A number of months ago, the author of a letter to the editor suggested that I should use marijuana as a treatment for Crohn's disease. I have made a different choice and I guess something has prompted me to finally write a response. I have never considered using marijuana for my affliction but I do not criticize anyone who needs to use it for medical purposes.

The things that come to mind for me this morning are all things for which I am thankful. In short, I am thankful for having been given a second chance. I am very thankful for having such an understanding wife who has had to put up with a great many extra burdens put upon her since the spring of 1999. I spend a quiet time reading and "communing" every morning.

Since my times in hospital three years ago, I have not missed a day in giving thanks (in particular) for two very special people who happen to be medical doctors. In my mind, I hear their voices and see their faces. I remember them by name each day.

I do not feel shy to admit that I ask the Lord to bless their lives for what they did for me. I am thankful for the nurses and for the wonderful medical system that we have.

Every day is a new opportunity for life to be lived to its fullest and I find the most fulfillments in trying to bring a ray of hope and comfort to others, especially the elderly. Maybe there's a reason I have been blessed with a voice to sing and enough talent to share songs that they love singing.

There are times I have wished that I could have done more, could have said more or could have listened more.

In my selfish moments, I have wished that I had never got this ailment. But, how many of these wonderful things would have been missed? How could I have ever experienced the gift of "a second chance"?

JOHN NOAKES

Kamloops