Everything is as it should be: Meet @dsh33782

Apr 18, 2023 | Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Comments (11)

Don @dsh33782

TERESA: What brought you to Mayo Clinic Connect?

@dsh33782: I did a Google search looking for a support group about living with glaucoma and found Mayo Clinic Connect. It was encouraging to see how open and caring the members are.

TERESA: What motivates you to take part in the community?

@dsh33782: I enjoy interacting with others and learning more about current issues of interest on Mayo Clinic Connect. Members are very open about their own issues and willing to share what they have learned.

TERESA: What support groups do you participate in?

@dsh33782: I primarily take part in the discussions in

TERESA: Tell us about a meaningful moment on Mayo Clinic Connect.

@dsh33782: I found it most helpful to interact with other members who had experience with esophageal cancer when I was first diagnosed with a large cancerous tumor in my lower esophagus. I was nervous and scared after reading that survival rates over 5 years were less than 20%. Members on Mayo Clinic Connect gave me hope. From their stories, I learned that there are survivors who have been living for many years with esophageal cancer and that each case is different. The treatments keep improving as research continues.

TERESA: What energizes you, or how do you find balance in your life?

@dsh33782: I am still recovering from 28 days of radiation and chemotherapy, but I feel better every day and have more energy.

TERESA: Tell us about your favorite pastime or activity.

@dsh33782: I enjoy developing computer software in Java and in a mainframe assembler, called Z390 Portable Mainframe Assembler and Emulator.

TERESA: Do you have a favorite quote, life motto or personal mantra?

@dsh33782: “Everything is as it should be.” I heard this at a rational living class I took a long time ago. It’s a good reminder that life is what it is and we need to deal with it.

I also like “Nothing to excess.”

TERESA: What do you appreciate the most in your friends?

@dsh33782: I appreciate that my friends are comfortable sharing and listening.

TERESA: What food can you simply not resist?

@dsh33782: Potato chips.

TERESA: If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see cast as you?

@dsh33782: Tom Hanks

TERESA: What do you love about where you live or vacation?

@dsh33782: I like the warm weather so I can wear shorts and t-shirts.

TERESA: Puppies or kittens?

@dsh33782: Puppies. We had Precious for 15 years.

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jmd5 | @jmd5 | Apr 27, 2023

I Love the title of this page! After reading some of the quotes from Forest Gump, it reminded me of something I read on Facebook. When Forest Gump died, he stood in front of St. Peter at the Pearly Gates. St. Peter said, "Welcome, Forest. We've heard a lot about you." He continued, "Unfortunately, it's getting pretty crowded up here and we find that we now have to give people an entrance examination before we let them in."
"Okay," said Forest. "I hope it's not too hard. I've already been through a test. My momma used to say, 'Life is like a final exam. It's hard.' "
"Yes, Forest, I know. But this test is only three questions. Here they are."
1) Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'?"
2) How many seconds are in a year?
3) What is God's first name?
"Well, sir," said Forest, "The first one is easy. Which two days of the week begin with the letter 'T'? Today and Tomorrow."
St. Peter looked surprised and said, "Well, that wasn't the answer I was looking for, but you have a point. I give you credit for that answer."
"The next question," said Forest, "How many seconds are in a year? Twelve."
"Twelve?" said St. Peter, surprised and confused.
"Yes, sir. January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd …"
St. Peter interrupted him. "I see what you mean. I'll have to give you credit for that one, too."
"And the last question," said Forest, "What is God's first name? It's Andy."
"Andy?" said St. Peter, in shock. "How did you come up with 'Andy'?"
"I learned it in church. We used to sing about it." Forest broke into song, "Andy walks with me, Andy talks with me, Andy tells me I am His own."
St. Peter opened the gate to heaven and said, "Run, Forest, Run!" I hope you are all feeling well today and that this may put a smile into your day. Cheers Judy