I’ve spent the better part of the last three days, Friday through Sunday, trapped up on the hill on Ioka Hills Rd. My good friend Chuck Davis got up here with his truck on Friday and took me to and from dialysis. I spent the rest of the time catching up on letters and answering family members’ inquiries as to my health.

First I’d like to thank you all collectively for the prayers, the thanks and the beautiful words of praise I receive for my work, not to mention the much appreciated donations.

As for my health, I’ll be going to Pardee on Monday morning, Feb. 1, to remove more tumors that have developed and I think some chemo will be administered.

I told the doctor that I feel fine. “Can’t you just let it be?” I asked.

“No,” he answered, “it will get messy if we don’t handle it.” So I guess I’ll have to rely on the good doctors and your prayers once again.

On Wednesday I’ll be taking Cleo, a five-year-old Jack Russell, up to visit my old friend Dr. Keith Allen at the Upstate Veterinary Specialists in Greenville. As you are all aware these visits cost thousands of dollars but once again your prayers and donations have made it possible to help this sweet girl and her wonderful family.

Here at home my Boxer, Charma, has been sticking to me like glue, being at my side when I write, when I read, when I sleep or watch TV. On Sunday morning while sitting at my table with a cup of coffee and catching up on some letter writing (I prefer snail mail), Charma was sitting by me moaning for attention. Since I was already a bit stir crazy from being shut in (I’m not a good invalid), I raised my voice to Charma for the first time in her life.

“WHAT IS IT GIRL, GIVE ME A BREAK.”

Charma’s face looked so sad because her daddy yelled at her; I thought my heart would break.

“Oh sweetheart, I’m sorry,” I said, folding her into my arms. It dawned on me that she probably senses that her daddy is a little bit out of sorts and her clinging is her instinctively trying to comfort me.

“Dear God,” I prayed, “When will I ever learn to pay attention to the messages You send me?”

I put my pen away and spent the rest of the day returning my sweet Charma’s love. I wish humans would forgive so quickly.

Thanks for listening.