From John O'Neal

One bright clear summer day while walking down the road of life a traveler is seized by a monster and pulled into a dark alley and suddenly find themselves in a life and death struggle. But the traveler is strong and fights valiantly and at one point appears to be winning. But out of the darkness the monster receives reinforcements and brave traveler begins to weaken. Again and again the monster is reinforced and strength of the traveler drains away. Eventually the traveler begins to lose the will to fight back.
Yet on a mountain far away… Standing tall the Rescuer patiently awaits the call for help. The Rescuer is well seasoned at pulling people from the clutches of death watches intently as the traveler fights for life. “Oh traveler, you who struggle alone why do you do so? Why do struggle with forces you can not see when I stand ready to rescue you! I am patiently for you to call upon me. Please don’t wait to long!”
As the victory over struggle of life and death slants in direction of the monsters they begin celebrating their victory. Yet deep inside the traveler will not let go, embedded deep there is will to survive, a hunger that will not die, “Please forgive Lord, for I have sinned and have not honored you,” a feeble whisper reaches Rescue Mountain. In a blinding flash of Light the Rescuer takes flight leaving Rescue Mountain standing empty and alone. And suddenly the darkness of the alley vanishes as a pure white light a million times brighter than the light of the sun, nay a million, million times brighter than the light of thousand suns. And instantly the battle is over even before it began.
The Rescuer returns his flaming sword to its scabbard and leans over the injured traveler and with huge tears streaming down his cheeks attends to the wounds. The traveler is then escorted back the road of life and the journey continues.
You are the traveler, Jesus is the Rescuer. Today you will need to be rescued. The monsters of life will seek to feed off yours and drain away your happiness, your peace, your love of life. The monster may come in form of declining health, it may come in the form of a broken relationship, it may come in the form of death, it may come in the form of stress, or it may come in a totally different way then ever before but never the less it will come.
There is no power in heaven, there is no power on the earth, there is no power in hell that can stop the hand of Rescuer when he takes flight from his Mountain at the request of a broken and beaten traveler. Hold on and believe, help is on the way!

Mike - Just noticed Julie was thinking of you on her birthday. We all love you, john.

From Gloria

After Mike's 7th chemo he worked three days in the office and many hours at home. This last one (8 of 9) took a couple of days to hit him, but it has done so with a vengeance. He was tired all weekend; tried to go to work today because he had a lot of sleep last night. He had to turn around and come back because he felt sooooo bad. Absolutely wiped out! When that happens, in addition to the symptoms of the chemo, he also gets really sad and afraid. It's a bit like what Winston Churchill called "the black dog." He forgets that what he's feeling is from the chemo, not the cancer. Evidently this is a common feeling for people getting chemo. The physical force of the chemo overrides one's positive outlook, self image, even thought processes. When he is this tired he can't work as effectively as usual, which makes him feel ineffective and useless..so it can be a viscious circle. He's been very lucky, however. He has only had real bad days a few times; they don't go on for more than two or three days and then he's back giving everyone trouble!

I think he's going to have an xray tomorrow; last time at chemo he moved quickly and felt something give in his left rib area. Still uncomfortable, so we have to get it checked. I'll let you know what we found.

Thanks for all of your messages. He just couldn't have any better freinds and colleagues!...

Gloria

From Jeff Getis

Dear Mike,

I went for a haircut on Saturday, and the woman before me was having her hair done as it was a very special day. She turned 99.

She had a powerpuff of white hair being shaped into a ball on top of her beaming face. Her smile extended from ear to ear.

Everyone came up to her, strangers included (like myself), and gave her a big hug.

Moments like that are a reminder how dear and precious life is. How gifted we are.

I know you're going to beat this thing because you're Mike Sherman.

With a big hug for you my dear friend,

- Jeff

Len Battifarano

Dear Mike,

Matthew Chapter 5, including the Beatitudes is what struck me this morning as having meaning for us all today. Hoping your treatment went well; your recovery is quick and your ever glowing, ever bright light of faith and strength never dims. With my love, your friend in Christ, len



And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set down, his disciples came unto him.
[2] And opening his mouth, he taught them, saying:
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land.
[5] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[6] Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill.
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[8] Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
[9] Blesses are the peacemakers: for they shall be called children of God.
[10] Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are ye when they shall revile you, and persecute you, and speak all that is evil against you, untruly, for my sake:
[12] Be glad and rejoice, for your reward is very great in heaven. For so they persecuted the prophets that were before you.
[13] You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is good for nothing any more but to be cast out, and to be trodden on by men.
[14] You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid.

