Sunday, April 26, 2009

Friendships

Although my last round of chemo went pretty smoothly, my counts have dropped significantly and I will need to be very cautious over the next week or so.
But I would like to express a special thanks to Ben and Michelle Nitsch because Michelle made a special trip all the way from Aledo (20 min. west of Ft. Worth) to our house east of Dallas, to drop off a great meal, sandwiches, snacks and a bottle of Cabernet for the weekend.  Ben, you have a pretty special wife and mother of two wonderful sons, but I am sure you already know that.  Salazar happened to also be in town for the Spurs game and Mark dropped by to visit as well...not bad for a day that started with a chemo cocktail.
We made it to the Spurs game only to be disappointed by a loss, but Khalil helped make it enjoyable by allowing us access to a couple suites which Mike and Eric seem to take full advantage of.  Also thanks to Winn, I was able to get a couple early Father's Day gifts for John and Brian to join us for the game and I know at least Brian had fun.  
To cap off the day we met up with some old high school soccer buddies and really enjoyed sharing stories and getting caught up.  Matt Martucci really added some excitement about the special tomorrow night on Fox 4 about my story that he has put so much effort into.  
We also had a surprise visit from Brad Massey, an old San Antonio friend that I had the distinct honor of playing at the college level at UNT with and he was my roommate our freshman year until he moved onto to SMU and excelled at an elite level.  His work ethic and discipline, that I have always admired, has made him into the successful man that he is today.  Thanks again for making the trip all the way from Atlanta.
I want to continue to extend my ultimate appreciation for the unbelievable support, love, and prayers that seem endless and with such genuine sacrifice.
Eric, Paige, Michelle, Mark, Krisleigh, Paul, Anne, Riley, Jenna, Tammy, Weida, Khalil, and of course Danielle...I cannot express what The Alex Laynor Foundation means to me and how important the success of this effort could mean for other families in a similar situation in the future.  Please know that all your hard work and effort has been extremely humbling and that I am very lucky to have such incredible friends who continue to give so much even with all of your hectic lifestyles.

Love,
Alex


8 comments:

  1. Alex,

    I saw your story on Fox 4 news tonight and I am inspired by your courage and faith. Although we are total strangers, I will pray for you and your family and I admire you more than I can ever say as you continue to fight for your life.

    God Bless,
    Paul Johnson
    Fort Worth, TX

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  2. Alex,

    I just wanted to say hello, and wish you well. You and your Family are in our prayers!

    Todd Woody

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  3. Hi Alex, I don't know if you remember me...my name is Karen (Ramos)...I was actually in Mr. Hambrick's 6th grade class with you..I remember you broke your arm playing football during recess. We also went to high school together. Anyhow, I just wanted to say hello and let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. I admire you for your strength, courage, and optimism. May God bless you and your family.

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  4. Eric & Paige are acquaintances of mine from church, and I watched your TV appearance via their comments on Facebook.

    I am touched by your story. You are blessed, with two beautiful children and a lovely, obviously loving wife. God has also given you such a beautiful view of your situation, and I wish you the best...in everything.

    I collect quotes from time to time, so I leave you with these:

    God always answers prayers…. It’s just so hard to tell whether He is saying "No" or "Know".

    and

    "To see a world in a grain of sand
    And a heaven in a wild flower,
    Hold infinity in the palm of your hand And eternity in an hour."
    - (William Blake)

    Peace be with you and yours,

    Jean Marusak

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  5. Dear Alex, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. I work with Jeff Hattaway and he told me about you and asked that I pray for you. Your name is on a sticky note on my computer screen at work. Jeff told me that you were going to be on the news tonight. Prayers daily for you. :)

    Sincerely,
    Melissa Stephens

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  6. Hi Alex, I saw you on video tonight. I'm so sorry this thing keeps coming back! You have a golden spirit and a precious family. :-) I am a full-time volunteer with the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative and Team Sarcoma. If there is any way that I can help, let me know? My e-mail user name is mary and the domain name is sarcomahelp.org . Many blessings to you and yours!

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  7. Hi Alex. I actually know you but I don't know you personally, I do go to the same church as you and actually usually end up sitting within a row sometimes two away from your family at church and was shocked when Katherine mentioned the cancer had came back. Also, Danielle was one my daughters' Sunday School teacher 2/3 years ago. Well I just wanted to stop by and wish you and your family all the best and will be praying for you. If there is anything I can ever do, I am the quite one usally a row or two behind your family.

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  8. you may or may not remember me, but we were friends in college. my name is jen smith, i was rose's good friend, who was good friends w/ eric. i've been linked up to your page on facebook for a while and have been following your progress there. i saw the story on the news and just have to say that i am truly moved and amazed by your spirit and your courage. am praying for you and your family daily. it looks like you have a whole team of prayer warriors on your side. how amazing is that!!
    blessings.

    ps- i'm sorry my mavs blew away your spurs. (not really)

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