Remembering Ken T.

Today I was answering an e-mail to a good friend I met last year and it reminded me of Ken T. who passed away in 1996 from his battle with his monster. He was so special to me. It is amazing how well one can get to know another person in a short period of time. I knew Ken for only a couple of years and because we were in the Program we were rigorously honest with each other.

It was in May 1996 that Ken asked me to listen to his story. During that Sunday afternoon, we shared our life stories; We became brothers of the spirit world on that day. I miss you Ken.

Here is my letter. I hope this is OK with you M.

Dear M,

Thanks so much for your e-mail. I read it again and I got goose-bumps. I only seem to get goose-bumps when I get a spiritual connection to something/someone who has more Power than me. I can never "force" goose bumps.

I feel for you and your friend. I lost a very good friend in 1996 from cancer. He was 43 and I was 40. He and I became very good friends quickly (within 6 months - because we went to the same 12-Step Group in Regina) and we knew each other better than brothers.

He gave me a life changing gift. He asked me to speak at his funeral and he wanted to me to say a few words telling everyone how important sobriety was to him. There were 300 + people at this funeral and felt that he was with me when I spoke. He told me he would not wish the illness on anyone and that he truly enjoyed everyday he had. He died with dignity. He also had seen the tunnel and his former friends. There might be something to this?

I am so happy you get something from the blog. It is good therapy for me and I really mean what I say. M, I am so grateful to have friends like you and others. Every day is most special, especially when I have a little time with my grandchildren. I hold them close to me and tell God I love them.

I am going to give a blood sample for analysis tomorrow and I see the doctor on June 11. This will determine if I have more treatment in front of me.

I am not sure if you know, but "A" and I are returning to Saskatchewan this fall. My secondment term is completed this year and I have decided to stay with my company. They are just too good to me and I would be silly to give up the long term benefits that I have earned over the 28 years I have worked. It will be hard to leave the Maritimes.

Who knows, maybe Angel and I will make one more trip and drop by for another great breakfast. I was so impressed with the hospitality last year. Today I am making Green Pea soup for supper.

Hope you have a wonderful day.

With much care for you,

Harvey