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10/19/2006: "A Fallen Comrade in Arms"
I new he had been battling colon cancer for a little while when I got his call. Mike DeSa had just heard that I had gone through surgery and was on chemotherapy for the same affliction. It was the right person, making the right call, at the right time. We talked about our ordeals, treatment options and how our attitudes would keep the cancer from beating us. Mike was the Director of Human Resources at the Martinez school district when I got a job there in 1993. Soon after, when he became Superintendent of the Walnut Creek School District, I was at the county office and he had me computer train his entire office staff. We have connected professionally and personally off and on since.
Mike DeSa passed away yesterday morning of colon cancer. I had heard that he took a turn for the worst but then was back at work within a few days. The last time we had talked he was doing pretty well. I was envious because he was able to be on the pill form of 5FU, a chemotherapy drug, and my version required an IV and a pump that I carried for days at a time. He was still giving me advice and had discovered the Mangosteen Berry. He was drinking a commercial version called XanGo (www.xango.com) and was swearing by it.
Learning of Mike’s passing yesterday was tough. It comes at a time when I am questioning my body’s ability to beat this thing. If Mike was hanging in there, than so was I. It seems self-centered to think of my own worries upon the news of his death. But crying for a loss really is a selfish act. I know Mike himself is now comfortable and cracking jokes with the angels. I will miss him dearly.
My heart pours out to his family and friends. I counted myself as one of his friends and I know there were scores. We live close to each other and I would see him out running in the mornings. He was an inspiration for me to get back into working out. He had a great sense of humor and a quick smile that you rarely see in a Superintendent. As in my case, no matter what he had on his plate, he was never too busy to reach out and support someone. That just could be the definition of a true friend.
Goodbye Mike.