From Kathryn

I'm sure Gloria told you all about our glorious service for Thea. I'm writing to wish you good luck tomorrow with your chemo. I hope it goes as well as the other sessions. Missed seeing you today.

Love, Kathryn (Summers)

From Paul Sanchez

Mike,

I have been thinking of you praying and wishing for the best. I know this will be just one more battle that you will WIN. Keep your spirits up and remember to forget about yesterday, do not think of tomorrow but remain focus on what is in front of you at the moment. In this way we do not lose today and get to enjoy it more no matter how challenging it may be.You are not going to lose this battle period!

Paul Sanchez

From Bob Noddin

Mike,

Just got back from a week in England and France with the family and wanted to see how you’re doing and feeling. Sorry I wasn’t able to see you before we left but Ralph explained you were being knocked for a loop with the chemo.

Bob

From Nicola

Mike I am so sorry but I have only just heard of your return to hospital otherwise I would have written sooner. I hope you know it goes without saying that my thoughts are with you. You were such an inspiration to me two years ago with your understanding, acceptance and determination to beat this disease. I which you the very best and will search my hard drive for some good jokes to send you. Humour is a great healer. Take care.

Nicola

From Nick Benson

Mike,

Finally got to the site. A wonderful idea, creative and encouraging.

It's great to see the resolute faith and positive energy that you drawing on in the midst of a monumental life challenge. Your posters' comments are a testimony to the impact you are having on people. Keep abiding ! It's really encouraging to see that , like me, many of those who know and care about you are convinced that the Lord has more for you to do here and He is going to --again--heal you, in order that He can then "confirm , strengthen, and establish you ."

Our church's Wednesday evening prayer group ( attended by a few real prayer warriors ) has been , is, and will continue to be praying for you.

More anon, Nick

Ps. 31 : 24

From Len

Surround me with your light, Jesus, and penetrate the very depths of my being with that light. Let there remain no areas of darkness in me or in my family members, but transform our whole being with the healing light of your love. Open me completely to receive your love, Jesus. Thank you for being our family healer and my personal healer.

From Len

A Time for Everything

1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:

2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,

3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,

4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,

5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,

7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,

8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.

Dear Mike, I suggest you read the entire Book of Ecclesiastes; read with the strong and positive frame of mind you possess it is a book of eternal hope; a book urging us to live in the moment; and ultimately a book which implores us to keep the Lord foremost in our minds and hearts. Love, len

From Len Battifarano

Prayer for Comfort and Hope

Grant unto us, Almighty God, in all time of sore distress,
the comfort of the forgiveness of our sins.
In time of darkness give us blessed hope,
in time of sickness of body give us quiet courage;
and when the heart is bowed down, and the soul is very heavy,
and life is a burden, and pleasure a weariness,
and the sun is too bright, and life too mirthful,
then may that Spirit, the Spirit of the Comforter, come upon us,
and after our darkness may there be the clear shining of the heavenly light;
that so, being uplifted again by Thy mercy,
we may pass on through this our mortal life
with quiet courage, patient hope, and unshaken trust,
hoping through Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy
to be delivered from death into the large life of the eternal years.
Hear us of Thy mercy, through Jesus Christ our Lord – Amen;

From James

Mike,

I am trying to find your Blog site but can not connect with it. Latest I have heard is that you are through your first two of nine chemo sessions and all seems to be going to plan. I guess chemo is unpleasent but you do hear that chemo these days is having excellent results. Obviously thinking of you but please keep me informed of your progress.

John clearly relishing Dubai. The family are now considering all joining him in Dubai for Christmas .
All the best,

James.

(I sent James the blog url...Fred)

From Dalip

Hey Mike,

I just learnt that your cancer has returned and that you are undergoing
chemo. Also that you are fighting it admirably.

My family and I are off to Rome tomorrow and we will go to Mass and the
Pope's blessing on Wednesday. I just want you to know that we will be
praying for you.

You will beat it again as you did the last time.

