The beginning to "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" It might be eerily similar to the title of my blog...
"The road is long
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother"
With many a winding turn
That leads us to who knows where
Who knows when
But I'm strong
Strong enough to carry him
He ain't heavy, he's my brother"
January 10, 2012 let it be said that yours truly ventured more into "the realm" than ever before. I was talking to my Dad on the phone, he in sunny Southern California me in the cloudy Pacific Northwest. Again, like so many times before one of the things on mind was a song dealing with emotion. I knew that Yvonne and I were seeing Dr. Senecal today to map out our near and long term future. I am currently experiencing some significant pain in my right hip and leg and a general downhill feeling all around. The Hollies version of the classic "He Ain't Heavy" came out in 1969. Surprisingly it never made it past number 7 in the USA and number 3 in England. The song was written by Bobby Scott and Bob Russell. Russell was dying of Lymphoma when the song was recorded by The Hollies, and eventually died of the blood cancer in 1970. Most lyricists believe the title came from the motto for Boys Town, a community formed in 1917 by a Catholic priest named Father Edward Flanagan. Located in Omaha, Nebraska, it was a place where troubled or homeless boys could come for help. In 1941, Father Flanagan was looking at a magazine called The Messenger when he came across a drawing of a boy carrying a younger boy on his back, with the caption, "He ain't heavy Mr., he's my brother." Father Flanagan thought the image and phrase captured the spirit of Boys Town, so he got permission and commissioned a statue of the drawing with the inscription, "He ain't heavy Father, he's my brother." The statue and phrase became the logo for Boys Town. In 1979, girls were allowed and the name was eventually changed to Girls And Boys Town. The logo was updated with a drawing of a girl carrying a younger girl added. The recording by the Hollies included then session musician Elton "Reg" John on piano, and Graham Nash had recently departed to be part of the super-group CSN and later CSNY.
We had an interesting meeting with Dr. Senecal, he is working on finding me some Chlofarabine to give it one last shot at somehow finding my way back to remission. He also wanted to prepare us for palliative care (just prior to hospice) in case I can't reach remission. The odds, they are stacked against me but there is no quit in me. I love this song and it goes out to everyone who can provide some help to others. Also to those who need the help, take it and don't complain! Live Happy like it might be your last day.
One more thing for 2012! BIG CLIMB information- as we have a team once again for the March 25 event. (The Long and Winding Road)
Here is the link: The Big Climb
If you want to sign up you will need to find the team by name, the password to join is dolphin8 the discount code is: 076420911189 which will save you $5.
33 comments:
My Brother is named Alan. He ain't heavy! I love him and his wife Mary. My sister is Cathy, she is in no way heavy I wish I could do more for her and her husband Les. My Wife Yvonne and my Kids Natalie, Andrew and Mikheal ain't heavy expect in my heart.
January 10, 2012 4:51 PM
I hope the new drug works. I got turned down for hospice by the hospice doctor! I didn't know they had another doctor who decides. Maybe it's a good omen, who knows! Life is sure crazy
Love ya brother!
I love this song and this post.Yes our hearts have been heavy. At this point in the long and winding road I wish so much we did not have to go down. I am so proud of you on how you have handled this winding road. You are an inspiration. You have not been lucky with this disease but you have so lucky in so many other ways. You are so loved.
Yvonne
Gres and Yvonne, know you are in my daily prayers and thoughts. We know just how much a positive attitude plays in our well being. Keep on fighting!! Karen McIver
Greg and Yvonnne: A hard day I am sure. I pray that they are able to find and administer this drug and it gets you back to remission. Many, many prayers are crossing the country from East to West. Please know that if there is anything we can do, just ask.
Mary-Beth McMurray from the ECC.
Absolutely love this song. This has certainly been a long and winding road for you and everyone that loves you... but there is still plenty of road to go. Love & Prayers always to you & Yvonne.
As alway Greg Prayers,Prayers and more Prayers.
