Unexpected Opportunity to be Thankful
“You have a large cancerous tumour in your left eye and the only treatment is to remove your eye.”
The Diagnosis
The doctor had just finished tests on my left eye and gave us his diagnosis. His words stunned me, and all I could say was, “I think I’m going to barf.“
As Erna took over the conversation, I sat there with the garbage can in my lap.
The drive home was a blur as I lay in the passenger seat, still in shock. We couldn’t talk–both lost in our own thoughts and fear.
A second opinion a few days later confirmed the diagnosis of choroidal melanoma, a tumor at the back of my eye. The doctor said it required enucleation, i.e. removal of the eye.
Another Treatment Option
However, we learned about another option: radiation. Doctors could not do that treatment in Winnipeg.
Within 2 weeks of that black Monday we were in Philadelphia for radiation. The radiation did its work as it slowly fried the tumor.
The treatment saved my eye, but I lost my vision because, as expected, the procedure damaged my optic nerve.
A Serious Conversation
Before the hospital discharged me, we had a session with a counsellor. I acted like my usual joking self, but she pulled me up short with the words:
“This is not about your eye; this is about your life. You have melanoma and it can easily metastasize to your brain, your lungs or your liver. You have to de-stress.”
Seeing an Opportunity
Theodore Roosevelt in a speech in Cambridge, England in 1910 said,
“Of course a man has to take the advantage of opportunities but the opportunities have to come. If there is not the war, you don’t get the great general; if there is not the great occasion, you don’t get the great statesman; if Lincoln had lived in times of peace, no one would know his name now.“
My life has given me many opportunities. This was the most challenging one of all.
Frankly, at first I did not see this as an opportunity at all. But as time went on, and especially now that I have the gift of looking back, I see that it was a great opportunity and still is.
Transparency With Employees
TRANSPARENCY WITH EMPLOYEES
I had always believed a leader should be transparent and keep employees informed.
If I shared my condition, it would require a whole different level of honesty with our staff. Some of our people cautioned me to wait until I really knew what was happening.
But Erna and I both knew how serious my cancer was. We also knew if we didn’t share with our people the rumours would be worse than the truth.
At that time we had more than 1000 employees and before we went to Philadelphia for treatment I shared my story.
I said to them, “I know that many of you pray and I ask you to pray for me in this time of need.“
The Support We Received
Because of my honesty, people did not avoid me. In fact, they kept telling me that they were praying and that members of their extended families were praying as well.
What a blessing it was for us and still is. The support overwhelmed us. To this day people still ask me how my eye is doing.
Helping Others With Cancer
Since my diagnosis I have had many meaningful talks with others who had cancer.
One of them was already in the advanced stages of this terrible disease. He contacted me after he heard about my cancer.
Interestingly I had tried to touch base with him before I knew about my cancer to encourage and pray with him. He had not responded, but now he came to MY rescue.
Another one asked me, “Herb, how did you feel when you found out that you had cancer?” That began a deep time of sharing.
A third person received a diagnosis of melanoma in his eye as well. This was highly unusual because cancer of the eye only affects 6 people out of one million.
We could talk at a very comfortable level about similar treatments and how we were doing.
A Special Bond
Four of my cancer buddies have already died and all were younger than I. By the grace of God I could help them along in their walk with God.
One day in the future, I am confident that I will meet all of them on the good side of the other side.
Furthermore I have a special bond with anyone who has or has had cancer. We are a special group.
My cancer gave me a tremendous opportunity, and I am so grateful that I saw it as an opportunity to help others.
The proverb: “He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed“, is certainly true for me.
Ten Years Cancer Free
Five years ago I was a 42% survivor with my type of cancer. Today Erna and I are celebrating 10 years of being cancer free.
Doctors continue to test me every three months, and my results continue to be very good. Praise God.
A Prayer to Follow Jesus
If you would change the picture of your life, you can.
Like Herb, you can decide to follow Jesus Christ and apply Biblical principles to your life and business. Today, you can start by praying this prayer with a sincere heart.
Lord Jesus, I want to know You personally. Thank You for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my life and receive You as my Savior and Lord. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Take control of my life. Make me be the person You want me to be. Amen.
Is it the desire of your heart to make this prayer yours?
If yes, pray now and according to his promise, Jesus Christ will come into your life.
Another Article by Herb Buller
Seizing Opportunities and Becoming a Work of Art – Herb shares his business history and views on making money.
About Herb Buller
Herb Buller – Herb grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree and Certificate in Education at the University of Manitoba.
He taught at River East Collegiate for two years before starting his full-time business career. Herb and his partner expanded their business into a concrete manufacturer of sidewalk and patio blocks, precast residential stairs, and various architectural items.
The business operated successfully under the name of Midland Concrete Products until Barkman Concrete Products bought it in the late 1980s.
In 1971, together with six partners, Herb established Kitchen Craft in Canada. The company grew into sales of over $100 million in 1999, when investors bought it.
In 2004 with his four sons, Herb acquired Norcraft Companies with five manufacturing plants in the US and one in Winnipeg. The company employed more than 1,500 employees and 200 of those in Canada.
In 2015, the Buller Family sold its interest in Norcraft to Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc. of Chicago.
The Herb and Erna Buller Foundation is active in charitable activities around the world with an emphasis in education, healthcare, orphanages and Christian camping.
CME Gala 2012 – Hall of Fame Award – Herb Buller, Kitchen Craft
CME Gala 2012 – Hall of Fame Award – Herb Buller, Kitchen Craft
2012 – Hall of Fame Award – Herb Buller, Kitchen Craft