Paul's Take

creweofcressy@gmail.com

Regardless of how this all turns out, it is impossible to overlook the great gift embedded in all of this nonsense. I have been granted a gift that few, other than those in a coffin, have been blessed to receive. I hope this does not sound narcissistic, but to see how people feel about you is a powerful experience. Thank you for giving me this blessing. --June 1, 2010

….while driving through the beautiful Alabama foothills I began to think about where I am, where I’ve been and where I seem to be going. In the midst of this narcissistic moment, I realized that ever so slowly my attitude has been changed by all of this nonsense. In an extreme example of irony, I realize that I am happier today than I have ever been in my life. I know this sounds cliché, but with tragedy comes clarity, and my clarity is that I’ve got a pretty damn good life. --August 12, 2010

This has been hard and nasty and uncomfortable and sad and long and frustrating and sometimes lonely, but it has also been enlightening and rewarding and calming and joyful and inspiring and loving. The cheating in all of this is that I have the most affectionate train of support behind me that does not allow me to feel sorrow or self-pity. My home, my work and my friendships have reinforced the walls around me and protected me from any negativity. The taboo of cancer is just that and like any controversy that may infect your life, the support you muster is your lifeline through the chaos. The secret that is revealed is that the support you give…is the support you get. --August 27, 2010

Just so you know there are no epiphanies in this entire event other than to galvanize what I do believe. We are crafted in the image, gifted with the tools to be the best we can be. To recognize and acknowledge these gifts in one another is the struggle. The ability to filter through nonsense, ignore the immaterial and concentrate on what we have to offer is the reward. -- October 21, 2010

I am constantly reminded that it is our ruin that we anticipate a life not written, but it is our grace to overcome and endure. Too many times we walk backwards through life and curse reality. --December 2, 2013

….goodness lurks in the shadow of tragedy. --January 28, 2013

Paul's Take...