Come Aug 12^th, I will feel like the last man out of a burning house.I am now approaching the end of all Modern Medicine can do for me.Only one recommendation did I decline, that of gastrectomy, or the total removal of my stomach.As I have reported previously, all delivered and proposed procedures were deemed palliative, not curative, a diagnosis repeated by my radiologist today.

I have outfitted my Van, Urge The Americruiser, and she sits much more patiently than I while waiting for departure.Every moment here is painful, physically, emotionally, and mentally. My need for release from months of hospitals, doctors, tests, procedures and fatigue, mental fog, neuropathy, mouth sores, et all, is making me Mad to hit the road.Folks like to think this kind of adventure is somehow romantic and ?Bucket List? cool.Don?t be fooled.People have always had a great affinity for community and permanence, a predictable routine and order.These are incompatible with a vagabond lifestyle and the Legend/Freedom Tour then is reaction to uncertainty and fear, a way to occupy body, mind and soul, filling my world full of new experiences and opportunities for wonder and thereby blunt the sharp edge of the impending.

"Doctor," said he, "as I believe you would not choose to tell anything but the truth, you had better tell him, that I am dying as fast as my enemies, if I have any, could wish, and as easily and cheerfully as my best friends could desire." ? David Hume

My Medical Emergency Fund expires August 11^th.I am currently struggling to extricate myself from some unanticipated expenses and financial obligations here that will end upon the start of my road trip.This is my final plea before my departure, please distribute through your social networks if you will as many of you might have contact with people I know but I may not be in touch with. Remember, we elected a President with lotsa $5 contributions! For all of you who have stepped up already, I can only say you have my deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks.

?He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has." - Epictetus

Thank you, and bless you!