All the best...Dalip

From Joe Gravier

Dear Mike,

I just got back from Seoul and Tokyo today and wanted to wish you well, let you know you’re in my thoughts, prayers and I’m sure you’ll overcome your current health problems as you have done in the past.

Everyone in Seoul and Tokyo also sends there best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Best regards,

Joe

From Ralph and Gudrun

Dear Mike,

This is my first attempt to use the blog, and I hope it works.

Gudrun and I are very happy to read that your treatment is going well. Keep on fighting, as I know you will. You beat it once, and you will beat it again!

You are in our daily thoughts and prayers!

Warmest regards,

Ralph and Gudrun

PS: As respects Gloria’s concern about too much weight loss, we are already looking forward seeing you again in Europe, and spoil you with only the best food we can find to help you regain your physical strength.

From Mario & Jonathan

Mike, we are glad to hear the treatment is going in the right direction. You know you have friends in Argentina praying for you…!

We are planning a trip to NY, so get well and we’ll go visit you…

Best wishes,

Mario & Jonathan

From Joyce

Hi Mike – With all the troubling and somewhat overwhelming news at Church recently, I just wanted to say that you are still very much in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph and I are hopeful that your treatment and outcome are going to provide the sunshine needed to shine through all these dark clouds.

It was good to hear your comments about Thea this morning – they were so on target.

We send love and continued good wishes for you!

Joyce

From Jeff Heintzelman

Mike,

Prayers to you from my weekly men's group Emmanuel International Church in Paris. Many here have you in their prayers and have been uplifted by some of the messages you've sent, which I've shared. I just knew that you would be a powerful witness to many during your healing! Keep it up!

You once mentioned asking God, your father, to speak to you as His son. I've been listening recently to a 'newer' worship band, called Leeland. I hope these lyrics help you to know how much He loves you as son. He will be speaking to you as you embrace His word, and the comfort and hope you get will be immense. Hang in there Brother, you are on the right road to recovery and you will finish strong.

Great is your love and your faithfulness;

its your faithfulness that carries me.

My life is just a human one,

but you’ve picked me up and called me son.

Speak your word I’m listening.

Yes, your child will serve faithfully.

So I’ll sing the glories of your name

Your awesomeness I will proclaim,

until you come……

And take your bride away,

like a thief in the night.

Like a thief in the night

You’ll take us away.

Isaiah 54:5-8

&

1Thessalonians 5:2

From Ziad Kubursi

Mike,

Unfortunately I am not much of a blogger and in all honesty I couldn’t figure how to add a message, I guess I’m going to be stuck using Facebook like the rest of the computer illiterate crowds. After reading so many of the messages and the warm thoughts and support from friends colleagues and family it is a testament to your success as a person, husband, father, colleague and boss. Having seen your strength and commanding presence as an executive I know that same strength carries over to all aspects of your life and no matter where you are or what you are facing you will overcome adversity and emerge victorious. I look forward to hearing good news of your return and we will keep you in our prayers always.

Best wishes,

z

From Sharon Ballen

Dear Gloria and Mike,

Just wanted to let you both know that I am thinking of you on this glorious Saturday night. I just drove back from PA today, and not only saw the splendor of food growing in the fields, but of apples growing on the trees, ripening, growing, living. Summer is a time of harvest (corn, peaches, berries, vegetables) and a time of growing. It made me think of you. None of us knows when we will be harvested, but by God, we can certainly enjoy the living. And I think you have a lot of living to do! Enjoy the ride.

Love,

Sharon Ballen

From Pam

Mike,

Was your attire this week made for the front cover of GQ?

Have been thinking of you and keeping you and Gloria and my prayers.

Pam

From Bill Weisenbach

You know, Jesus was a healer. He healed the sick, cured many, but more importantly, restored the wholeness of all with whom he came in contact. I know that you have that wholeness and am trusting with you in prayer and friendship that, once again, your body will come along for the ride.

Blessings on you, my friend.

Bill Weisenbach

From NICOLAS!