Tim Kinsella

Mike,

I heard your radio address today. It was good to hear your voice; your message was right on and very inspiring. Hope you are doing better; and look forward to seeing you soon.

Best regards
Tim

From Julie O'Neal

Hey, Uncle Mike,

I've been traveling a lot for work lately and just returned home to find out you're winning a war w/cancer. Friends tell me that Chemo pretty much sucks. Hang in there, though, we all love and need you in our lives.

Work travels have taken me to the 'stans and other beige places. Pakistan is certainly no picnic right now. Did manage to take some use/lose leave with a buddy stationed in Sicily this month. They have great wineries on Etna. Spent a couple days in Malta during the trip. Valletta is a great old city, rich with history. Highly recommend you and Aunt Glo make a trek that way when you get a chance. You both would love it.

That's all, I guess. Just wanted you to know I love you,

Julie

From Kathryn

You're in my thoughts and prayers, as always. I've been very busy with BOOKS, BOOKS, BOOKS, GARDENS, GARDENS, GARDENS. And, of course, POLITICS!!!

It's been time to put my garden and the church garden to bed. Also the garden in Vermont. I am helping price books for the Katonah Library Book Sale, and I'm in charge of books and the book sale at the Katonah Thrift Shop. I do a bit of tag saleing too.

Haven't been feeling too great with Lyme, but hanging in. Hope your chemo is going well and that you're near a breathing space with it. Will see you of course at church this coming Sunday, when the focus will be on prison issues, which are dear to my heart. How I wish Thea would be with us. I hope we meet Riccardo Sheppard, whom Presbytery just hired to do PR with Albany re: prison reform issues. Lots of Love, Kathryn

From Len

Dear Mike,

Thank you so much for your call today; it meant a great deal to me that you took time to reach out and share as you did. I pray for you all day and look forward to the time when we pray together about our lives as we move ahead. Please know that Gloria Hans and you are all in my prayers and that I appreciate our friendship as much as I have ever appreciated any in my lifetime. I remain, your friend and colleague always,

Len

Ralph and Joyce

Hi Mike -

We missed seeing you in Church yesterday – maybe you went to the Jazz/Journey service instead.

We were pleased to read the good news about the cancer markers being down. Hopefully the next chemo treatments can get started this week so you can get them behind you and reduce the markers even more.

You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck with the next phase of treatment!

Ralph and Joyce

From Len

Dear Mike, I love you… all my prayers…

love, Len

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD

The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want;
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters;
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for His name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life;
and I shall dwell in the house of the
Lord forever.

Psalm 23

From Gloria

Mike was unable to start the first of the last three chemo treatments Thursday because his cell counts were low, both read and white. They gave him some injections to stimulate cell growth and gave him more IV fluids as long as he was there. He now knows why he had to take some naps last week. He's working at home until the chemo is completed; he has meetings at home and conference calls.

Some good news: the cancer marker (CEA) is down to a level below June after spiking a few weeks ago. So, as the doctor says, we're going in the right direction.

He's OK with delaying a week of chemo as he is more rested and, hopefully, more ready for the next onslaught. We went to a movie and a late lunch yesterday!

Keep writing him; It really lifts his spirits...Gloria

From Len Battifarano

Dear Mike, I was struck today by the dramatic fluctuation in our share price. The value of AIG being determine in a marketplace filled with analytics, emotion, market trends, the business results of others, and assumptions. Too often in our own lives we do the very same calculations about our purpose, our life and our future. I pray Mike, that as you deal with your personal uncertainty, and concerns, fears and assumptions that you still hold strong, your faith and the knowledge that our Lord is with you, that his ever present healing hand is close by, and that through his son, our Lord Jesus Christ, all things are possible, all things.

Love, your friend, Len

From Len Battifarano

Dear Mike, you remain in my daily prayers, I hold you close to my heart asking in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ

That he life you up, hold in his arms and comfort you with both amazing grace and his power of healing. That in moments of inevitable darkness he comes to you as a shining light of comfort, giving you hope; that he stays by your side during these last few days of your treatment and testing; and is there by your side radiant in his glory on your day of healing recovery and return.

All my love, Len

From Sharon

So good to see you on Sunday in church and to have a moment to give you a little squeeze. It was an honor to be able to serve communion to you and Gloria.

Love, Sharon

From Julio and Heidi

Mike,

Came across this and thought of you.....


In the midst of a storm-tossed sea,
Learn to roll with the tide, to lean into the wind....
And soon you’ll be strong as a tree....

Stay strong....we're all with you!!

God Bless.

