Top Ten Things to Be Thankful For

We were all encouraged by the results and the strength that John mustered after his 2nd craniotomy, so we brainstormed a "Top Ten List of Things We Are Thankful For"

I'll start with number 10:

10. John got a brand new wardrobe from the hospital. It includes a fine pair of flesh colored socks with skidproof soles.

9. John did not have to eat ICU food this time. In fact, they fed him a cheeseburger a couple hours after surgery, and we smuggled in a hamburger for him.

8. John has an especially "magnetic" personality these days. We think it's because of the staples in his head.

7. John has a brand new I-Pod. He's adding his own music collection, and refuses to put Martha's Rod Stewart Classics Collection on it.

6. John still has 99% of his full head of hair.

5. John has a strong and growing support system of people thinking about and praying for him each and every day.

4. John and his neurosurgeon, Dr. Wills, are on a first name basis. So, John's new friend, Matt Wills, and he are tight. Dr. Wills is straight forward and does not mince words. John respects and appreciates that approach, as he values knowledge and intelligence greatly, and wants to know all the facts.

3. John's second surgery was not nearly as extensive as the first surgery. His recovery has been swift and smooth, and there have been no side effects. The tissue harvested from the surgery was viable and diagnostic.

2. Dr. Wills determined from the MRI done yesterday that there have been NO changes in the tumors since the original scans on February 22.

1. John is strong, inspirational, courageous, and determined, and insists that he is going to beat this thing.