I finally see the horizon.  Growing up I was more of a dreamer than a doer.  I made so many attempts at so many careers and jobs, but I could never seem to follow through.  Now, I know I was probably being short-sighted; now, I see the horizon, and the horizon is heaven.  Getting to heaven has always been my goal even if I did not always realize it.  I never wanted to be rich or poor or famous; I just wanted to be happy, and I believe I have accomplished that thanks to Jesus Christ and my wife, Crystal.  It is only by God’s grace that I have never been more content than I am right now; even through a cancer diagnosis.  Oh, is that the first time I have mentioned I have cancer?  Yeah, but having cancer is not something you really want to tell people.  Sure, you want people to know and to spread the word to family and friends so they will be thinking of you and praying for you; being prayed for is very important in my view.

So, I have cancer in my mouth, and you may be wondering how or why the cancer is in my mouth.  Well, it all started when I was around eleven years of age; that was when I had my first chew of tobacco, and I liked it.  Obviously, at that young age I was just curious as to what it was like; pretty disgusting, actually.  I started dipping tobacco when I was around fifteen years of age off and on; it helped me to relax.  When I worked for the City of Mebane at the age of nineteen, I sometimes rode on the back of the trash truck, and I remember well smoking, chewing, and dipping tobacco all in one day.  I guess it gave me something to do while working a job I was not too fond of.  Then, as I turned 24 years of age, I decided I wanted to ride bulls, and the cowboy lifestyle fit me just right because I dipped Copenhagen; it was was the most sought after dip by any bull rider, and I continued to dip other brands as I got older up until a couple of months ago.

So yes, my diagnosis was about a month ago; I am currently undergoing radiation every day for seven weeks, and one day of chemo each week for seven weeks.  Right now, I am doing pretty well.  I have a great support system in place with my family and friends; they have all stepped up big time which I am most grateful for; Crystal is handling this like a world champion.  I have had old friends reach out to me, and it is very touching.  I am not really sure what stage I am in because my Radiologist says stage 3, while my Oncologist says stage 4, so we are calling it stage 3.5.  I am confident the treatments will work, and that I will beat this; I have to beat this cancer for my father in heaven, my wife, my family and those praying for me.  Should the unexpected happen, I will be just fine and dandy.  I will not lie and say it is not a little scary, but I have never felt more courageous in my lifetime, and I know that is because of Jesus Christ.  To think I could have avoided this had I quit when I had the chance; I guess it is something I have to go through to get to where I want to be, and that is healthy.

Just a word to the wise, if you dip you may want to consider quitting; I know I know, a man has to go his own way.  I am just saying the longer you dip the sooner it might get you.  I wish you all the best!

Take care and God bless!

Chris