Before I give you my update today, a group of folks from work extended a very touching gesture to us recently that caused me to reflect a lot over the past few days of my more than 28 years at Blue Ridge Bank. I’ve always felt that I was led to be at Blue Ridge Bank. Not that I haven’t thought about trying something else over the years, but each time I’d get that feeling, a new door would open up offering new challenges, and I’d be satisfied for a few more years. What’s resulted is that I’m now in a position that feels like a perfect fit for me and offers new challenges constantly. I’ve been in this position longer than any other I’ve had, and still enjoy it daily.

My reflection goes back to my early days at the Bank and the quality of people that set examples of ethics and treating people with respect. These are the people that made Blue Ridge Bank special and welcomed you to the family. Many of these folks have been in touch with me through email or cards and are following my “adventure” and offering their support, and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. As one of the few remaining ties to that generation, I feel a responsibility to set the same examples they set so BRB can remain a special place to work. I don’t know that I’m doing a very good job, but it’s good to know that someone is. Almost daily I receive a phone call or email from someone I may not have talked to for several weeks at work, letting me know they’re thinking about me. These are the kind of caring people I recall from the old days and reminds me how blessed I am to be at Blue Ridge Bank.

Okay, my update. I had my last treatment in this cycle Friday morning and so far no bad side effects. Everything was going smoothly during the treatment until they were ready to release me. When they removed the IV from the port-a-cath, the nurse noticed some discharge. She took a culture sample, got the doctor, and they decided I needed to have some antibiotics in case I’d acquired an infection. The site’s not sore at all, but I’ll need to watch it for any changes. If it turns out to be infected, they may need to remove the port-a cath, which I presume would mean IV’s through the arm again. We’ll hope for no infection.

I don’t have any treatments now until June 29th, and I’m looking forward to the break!