Peeking over the wall

BOX SCORE
Element	Current	Std. Range	Trend
Hemoglobin	6.6	13-17	v
Platelets	13	140-375	^
ANC	10	1800-8300	^

I''m not sure how many people younger than my generation remember Kilroy. This meme, for that is what it amounts to, far predates the internet. Its history is debatable, but there is evidence that it dates back in one form or another to at least 1937. In related forms, without the text, it goes back much further than that. 

I became aware of this icon, because I am something of World War II buff. During that six year conflict, Kilroy showed up in thousands of places, especially places where American GIs had been. There is some conjecture that Kilroy became popular among lonely GIs, who found it comforting to see that someone who might be friendly had preceded them into a war zone. They would leave their own copy of the guy with the big schnoz somewhere they had been as encouragement to those who would follow. 

One report I read said that Kilroy was so ubiquitous during the war, that both Hitler and Stalin thought this Kilroy character was a spy. One story recorded that Stalin went into a restroom and found K man waiting for him. He was so spooked that he ordered the person who had posted it to be found and shot. You talk about a viral meme!

This morning, when I got the results of my blood work,  I noticed, as perhaps did you in reading the Box Score above, that ANC had poked its nose, so to speak, into the mix. It reminded me of Kilroy suddenly appearing in an unexpected venue. It had the same effect, I imagine, as Kilroy did when he was discovered by a soldier or a squad arriving in a new battle zone. They must have been encouraged to think that they were not alone and that comrades in arms had been there before them. 

ANC has been MIA (continuing the military theme) for several days, since I finished my chemo. To find Kilroy, when you thought maybe the company that preceded you into a battle zone had not survived, must have been like a breath of fresh air, a new surge of hope, as the daily grind of war went on. For me, seeing ANC  peek over the wall had the same effect this morning. I am keenly aware that my "Kilroy" could disappear tomorrow and not show up again for a few days. That's the nature of recovery from chemotherapy in the treatment of leukemia. But just knowing he is still out there gives me a new surge of hope that I could be home before too many more days. 

In the meantime, the war against AML goes on, but there is evidence that "our side" is gaining the upper hand. If you are a praying person, please join me in praising God for Kilroy (and ANC) and ask that he may reappear soon. 

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)

When things not seen peek over the wall, it can strengthen one's faith. My Kilroy has been a real morale booster for today.