You Don't Stop Living

Book excerpt: A Cancer diagnosis is never something you want to hear, but many people have claimed that it’s the best thing that ever happened to them. The best? Not as crazy as it sounds when they tell you how cancer brought out a powerful love in themselves and their loved ones that fundamentally changed their lives. That love often can be a key to healing. When Jack Dold’s wife of forty-seven years was diagnosed with sarcoma, he vowed to make Mary the center of life for her year of treatment. He has recorded that year with all of its ups and downs—surgery, chemo, and radiation, but also delightful family holidays, the ordinary pleasures of loving grandchildren and the ongoing support from a whole army of friends. Jack watched Mary bloom from the love that surrounded her, even during the darkest days. You Don’t Stop Living offers encouragement to families facing cancer by reminding them that illness is only one aspect of their lives. They will still empty the dishwasher, weed the garden, be blessed by the kiss of a grandchild and the love of their children, and strengthened by the hug of a friend. Lovingly told, this book is a reminder that cancer families will still have an abundance of life and warmth to share. Text: Jack Dold has been writing his journal for almost 20 years, a chronicle of his extensive world travels as the owner of Golden Gate Tours, and also of the events, large and small, in the lives of his family and friends. You Don’t Stop Living filled his journal writings for the past year, as he describes the successful struggle of his wife, Mary fighting sarcoma cancer, and the therapeutic help she received from her family and friends. Jack recently published his first novel, Crosshairs, and is presently working on a major historical novel. (Picture to be provided)