A Very Special Place With Very Special People

Tonight I spoke at Elmhurst College in Illinois. My friend Dr. Eileen Sullivan is the Dean and Desiree Novac is a special friend. Something happened during the speech that I wanted to share with you. After a rousing introduction of the Orientation Student Leaders by Orientation Coordinators Colin, Meredithe, and Zenya, I was introduced by Colin and went to the stage. The students were so responsive, supportive, and engaged. And then it happened...

For a moment I forgot I had cancer. It was bliss. Despite my best efforts to play on and play through, my diagnosis crosses my mind often. I had acknowledged my cancer to the students early to explain why I was seated behind the podium then moved on. I was speaking, the students were listening and responding...it was August again and I was doing my job. It was wonderfully normal! I ended my speech with the reading of a poem "What Cancer Cannot Do" that was given to me by Pam Caballero, my son in law Steve's Aunt. The students and staff exploded to their feet. I felt healthy, inspired, and incredibly hopeful. I felt energized.

As Christa and I sat for a moment at the dinner with Eileen and Des, students came by to say thank you and two cancer survivors told me their stories. One was given a year to live six years ago, and the other was given six weeks to live three years ago. I asked them what their key to living was and both said, "Don't let them tell you how long you have to live. You decide." It was powerful. Then the College President offered me his prayers, the Chaplain raised me up before the meal was served, Vice Presidents, Paul the Athletic Director. People took time to offer encouragement, prayers, and frankly hope.

What a very special place with very special people. I thank God I was asked to come, and also that I was able to be there and receive much more than I gave. Elmhurst College ministered to me tonight and for that Christa and I were in tears and thankful. Thank you Bluejays!

Will