Lincoln Discussion Symposium

(07-15-2015 04:33 PM)PaigeBooth Wrote: [ -> ]Jim-- I was reminded today of one of my favorite Walt Whitman quotes that I thought you might also like: "Keep your face always toward the sunshine-- and shadows will fall behind you."

Wishing you a full recovery and sending you many well wishes of comfort.

Paige,

I don't remember ever reading that quote from Whitman, but it is beautiful and very appropriate in times of stress. Thank you for posting it with your wishes for Jim's health.

Now, Mr. Garrett, do what Paige and Walt say and turn to the sun so that you ignore any shadows!

Jim –

I wanted to add my best and good wishes for you as well.

I had the good fortune to spend part of this week at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, which was the mission control center for the New Horizons probe to Pluto. (My brother is one of the leaders of the New Horizons Science Team.) I was there Tuesday evening when New Horizons “phoned home” and confirmed that the mission was a success.

The reason I mention this is that as I met and spoke with members of the New Horizons’ team, I was struck by the incredible power of the human spirit. New Horizons was launched in January 2006, and has taken 9.5 years to arrive at its destination. Over a decade of work went into the mission before it was launched. These men and women persevered in spite of long odds, and professional and personal challenges – including, in at least two instances of which I am aware, cancer.

So as you face the challenges ahead, I hope the events of this week may be an inspiration. That, and the knowledge that you have a lot of acquaintances and friends who are pulling for you as well.

Bill Binzel

(07-15-2015 08:54 PM)L Verge Wrote: [ -> ]

(07-15-2015 04:33 PM)PaigeBooth Wrote: [ -> ]Jim-- I was reminded today of one of my favorite Walt Whitman quotes that I thought you might also like: "Keep your face always toward the sunshine-- and shadows will fall behind you."

Wishing you a full recovery and sending you many well wishes of comfort.

Paige,

I don't remember ever reading that quote from Whitman, but it is beautiful and very appropriate in times of stress. Thank you for posting it with your wishes for Jim's health.

Now, Mr. Garrett, do what Paige and Walt say and turn to the sun so that you ignore any shadows!

I wasn't aware these words were Whitman's. I would have thought of Laotse, or the old Irish, as the quote reminds me of one of my favorite old Irish prayers:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

(And I pray He will!)

Jim, Toia asked me to include her prayers and good wishes here and send them to you with love. She has been ill and unable to sign-in to the forum. I spoke with her today and she is on the mend but still needs rest.

Anita, thank you for posting Toia's message to Jim. Toia, we all have Jim in our prayers, but you are in them, too! Hope you are back to 100% soon!

(07-18-2015 04:16 PM)RJNorton Wrote: [ -> ]Anita, thank you for posting Toia's message to Jim. Toia, we all have Jim in our prayers, but you are in them, too! Hope you are back to 100% soon!

I 200% second this, Toia!!!

Get well soon, Jim.

Again, thank you everyone. I meet with my "Breast Care Team" this Tuesday. The team includes my Surgeon, Radiation Oncologist, Medical Oncologist, and three RNs. I look forward to getting all this started as quickly as possible so that I can keep moving forward. I will keep everyone............a breast. (sorry couldn't resist).

All the best Jim, and thanks for letting us know - also that you kept your good sense of humor!!! That's good to know!

Jim, I second all that Eva said. Hope all goes well!

I'm praying for Jim, who is always so wonderful, too. How many of us wouldn't have ever known about the Surratt conferences or Tudor Hall or even about each other if not for Jim.

Jim,

I just heard on the local news that your county executive has proposed removing the Confederate soldier statue from the grounds of the old Rockville courthouse. You had better recuperate quickly and set your sights on preserving history in your backyard. Wasn't the old courthouse where John Surratt gave one of his lectures?

Jim called this afternoon on his way to work. Both he and his team of doctors are very optimistic as to his prognosis. After his surgery, further treatment will be determined. Don't forget to keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Jim,

I am late in hearing of your situation. Know that I will be praying for you in these days.

Psalm 16:8

Rick

Heard from Jim the other day - we had a nice chat! I pray that all will be will and he CAN go on that Gettysburg walk! I can't join you this year, Jim - but next year is a definite!! I'll be praying for you -