Last week I "tweeted" about the beautiful weather while in Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage Classic; this week was spent waiting with my brother and sister for any tidbit of information we could learn about why this strong, proud man is experiencing intolerable pain.
There are only the three of us, Thom isn't married and Kathy is widowed so we depend upon each other for support. Thom and Kat are fortunate to live in the small town where we grew up. They are both very special people who shoot straight and have strong relationships with friends and extended family - the Rodney Atkins song "These are my People" comes to mind - particularly the chorus:
"These are my people
This is where I come from
Were givin' this life everything we got and then some
It ain't always pretty
But its real
It's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people"
Our people have been visiting Thom in droves at the hospital and I am sure this will continue when he comes home - believe me every call, visit, and prayer is appreciated.
Thom is dying from cancer that went untreated due to no health care and his extremely high tolerance for and ability to deal with great pain. When he could stand it no longer; he sought treatment at an urgent care center who diagnosed him with muscle pain and sent him home with a prescription for muscle relaxers - IDIOTS! No insurance, no tests, give them a band aid and send them home. Thom went to the hospital and the real doctor who treated him and sent him to the other real doctors at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for treatment have been an answer to prayer.
Thom has a very advanced insidious form of agressive cancer that has spread throughout his body. He worked a construction job through all of this until a couple of weeks ago. I can't imagine the intestinal fortitude and sheer guts and determination of my brother. We come from strong stock but I didn't know just how strong.
We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
Thom is not alone there are others in his same or similar situation throughout the country. It is time we remember it and do something about it.
This blog was started when I thought I should be a writer. I no longer think that so this blog is just my little page of thoughts, photos, and the occasional painting.
