I spoke to my sister Ruthie tonight, who sounded strong and upbeat, despite a new chemo blast yesterday. She mentioned that she and Mike had received in the mail a card from the Black Diamonds, the nickname of the West Virginia Army National Guard troops that Mike had served with in Iraq, and had become close to. Somehow they’d gotten word in West Virginia that Mike’s wife has cancer, and they passed the hat at drill. They sent $400, and a card that started, “Dear Chief… .” Boy, did that get to Mike and Ruthie. I’ve been hearing about those good men for a couple of years now; Mike would write back from Iraq about what fine fellows they are. And they continue to prove it. Awesome.