18 March 2001 Dear Norm And Nancy, Greetings from the North Country. My name is R.D. I live north of Xxxxx, Wisconsin. I know M.R. We attend the same church. An update was sent to me by L. I admire you both for your courage and determination to be the cancer that assails you. I know it can be beaten. Even though I have a freind that is bedridden and not getting any better at this point. Even though I lost one of the most beautiful, gracious, forgiving, loving and sincere ladies that ever walked the face of this earth, my wife of over 42 years in November 1993. I know cancer can be beaten from the stories I have heard and read. I know it can be beaten by the people I personally know. Everyone is different. And all have a story to tell. A happy one. Cancer can be beaten. And will be by those who set out to fight it with heart and soul. For anyone who has the right tools. And you have the right tools. It isn't easy but it can be defeated. And once you conquer cancer, you will have a new perspective on life. A new perspective on friends. A new perspective on God. A new perspective on everything. My wife and I were not privy to the information and methods that you have in your possesion. It is strange how things work out. But I know that I would have taken care of her for the rest of my life if only it would have been possilbe. I always told her I loved her. I find myself now wanting to do that more than anything in this world. She was my life. My whole reason for living. My whole reason for being. It was so hard. And at times is still difficult. She is in my thoughts a great deal of the time. After these 7 plus years, she is still the love of my life. I was so proud of her. And I am sure God was too. What I am trying to say I guess is, you have a beautiful life ahead of you. Grab it and live it with all the gusto you can. You can do it Nancy. I know it is easy for anyone to say that who is not going through what you are right now. But take one day at a time. Just say I only have to do this for today. It works. Knowing that you are winning in all this is a great inspiration. And YOU ARE winning. Nancy your husband will be so releived when he knows you are all well again. Just KNOW that you are going to beat this. Know it. And you WILL beat it. A positive mental attitude does great wonders. And this is a proven fact. And laughter is a tremendous healer. ALWAYS look on the bright side of things. Be Happy. I have heard of people laughing themselves right out of the hospital when they didn't have a chance at life at all. The mind can do wonders for your body. Make it work. It will happen. I want to encourage you Nancy because I know in my heart you can do this with flying colors. I myself have felt the great monserous pain of losing someone. One can not know without experiencing it. But, thankfully, your husband Norm will never experience that. Keep fighting Nancy. It IS worth it. My prayers are with you. As are many, many others. Take care and God bless. Love to you both, R. Let Love Prevail