TheBanyanTree: I Have Issues - Afterword

[Jim Miller]

Friends All,

In March, it will be 18 years that I walked into a small cafe by the side
of the road. It had an interesting name - The Spoon. That was about a month
after I was diagnosed with life threatening heart disease. Some of you were
there. A few joined not long after. A few good friends have gone on, and I
miss them. That month when I could only walk a short distance and my
breathing rattled, I howled at the moon for the first time in my life. And
it felt great.

We have shared our lives and our stories with each other. We have mourned
together when we lost a friend. We've shared difficulties and survived
traumas together. And, we've aged together. I think that we're doing pretty
good.

You have all assured me that everyone has issues, and this I know.
Sometimes it's good to be reminded that none escape, and yet, we are in
this together. Some days are better than others and some not so good.
Still, like me, you probably make plans for tomorrow's sunshine. Yes, there
is much to miss, however, relationships will endure and prop us up until we
can no longer communicate. I cherish the friendship and caring of each of
you.

NOW, ABOUT MY ISSUES . . . . . . It is apparent to me that I don't write
here as frequently as I must, in order for you to recognize my tone. I
perceived that some thought I was grumbling about my general state.
Honestly, I'm not. I was striving for levity, but obviously it was lost in
the subtlety. I love life and every day. Some days are a major struggle,
but I know that I will to stand tomorrow. I will not go down as long as I
can howl at the moon. I will tell stories and dance around the campfire.
Please join me.

Jim