Unity

Greetings! I am thrilled to tell you my PET scan revealed I’m in remission, y’all! Thank you for your support!

As many of you know, Shannan and I are fans of Sister Hazel. The band’s concerts are always audience centered and family friendly. At the Hazel Hang we attended in June, a woman was on the front row with two elementary aged kids. Ken Block, the lead singer, pulled one of the little guys up on stage. Shell shock set in on the boy. He stood next to Ken frozen as if blinded by the stage lights. Ken was patient and kind with the youngster. After a couple of minutes, the boy happily returned to his mom and brother.

Jett Beres, the bassist, was stationed on the same side as the family. He, too, brought the boy on stage. Still, the child was hesitant to be the center of attention. At one point, the young fellow raised one arm in the air. His hand balled in a fist as if to say power. That brought a cheer from the audience. The boy stood there, fist held high. I looked around the room and noticed adults raising their hand with him in unity. I couldn’t help but to pump my fist up high. Not everyone joined in, but a great many did. Women, men, young and old, some singing, dancing, drinking, and others solemnly holding up an arm in solidarity with an unknown kid. The moment didn’t last long, but for me, it marked the very sense of belonging that brings people to concerts.

Last July, in person and on social media, I raised my arm, not in power, but in a request for support. You, oh so many of you, quickly and repeatedly pumped your fist with mine. You said yes to me, and no to cancer. Throughout my treatment, particularly in the tough times, I would raise my fist in the air. I knew I was not alone. It was that sense of friendship, love and unity you gave to me that made all the difference. Please know that in the everyday and the hardships, I stand, arm raised with you.

Tom