Ash Wednesday

Monday’s a pain but Thursday’s a grind

Abiraterone, Advanced Prostate Cancer, Ash Wednesday, Atlanta, David Emerson, spring -
I made my third bi-weekly trip to Atlanta this past week. Although I’ve got the thirteen hour round trip down to a science, last night I realized how quickly it has become a real drag.
I’m getting quite a bit of reading done, and I sleep really well on Thursday nights after the trip .However, half way though the three month bi-weekly process, I’m ready for it to be over.  It’s very worth every trip if we see a reduction in my PSA and we are able to regain some control of the caner with the Abiraterone.

There is a rumor the same trial will open here in Kansas City, perhaps in April. That would be ideal since I have already booked the flight for the next three trips. I have held off the April 24th trip because of this and because the airfare on that particular date is $300! The chances of the rate changing are slim, but you never know.

I saw blooming dogwoods while I was on the MARTA Thursday and that means one thing, Spring is here. My favorite time of the year! Ash Wednesday, Lent and soon Easter. Our hyacinth are peeking up and I really cannot wait to get outside and spend time in our yard.

Thursday’s grind will certainly get tougher over the next few weeks as the signs of Spring continue to increase.

Memento homo, quia pulvis es, et in pulverem reverteris

Advanced Prostate Cancer, Ash Wednesday, Father Bob -

I was going to write today about last night’s poker fundraiser, but I’ll save that for another day.

I attended Ash Wednesday Mass this morning, it moved me, on a number of fronts.

The translation of the title is: “Remember, O man, that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”


First, the service was conducted by our former associate-retired priest Fr. Bob. What a gentle, remarkable presence. I could feel the smile consume my face when he first appeared. His homilies are always heartfelt and meaningful. Today he appropriately spoke about Lent.

As he read the gospel, and I’ll paraphrase here, it was basically this; don’t brag or be boisterous, don’t parade around in public showing all the righteous things you may have done, God knows. Matthew 6-1: “take care not to perform righteous deeds in order that people may see them; otherwise, you will have no recompense from your heavenly Father.”

It made me think this; while I appreciate the comments I receive here, I hope it is clear that the point is not the comments I do receive, it’s what this might do to those that read my blog, find it beneficial, and do NOT comment. As I have said ad nausea, it’s not about me.

Prostate cancer aside, here’s a little unsolicited advice that I feel compelled to dispense during Lent; go do something nice for someone. It could be a friend or stranger or family member. Do it because it’s the right thing to do. Don’t do it for the accolades, don’t do it because it might make you feel better, do it because it might make them fell better.

I now step down from my pulpit, Peace be with you.