I've just been through several months of treatment for cancer of the esophagus. Chemo and radiation were the features. During the process I picked up a staph infection and
had to have antibiotics fed by an I.V. from a little pump that I carried 24/7. Now my CAT scan is clear, and I'm on the road to recovery. My oncologist said that the essential
ingredient in my experience was the positive attitude I held all through it. I didn't want to know a lot about the disease or the treatment. I concentrated on my work and on doing pleasant
things. I made a video to use as the keynote speech for the recent ASQ Annual Quality Congress in case I couldn't make it. (As it turned out, I couldn't make it, but the video went over
well--it's available on our Web site. The title is "You and Your Career") I also spent a lot of time with my family and in prayer with friends. I could feel God's healing hand
on me. Anyway, it's over for now, and unless something unforeseen happens, I should be back to my old self in a few months. I did lose 35 pounds, but I only want 15 of them back.
When Winston Churchill was an old man, he was invited to speak to students at his old prep school. He had prepared a speech, but when he stood up, he laid the speech aside and said, "Never
give up." He said that 30 times before sitting down. By that time, the young men were on their feet chanting along with him. I say the same to you: Never give up.
About the author Philip B. Crosby, a popular speaker and the founder of Philip Crosby Associates--now PCA II--is also the author of several books,
including Quality and Me: Lessons from an Evolving Life (Jossey-Bass, 1999). To order a number of products, visit his Web site at www.philipcrosby.com
or call (800) 223-3932. . |
