Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but rather by the number of moments that take our breath away.

I came to know Keystone Hospice by way of serendipity. I was in the process of being discharged from the Cooper Hospital in Camden and I could no longer live alone.

My social worker at the time was investigating facilities in and around Camden County. One day, out of the blue, my case manager told me about a facility, Keystone House, somewhere near Philadelphia. I was willing to learn more and she arranged a visit just to see what it was all about.

Even in my feeble state, I was enchanted. I thought to myself what a lovely place to die…for in my mind that’s what I had come here to do. Having lived such a full life, I sort of felt that I was the one chosen to play the lead in another great production.

I looked forward to the rest of my life as a rehearsal time for my new role. Little did I know, there was someone waiting in the wings that had other ideas.

Enter Brunhilda…Raging Bull…good morning. “OK, Mr. Jay. Let’s get in the shower. “ Which was the last thing I wanted to do. Since I had no device to divert the choreography, and believe me I tried, I was informed that all excuses had been noted and filed. I quickly realized that it was best to comply.

Throughout June and July, I floated through the days of our lives Keystone style as it neared my birthday, August 17th. In my weakened condition I decided to do my last dance, my dying swan. I felt that I could not die before dancing just one more time, for I truly believe that to dance is to live. Although it took all of my energy to maintain myself afoot, the show went on.

Two things happened that night that literally changed my life. The first thing was that Gail Inderwies, the First Lady of Keystone, and Dr. Ellen Tedaldi, a wonderful human being, decided that it might be worth it to put me on medications. My start up kit was presented to me wrapped as a birthday present. As it turned out, it really was my birthday.

The First Lady began her vigilance in earnest. It was not easy, but with the concerned care of the nurses and the support staff they helped me to overcome the worst. The side effects ranged from nightmares and delusions punctuated by dreams, alternating between episodes of diarrhea and vomiting.

The second thing was that David Traupman said that my performance reminded him of a theatre group called ArcheDream. David arranged a fateful meeting with Alan Bell and Glenn Weikert, the founders and creative spirits behind ArcheDream.

My children. That’s what I call the youth that make up the members of ArcheDream. My children fill me with such strength and love. It makes me want to live long enough to witness the fulfillment of ArcheDream's mission to achieve the top professional level and travel the world.

Caring has a healing power stronger than any medicine.

I have been truly blessed to be able to conduct classes again.

I would like to further the cause for all of us who may be positive.

I sincerely thank all of you for your support and for your generous spirit and prayers. In the meantime, I will continue to labor for the day I shall never live to see.

James Alvin Chestnut, August 2005