David CookSome years ago Dr. Herb Barks, the longtime Baylor School headmaster, had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer. His wife, Carol, also was sick – acute lymphoblastic leukemia – and about to begin chemotherapy. Doctors weren’t sure she would live to see the end of her treatments.
It was a dizzying, terrifying time. Barks needed help, advice, something to hold onto.
He called Kittisaro, a former student who left a Rhodes Scholarship to become a Buddhist monk. At the time, Kittisaro was in Africa, having just finished a yearlong silent retreat.
“Kittisaro,” Barks began, “I’ve got prostate cancer. Carol has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and isn’t expected to live.”
A long pause.