That's the amount of time between getting laid off from my work of over 17 years to a new beginning as a newbie at new company (this coming November 1st) and the amount of weight that I've lost in that time.
It's also significant that I believed that God has given me that time to have space to deal with my own health issues, my brother's illness and eventually passing, and some self examination and self improvement on my part.
Yes, I did play a lot of golf during the earlier months and got to go on some fun outing: (two camping trips, a Monterey Bay trip, and a Mammoth fishing trip), bought new camera equipment: took alot of semi-professional photos for friends and for a community project. Also got re-involved in another life long hobby and was recently certified as an instructor to educate others in that sport.
Because of my time off from work, I was able to spend three with my brother Herbert and his family, went to Toronto Canada with my dad and brother in hopes of finding a cure for my brother's illness, sequentially had the adventure of our lives there. After my brother's passing, was able to reconnect with many of my brother and my old college friends and re-live some of our "glory" days.
Thru this time, I experienced much grace from God and much love, support and encouragement from many friends and family members. I just wanted to say "Thank You" for being part of God's plan to not let me dew in despair when I could have easily wrote off the rest of the world and have been the "Grand Marshall" of my own pity parade.
Because of all of you, I've been the healthiest I've ever been in years. According to my doctor, I look years younger (for those of you who help celebrate my big ONE in January) but more importantly, I feel younger, full of energy, and full of hope for the future.
This is my love letter to you guys!
Much Blessings!
DB
P.S. (updated title / originally "42 weeks" but my return to work was delayed into December 13th) ... still a blessing!