Hello

For whatever reason thé message I sent to you yesterday is now on thé blog
under thé name of "Christian" Aubert but I confirm that I am still Nicolas
Aubert

Thanks and Best Wishes

Nicolas

(Whoops....I have a friend, Christian Aubert, in Montreal...crossed wires...Fred)

From Dirk

Mike,

My thoughts, love and prayers are with you, all the time. Keep fight.

Dirk

From Nicolas Aubert

Dear Mike

have just learnt about "the Blog", what a techman you are, no surprise of course.

Bloomberg will soon be in second league far behind you I am sure.

To Gloria's latest comment, please be sure I would welcome having a great dinner with you at Allard in Saint Germain des Prés.

Be also sure that we well take care of your business over there, I know it counts for you.

Be courageous, and fight as hard as always, we all support you and are proud to be your friends

Take care

Nicolas, your French GM

From Latrell Hope

Dear Mike,

I will continue to lift you up in prayer. I already know you’re going to be ok. Active Faith is the best medicine. Be blessed.

Latrell Hope

From Nancy Kreisler

I saw Charlie Rose interview David Chang, the chef/owner of Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Ko and Momofuku Ssäm Bar. Here is the link. It would make anyone hungry. Does he serve takeout? Maybe he’ll come to the Naples Wine Festival.

http://www.charlierose.com/shows/2008/07/22/1/a-conversation-with-chef-david-chang

Here is his website: http://www.momofuku.com/

Nancy Kreisler

From Gloria

Now, it's my turn. It is as Mike says; however, he is losing more weight than I would like. So, when he's around any of you...give him some food!...GLO

From Phil Schwarz

Sherman

Having dinner with Bob and Barbara Lynyak in Dubai. Sure The Tank will come up. Any messages?

Thinking of you.

Phil

From Gaurav Garg

Dear Mike,

All our thoughts and prayers are with you constantly to expedite the healing.

I am regularly getting information on your progress through Paul and Roe, as we speak almost every other day on the CAPSTONE2020 project.

I am meeting the lady (the one I had mentioned -with spritual healing powers) next week and will request her to send healing power to you.

Not a single day passes when I do not think of you.

With best wishes and warmest of regards,

Gaurav

From Fred and Harriet

Mike...

Good to get the update, keep them coming. Somehow it helps to be "in the loop". I hope you are being bouyed up and supported by the outpouring of love and concern, but what surprises me is how much I feel like you are supporting us at the same time. Like most things about you there's a surprise around every corner. You continue in our thoughts and prayers.

Fred and Harriet

From Mike, himself!

To everyone:

I had my second chemotherapy treatment today in Katonah. It has gone well; much better than the first when I was in hospital. Of course, it is early hours and we'll see what tomorrow brings, but late today I feel fine. The oncologist, who is simply a fantastic doctor, was optimistic that we are heading in the right direction. For example, my pain is much reduced, and he sees that as a positive sign. I know I certainly do.

I've been working on AIG stuff all afternoon and loving it. Tomorrow, I have several calls in the morning with colleagues, and one is coming over in early afternoon for a review and assessment of his business. This is a good combination of building energy and working on something I love at the same time.

Some of you have asked what the chemo is like. It is about three hours of drip (or IV) of two chemicals, cisplatin and irennotecan. Both are designed to attack what I have and are the standard of practice at cancer centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering. I just have the world's best oncologist.

Gloria and I are truly blessed by your generous words of support and love. They buoy us. I never feel alone in this journey of unknown ends. Please keep them coming; don't assume someone has said it before or better. I want to hear from you, again and again.

When I first had the cancer three years ago, my vision (that is, the endstate of where I thought I would be when I was cured) was to survive and prosper. And boy did I. Well that vision is my vision now: survive and prosper. My mission is to survive; to beat back this recurrence. I am optimistic and full of faith. I am in God's hands and that always has a perfect ending.

From Alan

Mike,

Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you.

