. You are not alone.

Lighting the Trail – The week continues to be a good one. I feel more energy, more sense of taste returning with each passing day.

As October winds down, so too does the American Cancer Society’s October Photo-a-Day challenge. Posting a photo a day was never the issue for me. The challenge presented itself when I chose to marry those images to a narrative about my current battle with the disease. Why would I want to share my diagnosis at all, much less on a platform like FB? Why would I want to dwell on this condition every day for 31 consecutive days?

Being a cancer newbie and knowing that too many others are being initiated into the fraternity each day, I think I thought that lighting the trail a bit might make it easier for those behind me. To be honest, I did not know where it would lead, or what the reaction might be. In fact, on many days, the words were not easily forthcoming. It was not until I stopped trying to force a thought and started listening (to my inner voice, to God…) and let myself become the delivery vehicle for the thought that the messages began to write themselves.

I will forever associate this exercise with my own healing. Verbalizing my hope and trust and faith has helped galvanize my spirit. Thank you for enduring this with me, I’m looking forward to moving beyond all this talk of cancer, and returning to the task of looking for the life and love and beauty in the world that is all around us.

The love and prayers and support you’ve all offered has been soul-strengthening, and I am eternally grateful for ALL of it. The messages of encouragement for these posts gives me hope that they may act as a beacon to help other travelers to look up from their lives and recognize they are not alone, and that peace is within their reach, no matter the prognosis.

Peace Through Adversity – The upheaval that I’ve endured over the past four months has taught me a lot about patience, about knowing the limits of what I can control and understanding how to react to the things that I cannot. There is peace in surrendering to the universe that which the universe commands.

In this image, my eye is on reaching the calm that lies beyond the rocks. But getting there requires careful navigation over rough terrain. In these situations I’ve learned not to forsake a helping hand. I’m so thankful for all those involved in my care and support, they are in fact the helping hand of God leading me to the calm waters of recovery. With each step, I am finding it is me and not the stones that becomes bolder.

For all those scaling the rocks, hold fast to those guiding you. You are not alone.

My Foundation – There is one piece of my battle plan that underpins all the others. I would not have the strength of spirit, the willingness of body or the courage of heart to face this challenge head-on without my partner, my wife and my love, Bonnie. She has been an angel at my side, and I cannot begin to tell you all that she means to me.

It is clear to me that love is essential to the healing process. The burdens brought on by this challenge are eased with an embrace. Whatever fear or sorrow or hurt may be looking to perch on our shoulders is vanquished when enveloped by love.
I realize it has been a difficult journey for her as well. I am amazed at all that she does to help me keep my focus on healing. I do not stand in her shoes, nor she in mine but the love we share unites us in this fight.

It is indeed a blessing to have someone so close. To feel God’s love through her presence provides me with the strength to understand that I am not alone, I am never alone. And I am ever thankful for that love.

A Day Well-Lived – A late-in-the-day post, but for good reason. Today was a day well-lived. Our initial goal was to get a jump on the sun. It has been too long since I’ve encountered this one of life’s daily miracles up close, and it never fails to disappoint. Most often I’m flying solo when it comes to shooting a sunrise, so it is something very special when I’m able to witness it next to the one person who has been my very foundation. Bonnie and I spent the day touring around the north shore of eastern Long Island on what has been a long overdue beautiful, crisp fall day. Sunrise, early morning clouds, a hidden autumnal gem and sunset over the Sound. Not to mention a wonderful lunch with a friend and spiritual counselor.

This is the off-week for treatment, and we’ve opted to make the most of these days. For me that includes packing my camera and keeping my eyes on the world we are speeding through. There is so much to see, to experience, to share. Today was a day to look outward, to revel in all of the beauty that surrounds us, to soak in all of the life energy that pulses through nature and through us, nurturing us with hope and strength. Cancer lost today.

Do the things you can do to bring light into your world.