The day at the lake was wonderful. I couldn't have asked for much more. I spent more than seven hours in the water and got some awesome new sunburn. I love spending time with my friends, more than they know I think. Anyways, that's not the focus of this post...
Everyone has some crazy family stories, but I think this one tops my list. My dad's side of the family is sort of "out there." My "grandparents" don't speak to us (or any of their sons) and haven't for more than 11 years. My dad's oldest brother and his wife don't come around except occasionally on Christmas. But, my dad's middle brother and wife are two of the most amazing people in my life. A few years ago, my aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was scared I'm sure, but you'd never know it by her amazing attitude. She was so positive, and was truly an inspiration to everyone around her. She fought, and was cancer free in what seemed like no time! We were all so happy for her, and we were delighted that she was feeling better.
A few years later, she called with some bad news, somehow the cancer from earlier had spread to her bones. She now had an incurable type of cancer. We were devistated. How could this happen? But her "can-do" attitude showed all of us that we needed to stay positive for her! We were as supportive as we could be as she called us with updates, good and bad.
Then a few years after that, right around Easter, we got another phone call. I'll never forget this day. It was my aunt saying that her husband was in the hospital. We rushed downtown to visit him. It was later that day we found out that what we hoped was pnemonia, was stage 4 lung cancer. Why? How could this possibly be happening again? I remember being so angry with God asking him why the only functional family we have left on that side of the family are both dying from cancer. It just wasn't fair.
My uncle decided that he didn't want to go through treatment. He wanted to just live as long as he could. We struggled to support his decision, but we did. In the next few months, they lived together with their dog Woofy. They took care of eachother, and came to every family event like nothing was going on.
Then at 2:22 a.m. on February 7th, 2010, he lost his battle with cancer. However, we don't consider it a loss to a wicked disease, but rather a celebration of a greater victory. He was surrounded by the people that loved him most.
It was so hard to be at the hospital watching it happen, but I felt that I should be there. You can imagine how this felt. Anyone who has lost anyone dear to them knows. But, we had to be strong for eachother. Especially for my aunt, and dad.
Today, my aunt and Woofy live in their newly redecorrated house. We visit as often as we can. She is doing fairly well considering everything she's going through. Lately she's been more sick, with a sore throat and just very run-down.
Why did I write this extremely long post? Not for sympathy, but with the hope that you'd take a few moments and send up a little prayer to the big guy. She could use all the prayers she could get. She has a very loving family full of nieces, nephews, parents, sisters, brothers, and has been offically adopted by my mom's side.
So for now, appreciate what you have in your life. Don't dwell on what you've lost, but rather look to the future at what you could gain.
And remember, I'm me and you're not...
Love you Uncle Bryan and Aunt Tammy
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