To the friends and family of Doug Cloward

Saturday, April 26, Doug was admitted to the hospital for a severe case of pneumonia. Later he was diagnosed with mantel cell lymphoma leukemia.

We have been receiving many emails and phone calls expressing love and prayers in behalf of Doug. We have set up this blog for updates on Doug's progress. Thank you all for your overwhelming support and care!

Friday, May 2, 2008

Friday: Moving Forward

Greetings and good morning from the good ship Lolly CHOP (CHOP the acronym for the type of Chemo therapy I will begin today)!

Had a relatively calm night with the occasional prods, pricks, shots, rolls, pressures, and friendly bed pans. This is definitely not a cruise you want to take! And I am looking forward to getting my feet back on ground (hopefully not underground).

I am learning much about life, heritage, happiness, purpose, friendship, faith, faithfulness, and prayer. …Feeling great power from God, Christ, friends, and you. Not often in life are we given a wake up call with a bit of time to reflect, and to recall, to remember, and to realize that the precious moments in life are just that -- barely moments. We must never sacrifice visions of grand quality, for quiet moments of priceless peace and connection.

Many of us begin our Heritage Makers journey having recognized an opportunity to snatch a memory from the brink of fading loss. Or we joined for the pleasure of creative outlet, social connection, or fanatical reward. Each of these things individually are worthy and wonderful, yet combined, they are powerful and perfect to enable common folks to facilitate uncommon results in their own lives and the lives of those with whom they will risk a heritage conversation.

Although each of us are at a different place in our life, heritage, and business journey, we must each walk the same trail. That trail undoubtedly brings us in contact with others who are seeking often unknowingly for their own roots, heritage, and to build a legacy of contribution and significance. This is the heritage that leaders can help build. As you walk today, through your trail and your trials, keep your eyes on the horizon for the eyes of others who are looking for you, but just don’t know it--yet. Open your mouth and have a heritage conversation and a miraculous experience.

Onward and upward!

Doug

13 comments:

Terry Kempfert - Heritage Maker, Certified Engraver and Calligrapher said...

Hi Doug, Judy, and all the family -

Know that all of us in the Midwest are "standing for you". You are in our hearts and minds every day - we are excitedly getting ready for our very first Regional and rallying the troops. Take care, be well. We love you -

Terry Kempfert and all the Midwest Teams

Channon said...

Hello Doug,

I have to tell you about the wonderful Heritage Conversation I had today....I was showing the wonderful books off to a sweet woman when she asked the question, "Who is behind the invention of this and who had the vision to make such a wonderful product?" I had the great priveldge to tell of yours and Sharons story. I could hardly tell it without welling up with too much emotion. The new customer of mine and myself are so grateful for your vision and everyone else involved to come up with such a wonderful life saving tool!
Channon Zabel

Lisa Klipfel, M.A., MFT said...

Doug,
I have been working with a scrapbooking charity for over a year, donating books for "noble causes". Every event is a different charity. Tomorrow is an event to raise money for The Leukemia and Lyphoma Society. I have donated a Legacy Book in your honor. I know you would say it's not necessary, but you just can't take the NFP out of me. We will miss you tonight and tomorrow, but you will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Klipfel
Dream
Healer through books

Super Daysh said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your whole family as you all struggle through this. I didn't get to chat with you much while you were still in the office, but I feel like I know you nonetheless through the great business you have started and your sweet family - they are a true testament of your great character. No one could have such great, strong kids without also being a great individual. My spousy and I keep you in our prayers and hope our faith will be added to everyone else's in your behalf.

Marshyl said...

Well Dad, another day gone and another day moving forward. It was very theraputic being with you tonight. It felt as if I hadn't been near you in a long time though only a couple of days. I keep pondering about all of the things we've done together as Father and son, all of the counsel you've given, the encouragement, support and love. Would that every son had such a Father.
There are some uncertain roads ahead, but I want you to know that I'll be right there with to go over them together.
It was wonderful having the family together around your bedside, talking, singing, crying, laughing. I saw the sparkle of joy in your eyes as you interacted with us. You have always been and will always be my hero--my Superman.
Hang in there. Love you so much.

