I expect, inside me at least, today will be very difficult, because I say goodbye to my family as they all leave for our family reunion trip to Walt Disney World for 7 days. My health has reached a point this type of travel is no longer possible and may even possibly be severely detrimental overall to my survival. The final decision was up to me and my wife, however, my doctor very strongly stated in his medical opinion with the severity of the potential problems, he would/could not recommend the travel.

When I look at the results of our 16 day Hawaiian cruise, followed by the holiday travel and then our 7 days at the beach; even my Army Airborne/Ranger attitude of suck it up and get the mission objective accomplished, doesn't help. The price is too high and the final results in the big picture too dangerous, regardless of the resort's accommodations and family understanding. Severe chronic pain, spontaneous severe exhaustion, cumulative sleep deprivation all on top of the side effects of the narcotic medications does not bode well for a happy successful travel experience. I know this, realize it, understand it, will adapt to it, don't like it because of the implied finality of my circumstances and ironically, I am at peace with the decision.

Things will never again be as they were in my life. I do not pine away in mourning, self-pity or living in the past, but rather evaluate, adapt, and overcome in creating an entirely new life for myself. That life is very short with the progressive degeneration so my situation is in constant flux. It all boils down to one simple principle in life and that is I have the absolute power to "choose" how to respond to the changing situations. I choose life and living to the highest level I can reach. Like I said, it is a "simple' principle in life but it is not an "easy" principle to execute.

I am blessed to have a couple of good friends willing to invest their time each day to stop by and check on me. Their times will alternate so I will have some one stop by in the morning, afternoon, and possibly the evening. This is a major comfort to my wife to wanted desperately to stay home with me. I emphatically rejected the idea feeling it more important she be with our grandsons for their first flight; major hotel resort; Disney; and Universal Studios World of Wizardry experiences. All of which will be remembered for the rest of their lives and she was there for it. And THAT my friends is my personal reward out of all of these circumstances.

Your attitude is an inspiration to everyone.

I'm so sorry you couldn't accompany your family on this trip. I can totally understand your wife's desire to stay with you although it was a very unselfish and loving thing you did by insisting that she go. I hope she enjoys the time with your family and brings home lots of wonderful memories she can share with you.

I get it.

Only you can only decide how to react/respond to what we have little (if any) control over. I see your enilghtenment of this fact as empowering to you. Congrats. Choosing our path is a very powerful thing.

You are God's soldier, Craig and He loves you and so do I.

Be sure to join us here while DW is away and your friends aren't there. Maybe we'll play a Disney game or something. Who's good at coming up with something like that?

You're a good role model for me. I bet I'm not the only one who feels that way. You're a good guy and you inspire me. Try to relax while you're alone. I admire how you care for your family and you're so determined to stay productive with all you're going through. People like you make me stronger because I can try to follow your example. God bless you.

Craig, you're the man! You rock.

I hope your wife and family bring home a few huge, family size albums full of pictures for you to enjoy. This way, you can feel like you were sitting right there next to them at the Disney Reunion.

With today's technology you can be just a laptop away from everyone.
Many blessings to you and your family.