to vote for favorites. Only 6 votes needed to get on the list.“Oh, not too good man. They can’t treat him with chemo and they think radiation will kill him.” This is how the conversation begins.
I am sitting by myself on a patio enjoying a beer in the sunshine. The speaker is also alone having lunch when he receives a call. His side of the conversation provides a sad glimpse into his life as he relates the condition of a loved one to the caller.
I never learn who he is speaking about, but believe it is someone from his immediate family, because his mom “is not as upset as he thought she would be.” Perhaps his mom has reached the same stage he has. He relates the latest information like someone who has come to accept a situation to grim to contemplate.
His loved one is dying and there is little hope. Cancer has ravaged his lungs. He is on a breathing tube. The disease is spreading rapidly. “The doctors are not too confident” about his treatment. This morning the dying man asked to have an order signed that prevents any extraordinary measures to continue his life. Hospital lingo for this is DNR, do not resuscitate.
My own battles are trivial in comparison. It is a powerful antidote for feeling sorry for yourself. Many have said it more eloquently than this, but if you have a full belly, a roof, and your health, then you have everything. Take a deep breath and enjoy the sun while it shines.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. – Plato
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[...] and gentle, and completely composed. She is magnificent, and it makes me think of my sister. Everyone’s life is harder than it looks, and to handle it with strength, and a bit of grace, is an exquisite feat of character. If you [...]