Mark Rhodes is a fighter

Mark Rhodes knows the real meaning of Christmas this year.It's faith and family.So he's looking forward Friday to sitting down for a holiday meal with up to 30 family members.That's a big deal, especially when the Lincoln Jewelers owner wondered a few days ago if a family celebration was even possible this year. Diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain tumor in October, he had the tumor removed in November and started a six-week radiation/chemo treatment program last week. With a weakened immune system, the popular Lincoln business owner was told by doctors to avoid large crowds, germ settings and anyone who might be sick. But the family celebration is on."I'm going to hang out with family and be together. That's what Christmas is all about," Rhodes said Monday.His sudden illness has also taught him to truly appreciate every day."We don't realize how precious life is," Rhodes, 57, said. "I learned that tomorrow is promised to no one and that our lives can completely turn around on a dime. I realize even more how precious life is and how it can be taken away in a second."In his words, he lost his work skills and everyday skills overnight and without any warning."It goes way beyond surprise; I was just shocked," Rhodes said. "I went from running a very busy jewelry store to not being able to figure out how to use a calculator, cell phone or even a garage-door opener because the tumor's effects came on so fast. I went from being incredibly busy to being completely useless in seconds. Because of the confusion and partial vision loss, they thought I had a stroke."Fortunately, those symptoms disappeared after he received steroids to reduce swelling on the brain.With cancer cells still remaining in his brain, however, Rhodes has a scary prognosis. Doctors told him six months to two years is the standard for this disease.And yet Rhodes exudes optimism that he'll beat this life-threatening battle."I feel great. I have my moments. But all in all, I'm doing pretty good," Rhodes said. "My strength is getting better every day. I'm very strong in my faith (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), that has a lot to do with it. Things are going just great. I have a great attitude; I'm a fighter and I'm going to get through this."He also credits "so much love and support shown us" from Lincoln residents as helping him survive this ordeal."People have no idea how much that support means," Rhodes said. "We've had such an outpouring of love. Cards, gifts, meals, prayers and well-wishes just keep pouring in. Even our friends from church came over to decorate our home for Christmas, something we definitely would not have done ourselves this year. These wonderful acts of service, too numerous to mention, have definitely lifted our spirits. That has all played a big part in my recovery."Sickness occurs at his busiest work month This is the first time during his jewelry career that Rhodes has not been at the store during December, his most crucial business month of the year. One third of Lincoln Jewelers' annual business takes place this month.Rhodes doesn't mind, however, as he stays home to recuperate and build up his immune system. He's in good hands as family members are at Lincoln Jewelers every day for him.His sons, Brian and Eric Rhodes, help employees in sales, advertising and repairs. Plus his father-in-law and mother-in law, Nick and Norma Apostolos of Roseville, help with deliveries and running errands.And they'd have it no other way."I love working with my mom and dad and brother," said 34-year-old Brian Rhodes. " It's neat being part of the family business. It's awesome. We have a great relationship, period. To have that extra time around them makes work much more enjoyable." Even the employees who are not related want to make sure Rhodes has no work worries as he undergoes the cancer treatments."Mark is the best manager I've ever had. He's very honest. He's like a father to everyone," said Yana Matecna, a sales rep at Lincoln Jewelers for four years. "Customers really like him. They're very loyal and are not just from Lincoln but also Rocklin, Sacramento and Roseville. You can feel his heart here."Hoping Rhodes returns soon to the store, Matecna has "adopted" his family, "which fills in the gap," since her family is in the Czech Republic."If there is one nice thing about this illness," Rhodes said, "it's how much closer we are as a family. Family takes on a whole new meaning. I'm so thankful and grateful that I have such a supporting and amazing wife, amazing children and their spouses, and an amazing staff who are all part of our family too. We're all in this together."