Hank
Love this song and the lyrics!! Very touching and I cannnot help but tear up a bit. However, I tell myself I have to be strong for you and Yvonne. Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with. I will try my best to deliver!! I am going to sign up now for the Big Climb!! I have faith in you and our heavenly Father, pray that the treatment will get you back on track!! Live strong and let's pull together!!
Brother Alo checkin in.
I Love Yvonnes' post.
Your post today rings true.
C U soon.
Love Big A
Yvonne- you did what so far no one else has: made me tear up. You are are right I am the luckiest man alive!
Greg, I am so sorry this road has been so rocky and hard for so long. Your courage and fortitude has left me in awe.
Stay strong, my friend.
Attitude
by: Charles Swindoll
"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life.
Attitude, to me, is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes,
than what others think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.
It will make or break a company... a church... a home.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding
the attitude we will embrace for that day.
We cannot change our past... we cannot change the
fact that people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude... I am convinced that life is 10% what happens
to me and 90% how I react to it.
And so it is with you... we are in charge of our attitudes."
Greg and Yvonne,
Beautiful posts from you. Keep up the heartfelt writing. It's what matters the most, speaking from our hearts. Ultimately it's all we have. I'm glad we could speak on the phone tonight. Lots of tears here. Full moon tonight behind the clouds, the wind has picked up and we are saying goodbye to our 50 degree January days. When we see all the stars here at night, we always think of you and Cathy and wish on them.
You're not heavy either and we gladly carry you always.
Keep fighting. Never, ever give up.
More love than we can ever say...
Mary D.
We just watched the video all the way through-how beautiful--the journey of water from clouds and rain on a high peak into creeks, waterfalls, canyons, rivers and finally to the ocean. On the river trips we have done, I always think about the endless flow of water, where it came from and where it will go, how it never stops. And I have always wondered what it would be like to be water dancing carefree to the edge of a cliff and flinging off into a waterfall over the edge in freedom.
So powerful. Thank you, Greg.
love you,
Mary D.
greg, how i wish we had been closer so i could have gotten to know you better. you are such an eloquent writer..i do hope that someone gets your blog published. your knowledge of music is awesome and how you tie it all together is pure magic.
as far as this evil cancer goes, all i can say is hang in there. your courage is an inspiration to so many and i am proud that you are my cousin in law. yvonne is equally amazing and i bet your children are too.
i know how many questions i have about life, why things work the way they do, how unfair it sometimes seems, but you are my role model. if you don't complain then how can i? you won't quit so how can i? you believe in tomorrow so i must too. do you have any idea how many people you have touched by your very being? one often poses the question, "why me?" and there is never an answer. but just maybe your story will touch the lives of many people and help them through their why me stage. fight with all you have. you have lived every moment to the fullest since this nasty illness arrived and i expect nothing less as you go on your long and winding path. my hat is off to you and your family and i am proud to be a dymerski. fondly, sharon
Like Yvonne says, I have been so lucky in so many ways, Syharon- espect a call. X- (the attitude guru) you have inspired me once again. I will be playing what strings left on the guitar- the bass string is starting to hurt a little, maybe a new pick!
Greg and Yvonne. Thinking about you and sending prayers for strength and hoping the doc is able to get the meds you need. Continue with your positive thinking and we will keep sending you prayers from across the miles. You are an inspiration.
Love, Jackie
Thinking about you as I sit here at Virginia Mason getting my chemo........keep your chin up and know that our prayers and thoughts are always with you and Yvonne.......T-Rex
Live Strong Live Free Dad!! I enjoy our talks on the phone and all your advice you give! I will do of what you ask of me, i want you to see me succeed and not get stuck in a dark place. your concern like a parent can sometimes be a lot but always welcome. U can rest in peace knowing i do listen and will try my hardest to follow your guidance. Love you so much!!!!
your son
Andrew
T-Rex- you go get them knowing I am ready to help or support you in any way I can! You'll have to excuse me as I cry and wipe away the tears my Son Andrew just made me cry! I love you Andrew.