Moving forward with faith,

Marsh

Write a Family Story said...

Hello Doug,

We just came back from the first evening of the Orange County regionals and your vigor and energy was ever present. Chris and Patti did a noble job weaving your story into their talks and reminded us to cherish all the small moments, especially those with our families. There is a whole lot of love and prayers emanating from Southern California this evening for you and your family. We thank you for sharing your story of this great fight in real time, as you and your family's strength empowers us to persevere through our own trials.

God Bless.

Merv and Leah Gutierrez

Cyndee Krumholz said...

You amaze me everyday as I read your daily notes. You are such an incredible leader, and your words of wisdom keep coming. You realize you have given everyone special thoughts to ponder as Father's Day approaches. You are such a strong pillar in your family and you have to burst with pride as you see your children walking in your footsteps. The strength of your family, faith and friends are with you every step of the way. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we share your mission of love and heritage everyday. Stay strong, and keep your sense of humor. Love ya,
Cyndee Krumholz

Kathy Grove said...

Good morning Doug--how was the night life? Any manic cruise directors show up for dancing, karaoke, bed-pan pilates?

I have to tell you a story about dream journey. It began with my sponsor asking me to close my eyes and invision my dreams, which I was completely unable to do. I remember feeling so lost, so upset. I wasn't working right. Fast forward to almost a year ago, Dream Team 8, 2007 . . .thank you, thank you, thank you for showing me the keys to my own heart. I owe you for the rest of my life for what you helped me to find inside me.

I love you Doug! And I love your Judy, and your Bryndi, your Brytt and your Marshyll. And I especially love this baby that you made for us all--long love Heritage Makers!!

Love so much,
KathyG

Kathy Grove said...

tee hee hee--that was supposed to be Long LIVE Heritage Makers!

So anyway . . .how do we get tested for bone marrow donating, if this goes that way?

Lisa Klipfel, M.A., MFT said...

Well, Doug (and family), you missed a good scream at Regionals last night! I livened up the night, when Patti surprised me with a credit for our new (super secret) product...the people next door must have thought I'd won a car on Price is Right.

We miss you all! But we know and believe that all the family needs to be with each other right now. Live for the moments when your son invites in to play in his fort, what a treasure, and I know your family has many, many treasures.

Lisa, Erik and Cameron Klipfel
A family of dreamers...

Heidi said...

Hello Doug and family!

I wanted to let you know that you are continually in our thoughts and prayers. When I told Jace you were sick and in the hospital he immediately said "We've got to go see him" I told him we couldn't visit you yet but that we could pray for you. He says the sweetest prayers asking that the doctors will take good care of you and that you'll get feeling better. If anyone forgets to pray for you as soon as the prayer is over he says "You didn't bless Doug" and then the prayer is said again with a special blessing to be with you and your family.

Thanks for all you've done for me and all the other Dreamers that have joined Heritage Makers!!! Your daily messages continue to inspire me and remind me what life is all about!!

Love
Heidi Arave

Unknown said...

Doug,

Your remarks from your hospital bed are truly inspiring. It is so nice to keep informed on your progress. When Teague was sick you offered me such hope so I don't need to tell you that everything will be OK because I know you know it will! It may not be easy, but I know you will be blessed. You are in our daily prayers.

Much love,

Candy

Toby R said...

Hi Doug,
Just want you to know that your name was on my healing list last night as I sat at services in my synagogue. So now you have the Jewish community in Raleigh NC working for you too!
It was very inspiring, listening to you at the Charlotte regional just a couple of weeks ago, and the sincerity of your words rang out loud and clear.
So my strongest wishes for a refuah sh'leima - a healing of mind,body and spirit for you and your devoted family

Toby R - Apex, NC