What was to be the 70th summer of my life became the summer of the fight of my life. In June, an MRI revealed a blockage in my bile duct which turned out to be cancerous. In July, I underwent a surgical procedure called the Whipple. I am currently undergoing an aggressive chemo and radiation therapy program that will continue into February of 2025. I feel very confident that I am going to be ok. Also, I feel really, really good! Better than before my surgery. I feel so good, it is difficult to wrap my head around the fact that there is anything seriously wrong with me.
The writing prompt for the Chatham Memoir Group was “Angels In My Life”. For some reason, Jackson Brown’s song, “These Days”, popped into my head and I started scribbling down words to fit the tune. Please keep in mind I don’t consider myself to be a poet, but my effort to fit the prompt and the song follow.
Angels In My Life
Ernie Stricsek©
I was told that I had cancer
Of the cause there was no answer
Those days
I was full of anger, dread, and tears
Then the angels of my life drew near
And I saw I had nothing to fear
My wife is my first angel
Of her love and devotion, she’s so giving
These days
She has made me feel not afraid
To live each day as all is fine
And that I’ll be around for a long, long time
My other angels are so many
Family, friends, and Doc’s give me reasons
All of these days
These days I think and hope
Their love and care will guide me through more seasons
I’ve been given a second chance
The rest of my life will be a different dance
The Chatham Packet 
Wonderful, wonderful Ernie. You look so good and I know you will conquer this. Please take care of you. Peace – Gerry
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Thank you Gerry!
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👍🏻!
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Thank you Bob!
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Hi Ernie
Such a beautiful and moving poem and expression of gratitude. I am thrilled that you are feeling well.
Of course wishing you the very best
Bob
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Ernie, thank Heaven for early detection! Thank Heaven for the love and devotion holding you dear! Best wishes, “the best is yet to come!” May you live long and happily! Frank
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Frank! It is so good to hear from you. Yes! Early detection certainly helped, and the fact that nasty stuff didn’t invade my pancreas meant I was eligible for the surgery. I plan to be around for quite a while. Best wishes, my friend, I miss seeing you and meeting for lunch.
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Hi Ernie. I’m very sorry to learn about this. I’m pulling for you. Neil
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Hi Neil! Thank you so much my friend. I am sorry, circumstances have made me fall behind on my reading. I owe you some comments. Best wishes to you and your family. I believe I’m going to be ok.
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Dear Ernie,You are a warrior! You will get through this. Prayers for you are continuing nonstop.Keep writing, dear friend!Warmly,Liz EnglishSent from my iPhone
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Liz! It is so good to hear from you! I hope all is well with you and your family. We miss your stories in the Monday group. Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.
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Good surgeons and love will pull you through.
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Hello Helen! Thank you very much. Best Wishes.
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