Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Friends, Getting Old, Cancer & Death

I've had an interesting life and come close to dying by misadventure a few times.  I think death by misadventure is relatively simple, at least in that it is generally unexpected and often quick.  Today I've head to consider another kind of death.  Death by cancer.

A close friend has had cancer for some time.  His cancer is somewhat rare and always fatal.  Initially, when he was diagnosed there was at least some possibility of treatment.  A few months ago the treatment he was on quit working.  Subsequent treatments also failed.  Now he's dying.  Death by cancer.

We had lunch today as we've had lunch from time to time.

Being with someone you've known for a long time and watching as disease takes them touches many many emotions; concern for the well being of a friend when you know there is noting you can do to help save continued friendship, concern for their family and love ones, uncertainty about one's own mortality and manner of death.

These and many other emotions and thoughts, though a natural part of life, are difficult.  Difficult indeed.

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