More From John R. Robinson

After recovering from the impact of cancer and cancer treatments by the Spring of 2009, I had embarked on a whole new second career as an executive with one of our regional health care systems.  I learned a lot and found new ways to be the healer that I had always been called to be, even if not in direct patient care.

During surgery and followup treatment, I was in almost every department of the hospital, which helped me know those experiences from a patient point of view.  It made me a more passionate administrator and leader, and a more compassionate human being.  While going through those rough and desperately fatiguing days of radiation and chemo, I would drive past soccer fields on the way home from work, and wonder if I would ever have the chance to see my own grandchildren play.  Would I ever see another Autumn or Spring? 

I give thanks every day now that over 9 years later, I have had the chance to walk our two daughters down the aisle in their weddings, and we now have 5 wonderful grandchildren to love and to watch playing soccer and baseball! 

Thank you to all of you who make The Upper Room the gift that it is to so many.