I Have Lost People I Love From Cancer

My mom and my dad smoked like two chimneys for most of their lives, but they died of natural causes (heart problems related to their habit).

But, just six months ago, I lost a dear neighbor and friend to that dreadful disease. Cancer. The very word sickens me.

Patricia Harrison was a wonderful neighbor and person. Better than most, despite her condition which she had for years. You never would have known it. She didn't make much of it. She said "Cancer" once to me, and then about a year later, when she told me she was going to "move" for treatment.

I asked, "Where?" because she didn't mention it.

Pat replied, "Iowa."

We lived in Illinois. I was shocked. We made the most of out last time out. knowing it was our last. I missed her, and talked maybe twice with her. She was homesick and said so.

A mutual neighbor who was able to drive to Dubuque to see her came through my sister-in-law's register at Butera Foods and she asked after Pat. He was the one who told us about her passing - late January or early February. I just found out two days ago.

The only good thing about this situation is, she is no longer in pain,

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Michael91142 · M

My deepest compassion to the loss of your parents and the loss of your neighbor. May they all rest in peace and pain free until you will see them again.

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@Michael91142 Danke, GroBe Bruder. My mother has been gone 35 years this past May, und mein Dad since 2003. Pat was a wundervoll neighbor who had been in mein life since 1966, when she first moved in mit her two maiden sisters, und later, her one sister who had become a nun. Alle died before her, und the ironic thing ist, alle of them passed from cancer. She was the very last.

Michael91142 · M

@MaryJanine You don´t have to thank me for that, MaryJanine. Compassion is a matter of course for me.

Cancer is one of the worst diseases a human can get. It destroys lives regardless of the age of the sick person, it is a cruel and slow death that the affected must die, and it tears families and friends apart. It is terrible, cruel. A greedy monster.

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@Michael91142 I know alle about your compassion, mein GroBe Bruder. it ist one of the things I love beste about you und Robin.

Your observation is correct. it ist nicht only true,it ist direct und on the money, as we would say across the pond. A beautiful, direct statement of the truth.

RobinPhoenix · M

So sad....may they all rest in peace.

View 4 more replies »

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@RobinPhoenix Uh-huh. Und YOU = you have much to answer fuer!

You contacted me. You became mein friend. You became mein kleiner Bruder und made me your sister. You made other friends und
introduced me to them..

Again, that includes Michael, a special person in himself.

You did not abandon me when EP closed, but led me to where you could be found. Twice.

You care about the things I care about.

That "silken cord" which binds us as siblings und friends ist stronger than it ever was with each passing moment.

RobinPhoenix · M

I couldn´t imagine SW without you and I wanted to have you at my side again´because otherwise I would have missed you, that´s why I asked you to join this site, too :*

True and touching words @MaryJanine

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@RobinPhoenix Oh...Gott im Himmel...Now I'm REALLY gonna cry. That's why I say you spoil me, the nice things you say oder you do.

Coralmist · 41-45, F

I hope she's in peace now and one thing is for sure..she'll always still be with you and here 🤗🌸🌹

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@Coralmist Thank you. She's not in pain any longer, but I miss her so much.

stound

yeah, it can be kinda shocking in speed, depending on the sort.

strongbow · 46-50, M

I wouldnt call dieing from smoking like a chimney a natural cause, but agree that cancer does suck

MaryJanine · 61-69, F

@strongbow My mom died in her sleep from a heart attack related to her smoking (so the doctor told us).My dad began to pass blood and he had a heart attack in the hospital the following morning while the nurse was wheeling him down the hall to X-Ray. He never made it. Again the doctor told us it was a "leaking heart" tied to excessive smoking.

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