At first glance I have to admit this has been a tough few months for myself and the Phyfe family as a whole. In reality it really has not been all that different then life in general. We have amazing friends and family around us that every time something comes up that attempts to challenge daily life they seem to make it possible for us to get through it without a scratch. I am sure I do not say thank you enough to everyone but I could not do it without each and everyone of you that I come in contact with.
The month of November was a whirlwind of traveling around New England. I was allowed to visit a couple schools and what a blessing to be able to share with them the need to help other Veterans in whatever way they could. Many of the children had a great time learning about Service Dogs especially Iris. One school had a Veterans Day Celebration that I will admit was one of the best experiences I had been allowed to attend. The grade 1 through 8 kids put together a tribute that had tears in my eyes in the way they did their research and then presented it to the community. I know the other Veterans and guest present felt the same way. I thank them for reminding me again why I served in our military proudly.
I was also blessed to be allowed back into one of the prison sites where Americas VetDogs has a training program. To see the effect the dogs and program have on the community behind the walls shows me how much of a difference these dogs make in helping restore peoples lives even before they get to their final homes. It makes such a difference in so many lives I can only hope that others will attempt to get involved in some way. Please remember to check out my ongoing donation page at http//kent.VetDogs.com where you will be able to make a difference in so many lives through a donation.
On Veterans day I was honored to take part in Framingham Ma celebration. They had a very touching wreath laying ceremony and then a very informational program where they were able to Showcase the work the town has been able to do with the Veterans programs and the two Prison Facilities in their town. Many veterans came out and from what I have heard since have been able to get great information on how they can get help or get involved in helping in a number of different programs offered.
You may notice I am lacking my normal use of pictures this edition. For those that have not heard the month of November was a tough month for my Photography when I had my main bag of camera gear stolen. For those that have heard about that I did get my homeowners to help out and have just gotten a new camera and hope to start getting pictures again soon.
The month of Nov and Dec were tough when it comes to medical issues also. I was having some internal bleeding issues so the doctors did some probing around, no I was not in the navy so I will not say that was fun. While in there they took a few biopsies and also fixed the bleeding which is being caused by some severe diverticulitis. The same timeframe the doctors diagnosed me with some skin cancer which is being handled with MOHS surgery instead of radiation. I opted for that route in hopes to be able to be on the Cruise Jen and I had scheduled for Feb.
So that about updates everyone as to where I have been hiding. I am still out trying to do what I can but have had to slow down a little to allow for some rest. If there is anything I can do to help please feel free to let me know.
“The first peace, which is the most important, is that which comes within the souls of people when they realize their relationship, their oneness with the universe and all its powers, and when they realize at the center of the universe dwells the Great Spirit, and that its center is really everywhere, it is within each of us.”
― Black Elk
