Cherish family

Life is short. I hear that a lot, but until lately it didn’t have all that much meaning to me. In the scheme of things our life spans aren’t incredibly long and can be markedly shorter due to the many diseases that exist.  Our loved ones can be taken from us sooner than we would care for.

My own father found out he had lung cancer this past December. By the time the doctors had discovered the cancer it had metastasized to his brain, adrenal glands and liver. The prognosis wasn’t favorable. He had five large brain tumors that were making walking even difficult. He became like a child to care for and often didn’t make sense when he talked. They were able to do radiation and a round of chemotherapy to extend his life, but the treatments weren’t curative. He was already Stage 4.

And so it is really important to cherish your family and loved ones. You are never sure of when their time may be up. My dad was only 63 when he died. My family grieves and keeps memories of him and of fun times spent together close to our hearts. We reflect, we cry, we love. I never thought my dad would die when I was 31. I assumed that he would grow old with my mom and see me start a family with my husband. I assumed we would have more time to spend together. I am learning it is not a good idea to make assumptions.

I gaze at family photos and imagine all the happy times on vacations at the beach, at Disney world and visiting the grandparents. I am thankful he was an excellent father and that I have many fond memories to look back on. I am relieved that he isn’t sick anymore. He is in a better place. But I miss him and I will always cherish his memory. I love you, dad. Forever and always.