Keep fighting the good fight and remember; in the immortal words of Colonel Potter ~M*A*S*H,

“Sometimes I think it should be a rule of war that you have to see somebody up close and get to know him before you can shoot him.”

Best regards, Alan

From Yael and Ron

Dear Mike,

We are thinking about you and sending you our best wishes for your complete and speedy recovery.

You had proven your mental strength and character in overcoming the previous illness.

We know you have a plan for this one also; stay strong and know we are with you.

Warmest regards,

Yael and Ron

From Kathy and Bill

Hi, Mike,

Our first blog went through so we're inspired to write again. We hope that tomorrow's chemo goes well, and that you continue to feel strong and have a sense that things are working. What is working: good prayers and wishes for good health for our very special friend! May you be blessed with the sense of so much love surrounding you that you are ready for all the treatments that are going to bring you a return to perfect health!

Love, Kathy and Bill

From Colin

Mike,

As I said to Hans your ability to stay positive combined with your own depth of character will see you through another tough period.

Good luck with the treatment – remember put yourself first and concentrate on getting well!

Best wishes

Colin

From Ken Naidoo

Hi Mike

Sharmla & I send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Our sincerest prayers and thoughts are with you.

Kind Regards

Ken Naidoo

From Malcolm & Jacqui.

Mike,

The three most important things at this time are;

Family, Friends and a Positive Attitude. You’ve got them all so hopefully we’ll see you back on the Golf course when you are next over in London.

“Keep the Faith” and we are looking forward to hearing about your complete recovery before too long and we know when it’s all over and you are back to 100% it will give you a whole new attitude to life.

Cheers,

Malcolm & Jacqui.

From Catherine Mirabella

Hi Mike,

Your are in my prayers.

Catherine Mirabella

From Kathryn Phelps Summers

Good morning, Mike and Gloria:

Sorry I wasn't at church on Sunday to hug you both. I hope the first chemo went well. Lester is a good guy. Thinking of you every day with lots of love,

Kathryn

From Ralph and Joyce

Hi Mike –

Ralph and I decided to wait to write until the first crush of messages had thinned out a bit. We thought it would be more fun to receive blogs over a period of time instead of one big rush at first.

Also, we wanted some sartorial news about the shoes worn with your suit, French cuffs, etc. Flip flops?

We, of course, join your many friends in wishing you well, with hopes that the course of treatment is not too grueling.

If prayers and the support of others work for successful results – then you’ve got enough going for you to be just fine!

All the best,

Ralph and Joyce

From Roberta and Howard Fogle

Hi, Mike: We have been out of town but that does not mean that you have
been out of our prayers. We continue to keep you in our daily thoughts
and prayers..

You have won the big battles before and we are pulling for you, may that
happen again!

Hugs from Fogles!!! much love....H&R :)

From Goktug Gur

Hi Mike,

I do have a lot to say but never been much of a writer...I will just have to save them till our next meeting in your office soon -unless you want to visit me in Karachi...

Looking forward to having you back. As you always do, keep fighting!

Warm regards, G

From John Morris

Mike,

I want to extend my best wishes as you continue your battle with your cancer.

You are a tenacious individual who I have a great deal of respect for. I am confident that your strong constitution will remain resilient in this trying time and that you back in the fight shortly.

Best Regards,

Jack

From Bob Perrotta

Hi Mike

Understand you survived your hospital stay as they tried to beat the “crap” out of you and you came in the office today after your first chemo session with a big smile.

That’s good to hear.

Kathy scheduled us for a meeting next week. Look forward to it. Hope you will not beat the “cxxp” out of me.

Remember –keep up the fight.

Regards

Bob

From Sushil & family

Mike

Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery are with you.

Get well soon!

Best wishes,

Sushil & family

From Aiena, Pete @ New York

Dear Mike,

All of us in Claims just want you to know that we are thinking of you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery are with you.

Get well and know you are being thought of.

Best regards,

Pete

From Mike Himself!

Is this the way I post to the blog -- by sending an email to MikeLSherman@gmail.com?

