July 17, 2014
Dear Friends,
Greetings from smokin’ hot Oregon. Normally cool and green,
we have been over 90 degrees for a while and even hit 100! For those still
wrestling with the concept of ‘climate change’, it was 70 in Chicago yesterday.
With the encouragement of my family, I have decided to start
a blog, and the topic occasionally will be my reflections on my Doctor’s
statement to me yesterday that I have cancer. There is really no easy way to
say it, hear it, or share it, but Dr. Hudson was direct, empathic, and
brilliant in his explanation. It somehow helped that he is the Dad of one of
Christa’s very best friends.
As you know, I love gardening, and I spent some time before
the biopsy amongst my plants having a small pity party. I asked God to make
everything benign, and I told the Great Sprit that either way, it would not
shake my faith. The first question came from what I have for years described as
the Dark Voice Within, who asked, “Why me?” This voice also tells us we can’t
reach our goals, finish a Ph.D., find someone to love, or get the job of our
dreams. The most amazing answer came from within me from the Light, “Why not
me?” Which of you, my friends would I give this to instead of me? My
family? Children or Grandchildren? Even
my enemies, though few, should not hear the words or have the disease.
I am having a wonderful life, blessed with a wife who has
tolerated and loved me for 34 years, the most amazing children now adults, and
two grandchildren who have taught me that love is all we need, and each day, a blueberry, or Mr. Pez candy is
a miracle. My work has introduced me to professionals and students in every
state who have taught me much more that I have taught them. Part of my blog
will be introducing all of you to some tremendous people who are changing
lives, rebuilding lives, and are in fact real heroes to me.
So there you have it. I didn’t get cancer yesterday. I found
out I had it. I will find out what kind it is soon. I promise to let you know.
In the meantime, I am asking those of you who are spiritual to pray for me, and
all those with cancer and life threatening diseases. My secular friends? Think
good thoughts. Meditate on healing. There is a role for all of you in my
treatment and healing. And please pray in your own tradition…while I believe
there is one God for all of us, different traditions raise concerns in rich and
diverse ways, and I want to be covered!:)
Thank you for your concern, friendship, patience,
forgiveness, and love for and with me. We’ll talk soon. Enjoy today! Tell the
people you love that you love them, and forgive someone today that you’ve been
having trouble with. I love y’all!
Blessings,
Will Keim
My thoughts and prayers are with you and Donna, and your entire family...Even though we are long overdue for a visit, I think of you, and all you have done for me, often. In that respect, my offering is but a pittance in return, but nonetheless I offer them for you.
ReplyDeleteLove you both,
Fornus
I'm glad you have heeded your family's urging to start a blog, Will. You and your family are in our prayers. I look forward to hearing more.
ReplyDeleteWrite a blog? Great idea! Thanks Will, for sharing what's going on with you. So sorry you've joined the cancer club. Unfortunately it's a large group. Some of the best people I know are part of it. But speaking of the Education of Character, the folks in the cancer club have this wonderful/terrible opportunity to continue their development. I know you're up for the journey, and will have apt words of wit and wisdom for those of us who walk with you. Love, prayers, blessings to you and all your loved ones from everyone in Evans/Herb land. The climate is changing but I'm expecting your garden to flourish!
ReplyDeletePrayers and hugs to you and the family. Never the news we want to hear. You have taught so much to so many and have so much more to teach. Please keep the blog posts coming. Be strong and know you have the love and support of so many. You are a special friend....
ReplyDeletePraying for you all!
ReplyDeleteI have honestly hoped that I would have this sort of grace and dignity when I get that kind of news. Now you are a mentor to me in yet one more facet of life! :-) Love to you and Donna and yes, we will talk soon!
ReplyDeleteMy dear friend Keimus Maximus,
ReplyDeleteThe cancer is terrible news. You face a most daunting foe… I wish it were not so. You and the family have my prayers for an amazing outcome … a somehow bright future in the face of a great darkness.
You have been an amazing inspiration to so many over the years -- your chosen vocation to teach, to inspire, to make a real difference in the lives of others. You have done this in a very big way … a Maximus way.
I appreciate your action in response to this difficult personal time – to reach out via social media, and yes, finally, to blog! Your Wit and Wisdom is renowned. Your new perspective and fresh Wit and Wisdom, facing one of life’s most difficult challenges, is a new beginning that builds on all that you have accomplished.
I am praying for you and your family. I look forward to many long years ahead of laughter, memorable times, and you being there – this being a big scare, but with a superb silver lining that makes us all appreciate life and live it even more.
I look forward to good news with your test results, and look forward to getting back to Oregon and seeing you and the family.
With love,
Kevin
Willbur,
ReplyDeleteWe have been through so much together - absolutely horrible and incredibly wonderful. I can't imagine my life without you in it, and neither can anyone else. I've already lost one very important man in my life. . . I forbid you to leave too:)
I have the sense you're going to be around for a very long time.
Prayers going up from the McD household.
Bec
Will,
ReplyDeleteI am so saddened to hear of your illness. Definitely for you, but even moreso for your family. I believe that they take it even harder than the affected family member. You are a very special person & have done so much and positively affected so many. You are one of my first mentors and one of my top 5 people. You began my wife and I and even housed my family - twice. You were one of the few who came to see me in my darkest place and hour. Your family is simply amazing.
I have certainly had my share of trials, and adversity not only makes us stronger, it brings us closer to those most important. HE is one of those. Wrap yourself in HIS peace and grace. We rarely understand the why when we face trials such as the one you & your family are, but if anyone will make lemonade out of the bag of lemons you have been handed, it will be you. All our prayers for healing are sent your way, my friend.
You are one of the strongest people I know...cancer doesnt stand a chance...hugs. Ginny Gillotti Beers
ReplyDeleteWill, your life is the very embodiment of love and faith. Thanks for demonstrating the courage to share this part of it with your friends, allowing this blog to become an extended classroom to those who have already learned so much from you. And just as you have given so much to so many throughout your life, now is the time to allow those you have helped to give back. Please be open to that. Sending a tsunami of positive thoughts and prayers to you and yours...
ReplyDeleteWIll,
ReplyDeleteThe Catball family is behind you!! We are all stunned at the news and our immediate thoughts and prayers went to you and your great family. However, I immediately began to smile not long after because I though of the fight, humor, and inspiration that you will bring to this battle withe beast! You have done so much to inspire others that I am fully aware that you have all the weapons you need to kick the living tar out of this opponent. We will be behind you all the way and just let us know if we can do anything to assist along they way. All In and As One.
Jackson Vaughan
Head Softball Coach
Linfield College
Will & Donna,
ReplyDeleteAlthough deeply saddened by the news; you have a village (or very large city) surrounding you. It's no surprise how many people's lives you have touched and impacted in such a positive way. I have such fond memories of you as my youth pastor. Your blog is an inspiration, thank you for keeping us updated on your journey. Sending much love and many blessings your way. Love, Susie Liles (Karpen)