A Special Place in Hell
People fascinate me.
When the Life is Real series commenced last December (you know, back when they ran some of it in the paper), I was surprised by the number of people who came to the blog of a dying man with an agenda. Not a hidden agenda, mind you. An in your face, take this opinion or else agenda.
Many of them had products they wanted me to buy. You know, miracle pills that “the doctors and insurance companies don’t want us to know about.” The fix-all diet. Stuff like that.
A few had actual medical procedures they wanted me to try on for size.
Others wanted me to “buy” into their personal belief system. Not knowing what mine is, they would invent one for me, before going to great lengths to show me the error of my ways. (By the way, my belief system’s not exactly hidden. If they would just buy the books, they could learn all they ever pretended to want to know.)
Thankfully, most of the people who were once so concerned about me have now gone away–now that the media attention has disappeared.
Which leaves, for the most part, you. The real readers. The ones who were actually interested in my story, my predicament, my tragic tale, my random thoughts as the clock ticks down. You are the good guys, the ones who leave thoughtful comments, send interesting e-mails, encourage me when I’m down, and celebrate when things happen to go my way. You are the ones who get me.
And hopefully, you’ll be the ones who will remember me when I’m gone, the ones who will be there for my family. Because I need that from you. I really, really do.
Now the only irritating “readers” that are left are the spammers. These are the people who search for blogs, pretend to read the stories, then insert some advertisement or product-related e-mail into their message.
I received two of those today. Thankfully the software caught them before their messages made it to the blog.
But how fascinating is it that these moneychangers try to use this site as a place to hawk their goods? There’s gotta be a special place in hell for people like that.
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Comments
Jim,
I read your column in the paper and have continued to read your blog. I saw yours come across a Facebook friend’s blog. She is a teacher in my building, Mary Tippens. I asked about you and she told me you are married to her cousin. I commented on how I read your blogs and what a good writer I thought you are. She brought your book, I
Survived Cancer But Never Won the Tour de France. My husband is a cancer survivor. We still cringe every year when it’s time for his check-up. We totally “get it”. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Susan Mitchell
Duncan, OK
ps…Mary is a great teacher! I am the guidance counselor at her school and it’s a joy to work with her.
Even though we’ve never met, I think of you and pray for you daily. I also come to read your stories, hoping to hear something good and again pray for you. What a wonderful person you are and we are all blessed to know you! Thank you for sharing.
I have a very young friend with breast cancer. I am walking for her (and others) this weekend at the Race for the Cure. She shares her story at the caring bridge website and I go there everyday. Always hoping to hear anything good.
Wishing you both a good day!
Laura
I totally agree with you. My dream scenario is that people who do things like that will spend eternity caught in a loop which forces them to physically experience the pain they leave in their wake as they breeze through the anguish of other people’s lives without so much as a glance at what is really happening. Guess I have some anger issues about this!
I’m one of the many that have been reading your posts and you encourage me not to whine – ever – because I have nothing to complain about compared to your daily battle. I pray for you and I would never assume that you do not have a faith all your own. One thing I have found in my many years of experience (I’m kinda of ancient) is that in times of trial; people find God. So I know He’s very much with you and your family. You should also remember today that you have many, many friends and they will be there for your family. Your long-lasting friends will be there for them next year and the next. I pray you have a good week and you can enjoy your family every moment.
I hope you have a great day today Jim! If you are where I think you are today, I’m sure you would much prefer to be elsewhere today. None the less, make it a great day…I know you will!
I called my Dad this morning him to wish him a happy 70th birthday today after making a swift unannounced trip to the panhandle this weekend to surprise him. As we got off the phone this morning, I told him I loved him which we only started saying just a few years back…and you came to my mind for a variety of reasons. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers each day. Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks.
I have been reading your blog for sometime now and have really enjoyed hearing about your journey and your family. None of us are promised tomorrow, nor do we know how we would cope in your situation. Having kids about the ages of yours I can only imagine how hard it must be for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you continue on this journey.
The proverbial Snakeoil Salesman . . . how have those people been able to continue to sell their potions for so long? I have an idea, but must keep it to myself lest I insult a certain segment of the population. You are right, there will be a special table reserved for them by the Kitchen in Hell. Avoid them, as they suck your energy out. Know that there is a group of ordinary (and I am sure, extraodinary) people praying for you & your family – for strength and support – in whatever way you need it – and they want nothing in return. But if you are interested, I have some farm land in Florida . . . (did that make you smile?)
Hi Jim,
My name is Amy and you recently sent me a copy of two of your books. I just finished “I survived cancer but never won the tour de france”. I LOVED it! I am 29 and have been battling cancer for four years now and we have so many stories in common, as I am sure that many cancer patients do. Thank you so much for some good laughs! I would love to be able to contact you to share some more stories and stay in touch through this battle. Please email me if that would be possible!
From a member of the cancer club,
Amy
i have read your blog everyday since the beginning. sometimes i check twice a day to see if you’ve posted. i’ve also thoroughly checked out your personal website. i’m so glad you’ve continued to post. i think this is an amazingly personal thing you’re doing. don’t know why i feel a connection to you but i do. i think of you and your family all the time. i pray you have more good days than bad. there are stranger friends out there who are sending good thoughts your way.
Jim, I understand what you are saying, I wrote you recently that we were at the same church when you were growing up, and that I had been diagnosed with cancer and was coming to MD Anderson. My surgery was on the 24th and on the 28th I had TWO funeral homes call my home–pre arrangement?? dont know but I will not be calling them back.
Love reading your blogs! I have been reading them since the days of The Oklahoman. God bless you. Sincerely Kevin Foreman Copan, Okla.
Amen, brother!! You never cease to amaze me with your dialog. By the way, I was wondering if I could show you a new….just kidding!! Love you man!!!
Jim,
I’m sorry I haven’t been in to check on you for a while, I kept hoping you would continue to blog, I’ve missed your inspiring stories, welcome back. I continue to pray for you and your family.
Teddie
Please stay with us, Jim. Please don’t give up. I look for your blogs every day as I would a note from a really good friend and I have never even met you. You have brought such a lot of goodness to all of us. If this sounds stupid, please forgive me. I just don’t have your grace in writing.
My prayers are always with you,
Martha