My friend John and Throwback Thursday (TBT) #2

John and I were teenagers when we first met . We have always lived thousands of miles away from each other (he's originally from Minnesota) and for almost 20 years we lost touch with each other (technology wasn't as good back in the 80's and boys aren't always the greatest at writing letters - surprising, I know). Yet, through the marvels of facebook we were able to reconnect again. Back then he was not only an amazing friend, he was an amazing person - 20 years later, nothing has changed, well, except for his hair (believe it or not he went from having a mullet to being bald).

Several months ago (March 18 to be exact) John found out that he had a brain tumour and on April 4th he had an operation to remove it. Amazingly enough the surgeon was able to remove 95% of the tumour! Several bouts of chemotherapy and radiation later and John is doing okay. In fact, he came through everything with his sense of humour still intact. Plus he has an amazing support system - especially his now fiance, Jenn. She is truly remarkable and gives a whole new meaning to the words "stand by your man". He also has an incredible group of friends and family who held a benefit concert for him this past Sunday (which I wanted so much to be at) to help pay off his numerous medical bills. To learn more about his story you can visit http://sindelarge.com/.

As you know I'm a Canadian girl (and proud of it) and my friend John is an American (and equally proud of it). He currently lives in Arizona and I was lucky enough to have the chance to visit him for the first time in 20 years this past August. Funny how there are certain people in your life that no matter how much time or distance separates you - when you see each other again, all the years just seem to melt away. That is exactly how I felt when I saw John.

During one of our conversations, John talked about how his perspective on life has changed. He also shared with me his desire to pursue one of his biggest dreams (which I bug him about weekly - I'm sure he's starting to think - 'man, I shouldn't have told her'). It was that conversation that really got me thinking about my own life and the things that I want to accomplish. Which is why I decided to do this blog and tackle "The New". When I'm old and gray, I don't want to look back and think, man, I wish I had done this or why didn't I ever try to do that? So I ask you, what are your dreams? What is holding you back from pursing them?

That's John in the middle and the beautiful brunette is his fiance, Jenn.
(We're in Sedona by the way)

The other thing that John and I share is a love and appreciation for music. Interestingly enough, when John was going for his brain surgery he was told that there was a possibility that he might lose his ability to appreciate music. It is hard to imagine what that would be like...

So on this Throwback Thursday, I have decided to play John's favourite song before the surgery - Dave Matthews Band - #41 (the live version from 1999)...oh and in case you're wondering, it's still his favourite song now.

While John still isn't the best at writing (I guess some things never change!) I'm so happy that we are friends and I look forward to him being around for a VERY LONG time!