I have probably known a disproportionate amount of death in my life. Some of it due to being adopted by parents who were in their 5o's when I was born (can you imagine? but that's a story for another day). Three grandparents gone by the time I was born, one when I was a kid. My parents within 6 months of each other when I was 21. Growing up in a small town meant that I had several friends die by the time I made it out of high school. College friends added to the count. Ironic that a suicide led to a funeral with more than 1000 people crowding into the church. Volunteer work with a cancer charity led me even closer to many wonderful people who are no longer with us.
With this life experience you would think that I have learned to accept it.
A few days ago I got an update from a friend that I have known since I was a kid. She has been battling cancer for almost year. She was always the good one. The vegetarian since we were young (growing up in a small town in the middle of ranching country - she was the only one), always exercised, always healthy. After a series of chemo and radiation that was pretty rough, they have run tests. The cancer is back. It has spread. It is inoperable. She is 36. She has 4 young children.
It makes me sad.
It makes me want to tell everyone who is important to me how much I love them.
It makes me want to see more of the world.
It makes me want to make a difference.
It makes me want to make the most of every single day.
Many people have said it best: cancer sucks.
I'm behind on reading and so am late to comment here ... but wanted to just acknowledge your lovely post.
ReplyDeleteYes, cancer does suck.
And just reading about your friend makes me so angry. She doesn't deserve this. It isn't fair.
No words of wisdom, just ... just, you're not alone.