Not your normal disturbance in the force

[Dell]

Hello all,

Today was a very interesting day for Joan and me. Some of the HDDC riders know that my cancer recently took a turn for the worse. While in the hospital this week a CTScan showed my liver had increased in size and there are new tumors that are not operable.

Needless to say Joan and I were very upset. Usually there is always optimism but for a little while there was only dispair.

Today is my first day home from hospital and it was an interesting day, to say the least. At 10am the doorbell rang and on my porch stood 4 Tibetan Monks and their interpreter. They are in Sacramento to perform the Buddha of Compassion Empowerment on Saturday night and other events relative to their beliefs. Through a friend of a friend the monks heard Joan's and my story and came to bless our house and me.

Me and the Tibetan Monks

http://www.dellfields.com/Tibeten-Monks2.jpg

Joan, Me, and the Monks

http://www.dellfields.com/Tibeten-Monks-1.jpg


Even though I am not Buddhist I was moved by the ceremony. They chanted/prayed for over 90 minutes. It was an awesome experience. The scarf we are wearing is called a khata and is part of blessing ceremony. Each was blessed by the highest level monk in attendence (Geshe). Joan explains it is a high honor to have been given it and I accept it as such.

Shortly after the Monks went on their way the door rang again and it was Roger Moore (no picture needed).

Roger brought some "cheer-me-up" gifts and even brought my two shelties presents. I must admit that I almost ate one dog treat thinking it was a SlimJim. No luck, it turned out to be a dog sausage. Speedy may still have a fight on his hands for that one.

I am so touched by the "acts of loving kindness" I have received recently. It doesn't matter if we are HDDC, EXR, NorCal, or whatever, Joan and I have received great strength from the fact that in November 2002 we bought an LT and met so many nice and caring people

The Monks, Roger, and some of the POSSE members have helped me to know Joan and I are not alone in this new phase of my battle.

[Randy]

Thanks for relating the experience. For you, it is clear that opportunity comes from adversity. It is a shame you have to face so many challenges, but very inspiring to see you rise to them.

[jers99lt]

Dell,

I just happened upon this forum message and want you to know that my thoughts are with you and your loved ones as you travel this uncharted road. May peace and comfort be yours as you go forward.
That's a really cool happening with the Monks.

All the best,
Jer

[amarider]

Hey Dell,

Great to see that you are home and with a smile.
Hope your up to coming on down to A&S on Saturday, if so I'll see ya there. ( Having Tires put on at 10:30)
IF ya need anything just call.

John

[gr8fulfred]

Dell: If there's anything you need just let me know and I'll round up some RCBers and we'll get it done for you. Nothing but good thoughts coming your way from us.

[DavidTaylor]

Thank you for sharing that with us, I was very moved by it. That is a very special experience and one I'm sure you cherish. You are in our thoughts.

[LodiHal]

Dell & Joan,
Through out life we all meet many people. Some interesting, some worthless, but if we are aware enough, some very influential and beneficial to us in many various ways.

I have been blessed with knowing some fine folks in my lifetime that have influenced me a great deal. Many offered wisdom, knowledge, and life changing advice. To those folks I am eternally grateful, and I have told them so and thanked them.

But Dell, you have offered me so much more than friendship. Beyond your wit, intelligence, charm, and vast life experiences, you have provided to me the understanding of one's internal self. And ultimately it is only one's self that guides us through out life. Your inner strength to accept incredible challenges, and to succeed, is simply inspiring. The greater the challenge, the greater your response and resolve. You are my hero.

And I thank you, my friend, for your life lessons to me. You are forever in my thoughts and prayers.

Hal

[dougholck]

Great photo, you must get that one framed.

Your ability to fight on is inspiring.
Your sense of humor is a joy to behold.
Your musical abilities are amazing.
Your compassion for others struggling with adversity is admirable.
But-
MONKS in your livingroom, PRICELESS!

Way to go Dell, with friends like those guys, any and everything is possible.
May all your days be as uplifting as today was.

[RaffyK]

Dell:

I still have a vivid memory (ingrained) of the picture you posted with you standing up on the pegs of the LT. It shows your triumphant return from a trip. But the underlying message is the 'no quit' attitude.

Fight on!

You have all the support you need.

http://www.dellfields.com/files/magicgallery/Victory.jpg

[Dan-A]

Thanks for relating the experience. For you, it is clear that opportunity comes from adversity. It is a shame you have to face so many challenges, but very inspiring to see you rise to them.

Dell,

Randy has expressed my sentiments as well.

[jfredriksson]

For years you have waged a physical battle against all odds against this dreaded Cancer, but miracles are born of spiritual battles. This new campaign is the one that will lift your spirits, cleanse your body and finally give you the opportunity to scream from the mountain tops, I'm free of this disease!

I firmly believe, though the prayers of others and your strong faith, that you'll not only win this new battle, but you'll win the war!

[mikerd400]

Thanks for sharing Dell. You and Joan are in my prayers. If you ever need anything, just let me know.

[paalao]

Best of luck in your recovery :)