Fondly Julio and Heidi

From Paul Sanchez

Thinking of you. Optimism is the best weapon against any affliction. I know you will beat this and the cancer you have does not stand a chance in the long run.

The challenges you face to your well being while debilitating at the time I know are only temporary set backs. You will prevail and in the future look back with admiration of your own strength and gods will.

Paul

From Julio

Hey, read your blog today. I guess you start up again this week for 3 more treatments.

Your inspiration, courage and fight is something everyone admires.

Keep fighting as you will win!!!

The strength of all the thoughts and prayers will see you through.

My love to you and Gloria.

From Rich and Kim Alexander

Mike,



Kim and I want you to know you are continuously in our thoughts and prayers. You are through the majority of this process it will not be long now until this is behind you and it becomes a distant memory. Keep up the perseverance, endurance and positive attitude!!!



If we can be of any assistance –please let us know.



Rich and Kim Alexander

From Katy and Bill

Hi, Mike, Saw you today, as you know but your blogging friends might not, and you are just such a gentleman - I know you're weakened by treatments, frustrated by what you can't do, and anxious, but your calm spirit prevails, your strength is apparent, your good spirit is at the fore. You are as ever polite, positive, and wonderfully attentive at a time when you could be cranky, and we all so appreciate the good listener and friend you are to others. We are blessed to know you - you are truly an inspiring and beloved friend. Love and prayers to a very special person, Kathy and Bill

From Fred

I'm back from the Canadian woods. Fishing was good and old farts were in fine fettle. For those who do not know, daughter Kate (Gloria and Mike's niece in Portland)
has been maintaining the blog while I was fishing.

Thanks, Kate....I'll take it from here.

Glad to hear you get a week off the chemo, Mike. Hang in there, we're with you!

Phred...

Update from Gloria

This is Mike's week off chemo; the last set of three treatments starts next Thursday. He's had two pretty bad weeks, but today things look bettter. He's needed to go back to the doctor for extra IV fluids both weeks, even though he's really guzzling the fluids...practically chugging diluted gatorade and iced tea! When he gets dehydrated he gets extremely shaky, weak, trembly and generally begins to feel if it's worth it. But, he rallies, as one would expect from a guy nicknamed Tank (in the old days. I'm informed he has several other nick names that are of AIG origin.)

He has had a strange, very uncomfortable, and hugely humorous rection to something used in the hydration process that causes him to be jittery. We're not talking butterflies here. He starts to get restless, then begins shifting position in the chair and the whole experience culminates in his legs taking off in all directions involuntarily. He's up and down from the chair, sitting and lying back, kicking away for over an hour. Can't quite find the medication that will stop it completely until we get him home and try to knock him out with marvelous combinations of contolled substances and over the counter stuff. Finally, he falls asleep and all is fine the next morning. But, the time in between the magic potions and sleep can be really amusing. He looks and acts pleasantly drunk, but isn't aware of it. I'm trying to control my baser instincts, but it's hard not to take advantage of such a lovely drunk!

Today he's feeling really good. He's going to do some AIG work from home, which I'm sure will include lots of phone calls checking in with people all over the world, some of whom may prefer him to be asleep or still kicking.

We had a trip to Boston planned to visit some friends, but now one of them is coming to us today. She's my best friend, but one of many of my friends who bear me up through these times. My sister is coming soon and Hans will be back in three weeks. My family checks in frequently and my brother Fred has made this blog possible. The minister and the rest of our church is right here when we need them. Mike's colleagues and friends have been fantastic about flexibility, phone calls, prayers, and I'm sure, some extra work.

So...that being said, we're not in as bad a place as many. Just don't rest on your laurels, because we still need you!...GLO

From Bill and Kathy

Hi, Mike, Here we are again, last day of August and you're making great progress through your treatments. Good for you for your endurance, your positive attitude, your will-power. You also have an exceptional nurse and care-giver extraordinaire by your side. We are all behind you in every way - and you are an inspiration for so many who face similar, or will face similar, treatments that aren't easy. Thank you for that, and for all that you are. We love you, Bill and Kathy

From Ajit

Dear Mike:

Yesterday, I had a meeting with some people from AIG and was surprised and saddened to learn that you have been going through chemotherapy. I want to wish you a speedy recovery. When your schedule permits and you are up to it, I would welcome a chance to get together with you.

Regards,

Ajit Jain

203-363-5205

From Noel

Dear Mike
Sorry to hear that you're having to fight cancer a second time. Your
attitude and spirit three years ago was just amazing: inspirational !
Your friends and admirers here in Belgium are thinking of you and send best
wishes.
I know that with God's help you'll win this battle Mike.
Beanacht De Leat !
Noel