Saturday, August 19, 2006

Unwanted Vacation / Hard Goodbye

Sorry for the lack of posts the last few days. Right now I'm in California on an unplanned trip...in fact, one of the most difficult trips of my life. One of my uncles just recently got diagnosed with cancer that is fairly advanced and very aggressive, and it's unclear how much longer he has. So, to sum it up, this trip is most likely the last time I will see him alive. It's one of the most difficult situations I've ever faced. How do you act around someone who's future is short? How do you say goodbye to someone you will never again meet in this life?

M. Ward - One More Goodbye : Old Enough To Know Better

2 comments:

Rah said...

Best wishes...
Keep in mind that he likely has no idea what he wants to hear; I recommend listening as much as you can. And if you've anything to thank him for, or anything to forgive, or any other unfinished business, don't be afraid to go there. He's likely there already.

(One last bit of advice: someone near him is probably sleeping poorly, eating poorly, and feeling ragged and despairing. Anything you can do spontaneously and without fanfare to help this person will be a great benefit to everyone around your uncle.)

Sean said...

thanks rah