Of all the emails Ken received about his recent ordeal, this might be the most beautiful. -Eds.

Dearest Ken,

I have just finished reading your email and am struggling to find the words to reply.  I have been moved to the depths of my being by your telling of these events.  I have wept for the pain and suffering you have endured even while I have laughed with elation at your embrace and transcendence of that suffering.

In my mind I picture that you have entered the mouth of hell, accepted every horrific affliction that has been hurled at you, and emerged with even greater awareness, purpose, and compassion.  It is a heart-rending and utterly beautiful story.  I do believe, in my medical judgment, that we have all witnessed a True Miracle.  My God, Ken, you must be the strongest person I have ever met to have survived such an ordeal.

And, Ken, beyond the amazing story itself, I must say, it is your exquisite telling of the story that leaves me awestruck.  For you have portrayed the rawest reaches of human suffering with pure honesty and without a trace of bitterness, blame, or regret.  In this way, even your writing conveys transcendence.  To me, your story teaches the essence of Integral Medicine:  suffering is universal and utterly human; suffering that is embraced provides an opportunity for growth and transformation, not only for the patient, but for all in attendance; in a true healing encounter, doctor and patient merge and share roles as healer becomes healed.

Thank you, Ken, for your strength and surrender, for your courage and Karma, for your unquenchable élan vital and your unabashed vulnerability.  Thank you for the grace with which you have handled this monstrous chapter in the ruthless saga of chronic illness that faces you every day.  You bear this oppressive load with the lightness of a butterfly's wing and the lilt of a sparrow's song: truly miraculous.

Know that you are surrounded by the love and support of many, too numerous to be counted.

With humble admiration,
Dr. Karen Wyatt