Michael Turns 6 Months into 3 Years
Three years ago, I ran into Michael Price again. I don’t even remember how it happened, but I am glad it did. We met at a Pizza Hut for their lunch buffet, not to far from his home on the lake. We talked, got caught up and ate pizza and salad for at least two hours. it was when he first told me about the recurrence of his cancer. "Pizza Huts don’t have nothing on Michael and me, we got our monies worth!”
From then on, we talked quite frequently which was in itself a feat because Michael didn’t have or need a cell phone. How nice! He did know when i called because my name would pop up on his TV. I wish I had thought of that invention.
About a year later, he had to go to Baptist Hospital and then Lexington Hospital to recover. I went there to visit him one night and we had a party. "Hey man, this food is really good,” Michael said and it was. "How does my hair and beard look?,’ Michael said. “Looks like you are ready to go to your High School Prom again,” I said and he was. We had desert and coffee and talked the night away. never a negative word about his fight with cancer. "Hey man, please hand me that canister, I need to take a pee,” Michael said and I did and he did. We were definitely friends. It was also a special night for me because I got to meet his wonderful wife, Linda.
Over the next year we met several times at restaurants around the Lexington area. Michael, always talking about the next clinical trial that was going to help him defeat his cancer. I just listened in amazement and agreed with him. The last time I met with him was several months ago. I went to see him at his home on the lake. Linda was also there and very gracious in letting us bundle up and sit on the dock on the lake. We talked for several hours and Michael gave me a tour of the property, so carefully maneuvering the lakeside landscape. He had his football ready but honestly, it was to cold for him to take his shoes off!!!!
Michael, taught me many things over the course of our friendship and through his courageous battle with cancer. I will live the rest of my life appreciating every moment, loving the people close to me, helping all I can, fearing nothing in the physical world and seeking a deep sense of spirituality. I will do this without complaining, bickering or hurting others until the day that i die. So help me God!
“Thank you my friend and know that your legacy lives on!"