In past blog posts I’ve mentioned having unbelievable kindnesses bestowed upon myself and Suzanna. I’ve also spoken of new friends whom I’ve come to know only because of my illness.
Here is a story that I’ve been waiting to share for a very long time, and it’s with great joy and gratitude that I do.
Back in April (not long after discussions with the CBC to take part in the “Last Right” documentary were finalized) I received a call from Dee, a member of my palliative team who has become very dear to me and Suzanna.
It was Dee who arranged for me to speak last November with a group taking part in a training course for palliative care volunteers (I wrote about this experience on November 10th of last year).
When walking into the training room I immediately recognized a gentleman off to my left; he and I had met a few times at the luncheons I’d attended at the local hospice. It was reassuring to visit Ken’s familiar face as I tried to make eye contact with everyone in the room during the course of the group discussion.
Going back to that call in April, Dee told me that Ken had asked permission to contact me directly, there was a gift that he wished to offer to me and Suzanna. Intriguing to say the least!
I can finally tell all of you what this gift was, and it’s a tremendously thoughtful and a very generous one.
Many times over the years readers and friends have suggested that this blog be turned into a book, and dear Ken is turning this idea into reality.
There have been a few of us diligently working as a team to create the book, which will include a few extra components that are not part of this on-line blog.
I can’t yet give you a publication date for “Without a Manual”, but be assured that Ken and the publishing team are making provisions to have it available for purchase as soon as possible.
A portion of the profits from the sale of each book will be directed to organizations which have helped us get through the years since my diagnosis. The book will be available as hardcover, softcover and eBook; at numerous venues (including directly from the publisher – this latter option allowing for a greater portion of the purchase price to be directed as donations).
Although I won’t be writing any more of the posts in the format that you’ve come to follow here on the blog, we will still be using this blog to keep all of you updated on personal news (I promised long ago that my readers would be not left without an end to this story), as well letting you know the publication date and other pertinent details.
I’ve hinted that although I’ve been confined to bed for almost a year that it’s still been quite busy around here – now you know all of the secrets I’ve been keeping!
Our overwhelming gratitude goes out to Ken, his family and other friends who’ve enthusiastically jumped on board to allow me to add published author to my life’s resume. What a ride it has been, angels all around me.
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