Mike

(Note from Phred....it is indeed! Welcome to the blogosphere! Notice you can respond directly to any posting by clicking on the comment line below the post....this posting, for example, now has a comment.)

From Joseph Naudi Montaldo

Dear Mike,

We met during the MEMSA Regional conferences and I would like to wish you a speedy recovery and my sincere best wishes.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Best regards

Joseph Naudi Montaldo

From Jay

Hey MIke, Great wines last a long time, given adequate treatment.

And, from what I hear, yours is the best!

Jay Roelof

From John and Pam

Mike - Put a flower between your toes and go barefoot. John O'Neal

God’s faithfulness is written into the fabric of your life. In Isaiah chapter 46 he says, “Remember the first events, because I am God, and there is no other. I am God, and there's no one like me. From the beginning I revealed the end. From long ago I told you things that had not yet happened, saying, "My plan will stand, and I'll do everything I intended to do." (Isaiah 46:9 - 46:10)
You have no doubt heard the phrase hindsight is twenty-twenty - that is especially true with God and his involvement in your life. The above scripture is true during those times when he seems so far away. Scriptures such as these mean so much to me especially in my life now as I set waiting to hear from my doctors about ….
I know as long as I am faithful to God, my victorious future is assured yet, it is the details of the future as it unfolds that burn up my faith. I want to go from where I am now to the point I will be after my recuperation period. In response to my feeling of uneasiness deep in my spirit, I can feel God saying, “John, have I not told you I would be with you and haven’t I proved that to you over the years? Do not be anxious about the future because that portion of future weighing on your mind right now has already been revealed. I am faithful even to the end my plan will be completed.”
While I may not know the difficulties you are facing in your life, I do know that God wants you to remember the words of Isaiah 46:9 – 46:10 they will speak to your spirit just as they have mine.

From Laurie and Dave

Gloria says you're going to work tomorrow but are a little concerned about your wardrobe due to puffy feet. I must have heard a gazillion times,"Nobody looks at your shoes". Don't believe it!! I say go with a bold look. Maybe leopard skin or pink panda slippers!

Laurie

From Kathy and Bill

We are going to make a leap of faith and believe that writing you at this address may put us into blogland. You are our first blog experience, and of course it will be the best. Love to you, Mike, and good prayers are with you!

Kathy and Bill

From Paul Jewell

Hi Mike,

How are you doing today?

If you fancy a chat let me know.

Paul

From Lynn & Stu

We just returned from a river cruise on the Rhine and Danube and want you to know that we said prayers for you in each catherdral and church that we visited (and as you know, there are lots of them)!

Keep up the good spirits, we love you.

Lynn & Stu

From Bill and Donna

Mike (and Gloria),

Hope you're enjoying a great anniversary. You've both been through a
lot, but today is a great opportunity to take stock of what you've
created together.

You're both special people and you're on our minds every day. Please
know you're in our thoughts and prayers, even though we're 4500 miles
away.

Looking forward to sharing stories and a few drinks when we return.

Bill and Donna

From Faye & Jay

Hi Mike and Glo, We just returned from a wonderful 5 days with our Rochester part of the family. We were pleased to know that you now have a blog site. It was very good to read so many thoughtful, heartfelt good wishes and prayers for healing from your WORLD OF FRIENDS! We, appreciate, too, Glo's very complete update of the treatment. Please know that we join the many folks who love and support you as you go through this difficult time. xo

Faye & Jay

From Barbara & Byron

Mike & Gloria,

We have been reading the best wishes from your friends and church brothers and sisters and just want to assure you that thoughts and prayers are flowing your way from North Carolina too. We were never promised that everything would always be ok, but that we would always be loved and so you are. Keep on being the strong people you are. We will stay in touch.

Barbara & Byron

From Cathy, Mark, Ryan and Rebecca

Mike and Gloria,

I am glad this blog is here so you can continue to get words of encouragement from all your friends and supporters (and being the wonderful people you are – you have so many). Mark and I are praying for you and thinking about you. We send our love.

