George Bailey has always been a hero of mine. If you have never heard of George Bailey, I suggest you stop reading this right now, find a copy of Frank Capra’s “It’s A Wonderful Life,” sit with your family, and enjoy one of the greatest Holiday movies of all time.
You see, George comes from a very small town, much like ours, called Bedford Falls. As a young man, George has some big plans for his life. “To shake the dust of this little town and see the world,” is one of his famous quotes. Well, as we all know, life happens to George, and he spends all of it in that small town, running his family’s savings and loan.
One event after another sends George in a downward spiral, until he makes the ultimate wish of never being born. His fumbling guardian angel, Clarence, takes him on a journey to see what the world would be like without him.
After witnessing these events, George realizes the blessings that he took for granted each day. The blessing of family, the blessing of friends, and the blessing of community. They were always there for him, although the desperate times clouded his vision.
The classic scene of George running down Main Street of Bedford Falls, screaming hello to each store, renewing his life, and giving thanks for where he lives, forever lives with me as one of the best-shot scenes in film history.
Over the past few months, and years, it seemed that my life was on the same downward spiral. One event after another seemed to cast a shadow over the Lovett household. I was slowly turning into a modern day George Bailey. Not knowing how much more our small family could take before we could not take anymore.
The miracle news of our newest addition to our family, our fourth little girl, was overshadowed in October by the news of a mass found on my pituitary gland. The tumor was rather large, and had already begun to destroy the optic nerves. The doctors were actually amazed that my vision was still intact. This brain tumor was causing a condition called, Acromegaly. Acromegaly is a hormonal disorder, caused by the tumor, that results from too much growth hormone (GH) in the body. Physical deformities, cardiac enlargement / dysfunction, and the destruction of the liver, had already begun to happen. Needless to say, our heads were sent spinning.
Dawn was on top of things, locating the best care for the removal of the tumor. She did not have to look much further than Presby Hospital in Pittsburgh. Dr. A. Kassam, associated with U.P.M.C., was an innovator in a new procedure, which was minimally invasive in removing the tumor through the nasal cavity. Past procedures for this tumor required removal of the top of the skull, as well as portions of the forehead, and cheekbones to get to it. Thank God for Dr. Kassam. (We knew that this was the doctor when, on our first visit, feeling very overwhelmed, Dr. Kassam turned to me and said, “You know, you have a beautiful nose! I could get your gall bladder out through that thing!” Thank God for humor!)
Well, in this small community, news spreads quickly. I must also say, that in this small community, people jump into action quickly. Having heard of our situation, a group of friends decided to put together a benefit dinner for our family. With gratitude, and awe, we heard plans of this dinner growing and spreading, even before I went in for the procedure. The community was coming together, and the support, and prayers from all involved were making our family stronger. Thank God for our friends and community.
On November 10, I underwent the six and a half hour operation. The tumor was completely removed, and my hormone levels were already starting to fall immediately after the surgery. All great news! With Dawn, and countless members of my family, I started to undergo the healing process.
The pain that was felt on the day of the surgery, and the following day was excruciating. But, as the days went on, the pain subsided, and I started to feel better. Getting to come home three days after the surgery was a miracle. I was now on the road to recovery.
I will have to follow up with Dr. Kassam very frequently for the next several years. If one cell was left, there is a slight chance that it might return. They want to stay on top of this, and I am thankful for that.
Upon arriving at home, I was treated as king of the castle by my wife and daughters. Not being able to lift anything over five pounds, bend at the waist, or drive, I was, and am currently, pretty much relying on them to do what I needed done. With Dawn carrying our little girl, this of course was, and is, very hard on her, but she has gone above and beyond what she needed to do. I am so thankful to her, and owe her so much. My love for her grows deeper with each passing moment.
The cards, and e-mails, started rolling in. From family, friends, co-workers, and strangers, they were lifting our family’s spirits. The joy of friendship was having its own healing power on me, and giving our family strength. So many people were reaching out to us, in so many ways, that we simply became speechless.
Now, with the benefit dinner rapidly approaching, miracles are happening daily. We were so honored, and touched by the communities’ generosity, that we thank God each day for everyone here. So much good has come from this, and please; do not take this from a materialistic standpoint.
You see, I think we were sent this obstacle to see the blessings that we have in our lives at this very moment. I was beginning to become George Bailey, being overcome by the day-to-day stresses, and the mountain of obstacles that our small family was encountering. I do believe that this tumor was my “ Clarence.” It showed me the strength of the love of my wife and daughters. It showed me the strength of my family. It showed me the strength of my Faith. It showed me the strength of my friends. Also, it showed me the strength of our small community. A community that I am so glad to call home.
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