Greg, Andrew made me cry too and that is okay.Your opsting and Yvonnes made me tear up and think about all the fun times we have had and how much you inspired me and kept me under control at times too. You hang tough. Prayers as always.
Bob Meyer
Keeping you in my prayers
Love, Cathy
Ok Ok break it up here.... On a lighter note tell me about this climb aqain. How many stairs are there and do I have to do them all in the same day or week?
Hey T Rex, thoughts and prayers for you too. Take care.
Capt. Ron
Oh Greggers, my heart aches for you and your family having to experience so many ups and downs, ins and outs, overs and unders... And, the song you chose (as always) is so very appropriate... the video was breath-taking and reminded me once again of the cycle of life... The majority of our individual human bodies is made up of water; we are born in water, and when our time is up, we return to that Great Source...an endless ocean of Love...I do pray, however, that it is NOT your Time to be reunited with that Source yet---you are such a strong, enduring, beautiful human that I just cannot imagine you not being here in the physical realm... I know you will continue to fight and do all in your power to stay with us; but also please also know in your heart of hearts that when all is said and done, you have hundreds of people who will carry you ALWAYS in their hearts... I am just one of them...And, just the thought of you makes me smile and warms my heart...Am so very blessed to have had the opportunity to work with you and call you my friend...Peace be with you and Love forever... KKW
Greg - I have not checked in on you for awhile, but clearly you are continuing to share those hard lessons in life to those that are listening. This journey stinks in so many ways, as I watched my Mother take a similar trip. I pray for you and your family and encourage you to keep plugging along and enjoying every moment. Life is truly a blessing and the gift that you are giving will be felt for years to come. I believe in miracles and as long as you do, they too are possible. Sally
GREG,
You have been such a inspriation to so many people around you. And you are loved by so many, especially those of us that where lucky enough to work with you and those that have been able to call you a friend.
Please remember that your brothers and sister with the King County Sheriff's Office are praying for you and traveling along this road with you. God Bless you my friend, keep the faith as we will be standing beside you.
Nicki
Capt. Ron, it is only 1311 steps, 69 floors of pure joy. Too bad there isn't a New England clam bake at the end!
Hey Greg,
This is another blast from the past. Joan Baez is no rocker but her voice is amazing. I have, I admit, always loved this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNx2rH6hHog
You want a New England Clambake Greg??? We can arrange that!! You fight the fight and we will take care of the rest!! :) jam of the ecc
Hi Greg, we have never met, we are Ashley's parents.We have had the pleasure of meeting your son, he is such a kind and wonderful young man ,I am sure you and Yvonne are very proud of him. He has told us of the rough road you have been facing with such great courage. Myself and a lot of my friends are praying for you, including a Nun, I hope that counts extra. We will follow your lead and continue to pray for your strength and remission.
Warm Regards Roe and Phil Desplat
Greg, 1311 steps, 69 floors of pure joy...well I'll sign up and take a shot at that. How about a challange to all of you silent able bodies reading the blog. Let's raise some money for the cause and have a great time, perhaps burn some calories in the meantime. Follow the instructions above.
Team Dymerski
Nice to meet you Phil and Roe. We've wanted to meet Ashley for a long time, and will soon one way or another. Jackie, I have been talking to Edie and the same goes for the ECC. I have yet another new story to tell, will do it today. Ron, thanks for the motivation, our "The Long and Winding Road" team needs teamates! To those that have already donated- you are the best. Karen, Sally Sharon, and Bob- great advice and insight. I do believe in miracles as I have seen some occur during me and my sister's time with our illnesses.
Alice- I am so glad I was able to elicit some tears or emotion- we will pull together and climb that black building. Thanks for the call Hank. Edie- you stick in there, I need you as part of this extended family more every day. Karen, look into the sky and tell me what you see! A and M- what can I say bu a great big think you for your love and prayers!
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