Cathy, Mark, Ryan and Rebecca

From Kathryn Phelps Summers

Dearest Mike:

I'm so glad you are going with more chemo (and also with having a blog, where we can all tell you how much we love you and are praying for you).

You and Gloria have a tough slog, but you've proven you're equal to the challenge before, and you'll do it again. Your church family will be with you every step of the way, and you both must not hesitate to call on us for any bit of help, however large or small the task may seem to you.

At church your big hugs make my day, Mike, and you are one of my favorite people. You have important ingredients for success in this fight besides courage: a positive attitude, faith and hope, appreciation of the good things your life has given you, love for your wonderful wife and son, and, yes, the ability to laugh about life's vicissitudes.

I love you both and will pray hard for good news.

Kathryn Phelps Summers

From Susan Polos

Dear Mike,

You and Gloria are in our thoughts and prayers. We stand by if you need anything at all. Your faith inspires us. We are hoping for more good news. Your church family loves you very much!

XOXOXO,

Jim, Susan, Louisa and Tomm

From Mickey, Frank Adam and Greg

Dear Mike.

We know that you can beat this! Our prayers are with you and Gloria. Stay strong.
All our best,

Mickey, Frank Adam and Greg

From Judyth Woolfe

Dear Mike,

Hoping you dig deep and keep fighting the good fight for wellness and full recovery. I send my highest thoughts and wishes to you. Best of everything!

With love,

Judyth Woolfe

From Lisa Rumph

Just wanted to know that I’m praying for you and the family…

I know you can beat this!!

Stay Strong!

Lisa Rumph

From Rich Skolnik

Mike,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. As I told you I would, I put the real power players, my Irish wife and her 93 year old aunt, on the case also. I know that we both get a lot of enjoyment out of our jobs, but its not as much fun for me when you’re not here

Please come back soon. All the rest of these guys are too easy going. You provide the best fight and I miss it. Please give this cancer the same hard fight

All my best wishes,

Rich

From Ella Saunders

Hi Mike - Don't know what I'm doing, but thought I would give it a try. I hope this does get through to you so you will know I am thinking of you and Gloria. Am praying for a miracle - might as well, it never hurts to ask. He/She often does respond. God be with both of you. Ella

From Sharon and Larry

This is a TOTALLY new experience for me! I hope this message of love and wishes for healing come through to you, Mike.

We're looking forward to hearing good news before too long.

Much love to you from us both,

Sharon and Larry

From Fraser Ferguson

Mike,
I'm so relieved to find out that your condition is much better than the expectations we had last week. It looks like we may get to continue our series of single-malt soirees very soon, And I'll be counting on you to be my back-up on Sunday,

SLAINTE MHATH (Pronounced: "slan-je va" - Gaelic for "good health!")

Update from Gloria

This is an update for any of you who don't know what's happening to Mike, Hans, and myself. Mike's cancer has returned after more than 3 years. Granted, once he recovered from the surgery, we've had some good times, feeling a new appreciation for life. Now the cancer is in some lymph nodes and probably in some vertebrae. He's had a lot of back pain, which is probably from pressure of swollen lymph nodes. He was in the hospital for a week (returned home this Tuesday) for severe abdominal pain which is probably from a thrombosis (blood clot) in the portal vein, which goes from the small intestine to the liver. Probably back-up from the poor liver circulation contributed to the abdominal pain. While he was in the hospital he had his first chemo treatment of Irinotecan and Cisplatin. He tolerated it well; just felt hot with cold sweat. A bit like a sauna, but instead of jumping into the snow after, he had it all at once! In the morning he has had dry heaves which are relieved by a very quick dissolving tablet on the tongue. "Lots of probablys", here, but that seems to be the case.

He's at home getting the activity level and pain med adjusted so he can get to work Monday. His feet are swollen still from all the IV fluids, so we're busy creating the most outlandish outfits in which he can work with shoes being the main variable. Seriously, he gained 14 pounds in water weight.

