There is an organization that helps patients with metastatic cancer fulfill a dream or wish. The most frequent request is a trip to Disneyland. Unfortunately there aren’t enough funds to help many patients, so most wishes go unmet. Someone asked me lately what I would wish for. First on my list would be a cure for cancer.

I sure don’t want to go to Disneyland. Several years ago one of the loud-mouthed, ride attendants offended me. After waiting over an hour for a bullet-type rocket ride, he informed me pregnant women weren’t allowed on the ride. Good policy. Bad diplomacy. I wasn’t pregnant.

However, if I were physically able to travel abroad, I would love to go back to the Holy Land. Buddy and I went there in the early 70’s. My biggest regret is that I passed up an opportunity to be baptized in the Jordan River because of the cold weather.

A very good friend just returned from the Holy Land and brought me a small jar of water from the same river in which Jesus was baptized. My pastor has promised to re-baptize me with it. The only problem is that I am a Baptist, so sprinkling is out. Sure is going to be a challenge getting baptized in that baby-food jar.

Who wouldn’t wish for a wad of cash? First thing I’d do is pay Charlie’s college tuition. Then I’d like to anonymously surprise some nice, but financially strapped individuals who are struggling who could use a hand up.

Actually, I have few wishes or dreams. We started out with nothing and still have most of it.

We are rich in the things that matter. How thankful we are for the over-whelming generosity of our friends and neighbors, even strangers occasionally. Casseroles, cakes and full meals come routinely. One friend recently surprised us with a credit at a local restaurant. I don’t cook much anymore and Buddy can’t boil water without scorching it. He’s learning though.

Seldom a day goes by that I don’t receive cards. I save everyone of them. Members of the Girls Auxiliary draw angel patterns on the cards and cut them out. The girls punch holes near the top and attach a fuzzy pipe cleaner wire. I write a name and address of someone else seriously ill on the back of each one and give them to folks to hang on their kitchen cabinet. This way others are remembered and prayed for. If you’d like one, write me: Project Angel Basket, 6156 Southern Rd., Young Harris, GA 30582.

The hospice nurses continue to come to our home on a regular basis. They check me out, bring medications and communicate with my doctor. Dr. Rob says I am not the typical hospice patient. I still teach Sunday School most weeks and drive when I have a good day. Even play a few practical jokes now and then.

If the six month prognosis is accurate, then I am down to a matter of weeks.

I want to have a blast while I last. Besides it ain’t over until it’s over.

I still have faith that God can and maybe will extend my life somewhat longer. Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings while the dawn is still dark.