I wish to express my appreciation to all those who have written and orally communicated their care and concern over my health. That and their comments regarding my contributions to the Chapter and humanism was most rewarding and makes my enforced absence much easier to bear.

My health has not significantly changed in the past months. The oncologist states that my lymphoma and I seem to be reaching an "accommodation" with each other, which he regards as positive. It comes down to a matter of life style, and I am presently learning how to live within the imposed limits.

On my recent 68th birthday, I received a Shambhala Pocket Classic book entitled: The Way of Myth, Talking with Joseph Campbell, by Fraser Boa. In the introduction, Boa quotes Campbell's feelings about his place in life two years before his death (1987) which has given me inspiration and guidance. I include it because it just might help others who also find themselves in this "end of life" state. The quote reads:

"...in my own life I am now looking back and I can tell you that there's a wonderful moment that comes when you realize, 'I'm not striving for anything.' What I'm doing now is not a means of achieving something later. After a certain age, there's not a future, and suddenly the present becomes rich and it becomes a thing in itself which you are now experiencing."

--Bob Green