110%

My Brother Rob always gives 110%. We all agree the idea of giving even more than you have (by as much as 10%) is crazy. Nevertheless, we have known football coaches, notably at Saint Luke Grade School (where I was co-captain) and at Lakewood High School (where Rob was a co-captain). If you grow up in a large Catholic family, you believe in miracles. That makes 110% seem like a fair expectation coming from a football coach. If you participate in sports at any level, you are quick to embrace countless metaphors.       

Rob has a rare tumor  the size of a ping pong ball in lower part of his brain stem (lower medulla). Doctors could not be sure if the tumor is benign or malignant so surgery is scheduled for July 13, 2016. “A biopsy on the tumor would tell whether the tumor is benign or malignant. Initial results of the biopsy are available quickly, within 15 minutes. Depending on the results of the biopsy, they may continue the process to remove as much of the tumor as possible. They won't likely be able to remove it all.” Rob reports with his own brand of clinical precision.

So surgery is tomorrow on July 13, 2016 at UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco. Rob will be with wife of 34 years, Joy and their 3 amazing children: Megan (28), Tara (25) and Kevin (23). Our brother Greg is flying in as a show of support. Our brother Dan will arrive sometime after the surgery. (If you are counting – there are five brothers and one sister in our immediate generation ... plus kids and kids having kids too.)

Today, the day before the scheduled surgery, Rob and I exchanged a typical albeit a bit cryptic series of text messages:

Me: Godspeed

Rob: Prep/Clinic: all ready for tomorrow. It will all go well. I know it. (Message sent with picture above.)

Me: Game face on. Robo always gives 110%

Rob: As Mom always said you can’t give 110%. That’s stupid. But do your best. I plan to do just that.

Me: Mom never played football. Everyone expects 110% from you.

Rob: Okay, 110% it is.

That tells you a lot. I am certain Rob will give it all he's got. He'll have the love and support of family and friends. I, for one, believe in miracles. I have seen Rob play football. I was never very good at math - so 110% seems do-able enough to me. I will also be praying for divine intervention.   

Update - Benign. He gave 110%. Prayers answered. He was home in 48 hours. Superman. Special thanks to Uncle Uber Greg and the amazing Dragons. Go Team!