Hello Friends,
It seemed like my Muse had deserted me in the last few days. I am feeling heartbroken because a precious member of our community, Beverly Brown — who has been a pillar of a popular online prostate cancer support group for years — has been afflicted. Sorely. And when one of us suffers, we all suffer.
Beverley is an extraordinary woman. At one time or another she has been everybody’s mother, sister, friend or advisor. First thing she wrote me when I “joined the PC club” was: “Here’s my phone number. Call anytime.”
The “membership” of the Club in which Bev figures prominently is overwhelmingly male. So it’s a good thing that Bev, like me, seems to regard men as the “fairer sex”. My guess is that If you you have that mindset, you have probably been around high-quality men. In Bev’s case, “Exhibit A” is her beloved husband, George. And Exhibit B? The Brothers in the newsgroup.
Bev joined the prostate cancer support group shortly after her husband was diagnosed. It was a difficult time for her. She later wrote:
“When I started out here, I would end up pouring my heart out to a few of the guys, who somehow managed to wipe my tears and ease my fears.”
Well, Bev went on to emulate these men, and she has since wiped away many a tear herself.
Beverley and George recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of George’s being PC-free. But the rejoicing was short-lived.
Last week George, a youthful 61, suffered a “massive stroke”, apparently because of a congenital problem. George fought for his country in Vietnam. But now he lies in a hospital bed in Virginia Beach, fighting the the biggest battle of his life. He needs a miracle.
Everything I’ve heard about George makes him sound like a special, wonderful, caring man. And I saw his picture online today, so I have to agree with Beverley that he is quite handsome. In this case, the exterior happens to match the interior. The other day Bev wrote:
“George is my rock.