The Peter Earley MS Benefit
Peter's Thank You
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This page will act, in a way, as a diary for Peter to add comments, feelings and words in general that come from his heart.
 
It is not a blog open to outside contributors' entries, however, we are working to create one and will include it in our Menu just as soon as it is up and running.
 
Peter is interested in what you have to say, and through this site's blog, your feedback will be quite valuable.

September 25, 2008 -
 
An appropriate quote by Albert Schweitzer headed the Peter Earley MS Benefit program: 
 
"Until he extends the circle of his compassion to ALL living things, man himself will not find peace."
 
And everyone in attendance, by virtue of their presence, paid homage to that quote, revealing their compassion, spirit and heart -  for the man of the hour himself, Peter Earley.
 
In an effort to express  just how special it felt to have them there, the following note was handed to each guest upon entering the Grand Ballroom of the Italian American Banquet & Conference Center in Livonia on this very special evening:
 
We thought we'd share his note with those of you that had hoped to attend but ultimately could not:
 
Peter's Thank You
 
       Here I am, surrounded by over a hundred people who care about me.  And there are others as far away as Bombay, India!  Who's ever had thunk it?  I sure didn't.

       You already know that I am deeply humbled.  Gee, I was trained to fight for myself, never ask for help and to compete to beat the odds in any situation.  I have been the underdog a lot, but I have also been the victor.  Now here I am.
 
       As life has brought us together, you all have given me the gift of who you are.  Each one of you has been a jewel in my life experience.  I have the gifts to remember from each one of you for laughing, thinking, and not too much arguing.  You are all in my treasure trove.
 
       Now, here we are.  I AM the walking wounded.  Better said, the LIMPING wounded.  My reality is that there IS hope for MS patients.  I am here with you because I don't like to lie down, unless your name is Kimberly!  You are here surrounding me with your care, your concern and you love.  Wow!
 
       I have learned it is best to have a "Living Funeral" while you and your friends and family are alive and can interact with you.  That is what this is.  It's beautiful!
 
       I can't single each person out from this position, but I do wish to shake hands and talk as best I can with each of you later on tonight.
 
       I even taught this for a spring semester to 20 hand-selected high school students.  I began the whole time with them as I announced our one, primary, human assignment. 

       That assignment is to LIVE AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE.  Any and all things we learn and do are to be part of and support that one goal.  Yes, we humans fall short, due to our inner foibles, but still the goal will always remain as it is.  The goal and my attempts in reaching the goal is to DO THE RIGHT THING.
 
       Tonight is truly extraordinary.  It is in many ways.  And I have chosen to be in the middle of it all.  This is a new place for me as I have always loved being on the collective team, but not in the spotlight.  Now, here I am.
 
Thank you!  Thank you!  THANK YOU!
 
Peter
 
 
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 July 25, 2008

Dear Friends;

I am deeply humbled by my body's physical decline and deeply humbled by the support building up around me and my family.

I am still frustrated with how my mind remembers what I used to be able to do,  compared to what I can now attempt to do on a "good day."
 
Since the end of the 80's, my mind shifted from the big Yuppie saying, "HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOYS WINS!" to "HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST FRIENDS WINS!" 

I am still working to embrace the action of asking for help. 
 
Since little boyhood, through my life adventures to this moment, I never knew how to ask for help in anything.  I just thought I had to tough it out and figure out solutions to my problems by myself.

But now, here I am.  I am so very limited.  I celebrate a "good day" limping with a cane.  I am told to prepare for the worst - when I have to depend on a wheelchair to go anywhere and do anything.

I can't passively agree to go there in my life and hold back the power progression of my wonderful wife, children and the rest of my family.

I daily think of the people who adventured in experiences and smiles with me.  I smile all of the time in my random mental journey of my years of joy. 
 
THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Everyone in my past has played a powerful role for me.  All of you are my treasures.

I tell people that I am in my 8th life now, and you are helping me to stay out of the wheelchair in this 8th "session!"  I just keep saying the mantra that I HAVE MILES TO RUN AND MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB!

I must always create adventures in life.  I want to always work toward living a life of significance.  I am always fantasizing that I will have adventures with the people I care about.  You all are those people.
 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!

Peter

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