The Fax of Life

A weekly inspiration, courtesy of the Kiwanis Club of Scott's Valley

January 15, 2012                                            Volume 18, Number 15

Adam

While recuperating from her second open-heart surgery at Children’s Hospital of Western Ontario, my six-year-old daughter, Kelley, was moved from the intensive care unit to the floor with the other children. Because a section of the floor was closed, Kelley was put in the wing reserved for cancer patients.

In the adjacent room, a six-year-old boy named Adam was fighting a battle with leukemia. Adam stayed at the hospital for a portion of each month while receiving chemotherapy treatments.

Every day Adam sauntered into Kelley’s room to visit, pushing the pole that held his chemotherapy bag. Despite the discomfort of the treatments, Adam was always smiling and cheerful. He entertained us for hours with his many stories. Adam had a way of finding the positive and the humor in any situation, however, difficult.

One particular day, I was feeling tired and anxious for Kelley’s release from the hospital. The gray, gloomy day outside only fueled my poor mood. While I stood at the window looking at the rainy sky, Adam came in for his daily visit. I commented to him on what a depressing day it was. With his ever-present smile, Adam turned to me and cheerily replied, ‘Every day is beautiful for me’.

From that day on I have never had a gloomy day. Even the grayest days bring a feeling of joy as I remember with gratitude the words of wisdom spoken by a very brave six-year-old boy named Adam.

                                    --  By Patti Merritt  

KIwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and one community at a time. All of its Clubs are independently-run community service groups.

• The Kiwanis Club of Scott's Valley normally meets at Bruno's Restaurant in Scott's Valley, CA, on Wednesdays at 7 am (second week of the month at 5:00 pm) - see the Scott's Valley Kiwanis website @ http://svkiwanis.org for details; The Kiwanis Club of Rosemead normally meets on Thursdays at 12:10 in Rosemead, CA - see the Rosemead Kiwanis website @ http://rosemeadkiwanis.org for confirmation and directions. Visitors are welcome to attend meetings of either club anytime.

• There is no charge to anyone for receiving the "Fax," which today is circulated by e-mail and website posting rather than literally by Fax. If you have been encouraged in any way by the message, pass it on by saying something encouraging to someone else during the week. To subscribe to the free RKC Reporter (produced by the Rosemead Kiwanis Club and which usually includes a link to the latest "Fax,") simply email kcrosemead@aol.com,

• Neither the Scott's Valley or Rosemead Kiwanis Clubs make any representations as to the accuracy of quotes or actions attributed to named individuals; material selected for the Fax of Life comes from a variety of sources and is chosen based solely on its presumed inspirational value to readers.