“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch,
a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring,
all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia
I recently read that the task of life is to understand our minds and perform acts of kindness. I have been the recipient of kindnesses recently and would like to express my gratitude and share a few of them with you.
1. On Christmas day, a friend and his family prepared and delivered to me a delicious dinner. On a day when I was exhausted from chemo treatment, this delivery of a wonderful meal, complete with a seasonal place setting and candle brought joy to my life.
2. My sister sent me a wonderful, cozy, fleece throw in the mail. I cuddle up in that very often with a good book or DVD.
3. A friend brought me a box of DVD’s for the times when I don’t feel like doing any thing else but sit in a cozy chair and watch TV.
4. Two friends took me to lunch by the river. It was wondrous. We sat by the confluence of the Lehigh and the Delaware. The energy of the water, the sun and the love of friends boosted the healing process.
5. Another friend drove 45 minutes each way to bring me holiday cookies and go to lunch.
6. A student brought me a yummy Saturday night dinner.
7. Phone calls and emails just to check-in and say “hi.”
8. A note from a niece expressing gratitude for an act of kindness many years ago.
9. A kind, knowing smile from a woman in a store when she noticed my bald head.
These are just a few of the many acts of kindness and love I have received.
Letters 
As 2007 closes I pray for you that ill health closes for you also. As 2008 dawns bright tomorrow I pray for the steady return to health that you so much deserve. My prayers will continue on a daily basis for you and will not cease. I hope you can feel my hugs across the miles!!
I hope that whenever you’re feeling lonely in your journey to health, please call me. This part of your journey will end and you’ll look back with amazement at how you were/are able to draw on your inner strength to allow you to continue. My thoughts are always with you.
I continue to be impressed and inspired by your thoughts and insights as well as your courage.
Mary and I send our love and hope that you will experience a full recovery.
Hope we can have an opportunity to see you soon!
With love and admiration,
Your brother Dick