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Bob's Miracle Journey
ABOUT ME
You may be asking, "Why is this guy telling his story?" Well, since my cancer diagnosis, I have found myself at what has been described as the "edge of the cliff of death" several times. Every medical doctor I have encountered has said something to the effect of: “You realize that you're a walking miracle.""It's amazing that you are still with us.""Your survival is something way above what any medical team could have done.” In 2014, at age 53, I was diagnosed with Multiple myeloma, a form of cancer that forms in the bone marrow and makes the production of blood cells difficult. The myeloma had advanced to a more stubborn, deadly form of cancer, Myelofibrosis. It would have been a miracle had I lived another year. Almost nine years later, I’m still alive! Many of my friends and family members have said that I should share my story because it might provide hope to someone facing similar challenges. If I can offer just a glimmer of possibility to someone, I will be honored to do so. In fact, nothing gives me more pleasure than supporting another human being on his or her journey. I invite you to send an email to miraclejourney2014@gmail.com if you want to talk or want me to talk to someone you love. Though this blog is about my miracle journey that began in 2014 with a cancer diagnosis, there is so much more to my life than my illness.​
EARLY LIFE
For me, it all starts with family. I was born in 1960 in Marietta, Ohio and currently live in Louisville, Kentucky with my wonderful wife, Diane. I am the 8th of 9 kids, 10 if you count a foster child that was a part of our family for about 10 years. We grew up pretty poor, but we didn't know it. My dad died when I was 12 years old and that played a significant role in many decisions I have made throughout my life.
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Not having a dad there to help guide my path, be a sounding board, and hold me accountable left me wandering through my teenage years without any real direction. It would have been very easy to go down the wrong path, and by the grace of God, I managed to keep things together.
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When I was a teenager, I worked at a fast-food place called Long John Silver’s and met the most beautiful, the sweetest, and the most amazing girl I had ever met in my life.
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I married the love of my life and my soulmate, Diane, in 1981. More than 41 years later, our marriage is as strong as ever. We have 3 incredible kids, Courtney, Bob Jr,. and Josh and three grandkids who have brought a level of love and joy that I never knew was possible. Sometimes I wonder why God has blessed me in so many ways, but I'm grateful that he has. Early in our marriage, Diane and I bounced around the country because when you work in the construction industry you go wherever the work is. Thankfully, Diane is the kind of person who has stood by me and supported me no matter where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do. I know that this support has played such an important role in me surviving cancer to this point.
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Meeting Diane, who came from a stable home and who was well grounded in her beliefs, had a real influence on me. I knew I wanted to spend my life with her, and I knew that wouldn’t happen if she couldn’t count on me.
As we started to grow our family, I had to decide what kind of husband, father, and citizen I was going to be; what I would stand for; and what my legacy would be. I had to find a way to be a rock-solid man who my kids could count on for guidance. Since that was never modeled for me, I had to learn on the job! Having Diane by my side sure helped. My family means more to me than anything, and I am so proud of who our kids have grown up to be.
TODAY
I'm just a regular guy who appreciates the simple pleasures in life. I love football, the Cincinnati Reds, golf (although I am no longer able to play), Texas Hold’em, gardening, and woodworking (another thing I struggle with since being diagnosed with cancer). I spent most of my adult life as a contractor, the last seven years working as the General Manager of a scaffolding business in Maryland run by my friend Charlie.
Charlie is the guy who made a bucket list dream come true when he insisted that I play in the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas in 2016. There were 6,737 entries and after five grueling twelve-hour days, I had outlasted all but 1,000 of the world’s best players. I took home $17,232 and the story was documented on a website called pocketfives.
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My intention was to work until I turned 67 or 68 but sometimes life can impose its will on you in a way where you really have no say. Even after my diagnosis in 2014, I continued working for the scaffolding business. Unfortunately, in 2021, I was told that I could try to force myself to work a little while longer but that would likely shorten my life. It was a hard decision because I miss work, but I now understand there is a greater purpose for me.
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I continue to garden, watch sports, cherish every minute with Diane, and cheer on my grandkids at their sporting events. I still have countless doctor’s appointments and do what I can to keep extending this miracle life. I’m grateful for every breath and now do my best to create great memories for our kids and grandkids.
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I meant what I said about being of service, so please reach out at miraclejourney2014@gmail.com.
God bless you.
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