His appetite is not great and he was losing weight before teh abdominal pain. We're working on that. I had a colleague of Mike's bring the microwave out of storage; he takes a long time to eat a little bit, so it will be nice to warm things up quickly.

He will have chemo for 2 1/2 hours once a week for three weeks and then a week off. That continues for three months when he'll have scans and decide what to do next.

He now "passes gas" with a huge smile on his face, and says "YEEEEEES" as if we all should be excited as he. Since he was told that this is a "good sign", it's become pretty hazy around here.

We have an extensive support group all over the world, from church, AIG, and neighborhood friends. We need your thoughts, prayers, chants, or whatever you do to make a difference; we thank you for all you've done so far.

Thanks...Gloria

From Ray Lee

Mike,

I think I read or heard today that you will be back next week. Looking forward to seeing you soon, the third quarter is heating up you know and we need you here back in action!! If there is anything we can assist with please let us know. Best wishes on behalf of my wife Gail (you have met her) to you and Gloria and please know that there are a ton of people rooting for a speedy recovery.

Ray Lee

From Richard Bessinger

Mike – just a quick note to let you know I’m thinking of you. Be assured that you, Gloria and Hans are in my prayers. Stay positive and strong and I look forward to seeing you/speaking to you soon.

Best wishes and in friendship-

Richard

From Nancy Kreisler

Love Potion #9 – oops, make that #39. The ingredients: love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. Have a very loving and happy 39^th anniversary on Saturday. Nancy Kreisler

From Marc LeVine

Mike -

We went through a hellish "war" together at Weil-Cornell, NY Presbyterian Hospital back in February '05. You went home in about a week and I stayed for a total 5 1/2 long weeks in much worse shape than you had been in during your stay. Gloria has kept Betsy and I up to date with your post surgery complications. Oddly enough, many of those nagging problems were happening to me in roughly the same time frame. If I heard you had heartburn, I knew I would be getting it later that evening!

Despite everything else and something to be thankful for is that we are both still here and don't plan on going anywhere for a very long time. There is too much good living ahead for us. Setbacks are already almost second nature to both of us, but so are inspiring rebounds! Keep up the good fight and I'll meet you in heaven one day... as two very old men arriving at the time of our own choosing and not the "Beasts!" Get well soon.

Marc LeVine

From Michael Tripp

Mike, What a great idea this is. But why am I not surprised you thought of it. I wish Andrea and I had been as clever.

Just a quick note to say keep your head up, left arm bent (full of whatever delicacies, fine wine or stimulating books sound good at the moment) and maintain your confidence like I know you always have and always will. You have many rounds and courses yet to play so stay strong and focused on doing just that.

You are in our thoughts and prayers every day. All of our best wishes and hope to see you soon. Mike and Jacob.

From Richard Alexander

Mike,

Please remember Kim and I are with you in prayer from Paris.

As you always do - hang tough!

Rich

From Ralph

Dear Mike

I couldn't resist blogging you. Ever since blogging because au courant, I said "Mike is a man that I want to blog".

All kidding aside, you are in my thoughts and my heart. Last night, my eleven year old, Caitlin, was asking about you. All she wanted to know is if you would be "all right". I explained the treatment and that you would be "all right". She wanted me to convey to you that she would pray for you every night when she goes to sleep. I assured her that with the treatment and the prayers all would be well.

Mike, I am sorry I won't see you next week, but we will talk.

All my love,

Ralph

Thinking of you, Mike!

Mike...

Already thinking about getting back to work?! You are a tough dude (as Salem would say, you are a "dude" and Gloria Jean is a "girl-woman"). Gloria wanted a blog so people could send you their support....this is my first attempt at a blog, and my friend, Wayne Furber, helped me get it going.

We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers, and you make sure Gloria Jean keeps us in the loop on how things are going. I will admit that Gloria's musings on your back to work wardrobe (compensating for edema) as being Suit, french cuffs, tie and bedroom slippers was indeed a vivid image!

Phred/Harriet