I got the call last night. It’s Stage 4 cancer this time. It’s “everywhere.” I don’t know what to do. I’m half a continent away from them.
On one hand, it’s not right to mourn. He’s not out yet, and they’re beginning chemo again next week. But really, it doesn’t look good. The chemo is just to “slow it down.” And I’m a realist. And so I mourn, if only inside.
This is the uncle that is quietly awesome. He’s in the background, making sure everyone is okay. He’s brilliant, and made sure his 3 kids all went wherever they wanted for college (we’re talking Ivy League Schools), despite living on a teacher’s salary. He’s the rock. When I drove through town on a whim, getting in late, he made sure a bed was made, dinner was left out, and then took me out for a hockey game the next day.
And he’s too young to go.
I guess I don’t really have a question. I just need to type this out, and make it somewhat public. Thanks.
I’m so sorry for the battle your uncle is facing. I’m hoping and praying there is a miracle.
I don’t know if this will make you feel better, but here is something I’ve heard that I truly wonder about… Good people suffer because the world looks to good people; they are seen, remembered, loved. To feel empathy for them and mourn them, to go through these horrible times with them and for them, and for those they leave behind, teaches us about ourselves in the deepest and most meaningful way possible. Just look at this website. Some of the darkest, most horrible and sad things in this world have brought together people from every walk of life; it has united us, brought out the best in us as human beings. Your uncle is one of those good people chosen to enlighten the world.
This is frequently how I look at things when I’m feeling sad. I like to hope that it’s the truth. It’s a beautiful point of view.