Sam, the 3rd of my 4 sons, is a truly lovely young man (38) with a wife and 2 children who is dying from peritoneal cancer. His bowel is almost totally obstructed and he hasn’t eaten much in a week. Can’t drink either. Yesterday, Sam said “I’m not going to just sit here waiting to die” and went surfing with the help of some friends and his wife. You gotta admire his guts
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on.” -Franklin D. Roosevelt
This resonated with me because I have asked so many people in difficult situations, and heard others ask this too, “I don’t understand how you are managing to cope with this” and the reply is always something like “what’s the alternative?”
Of course, there is an alternative, collapse in a blubbering heap and, sometimes this happens but usually it is brief and maybe cathartic. Inevitably, people take the next step, and then the next, and, before they know it, they’re taking some sort of action.
It’s called Human Resilience and, while malevolent forces may crush this, any small window and a flame of hope will be fanned again.
It is always such a joy to have visits from friends or family. Some friends are much like family with lengthy histories and tales to share. Having just had such a visit from friends of my wife’s family, I wrote this short poem:
Friends and Family
Such a special time Visits from family Or long-standing friends.
The latter so often More like family than friends Shared history so important.
Memories cheerfully shared Of happenings so long ago Events that tie and bind.
New memories being created At this time now shared Special meals a common bond.
Talk of relationships unknown Clarifying the how and where Filling in important pieces.
And then the time to go comes Sadly joyful moments these Hopeful that all will meet again.
Knowing that whatever happens These are special people Who celebrate and validate.
Farewell to our special visitors May your travels go well Our futures firmly intertwined.