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.