Death

My wife's cousin Susan has a mass of tissue in her brain that isn't supposed to be there. The doctors don't know yet if it is malignant, but it has got us (my wife and me) thinking. Susan and her husband are still young. They don't have children. They have had some crying sessions together and the extended family has fasted and prayed for her as we all deal with the possibility that this may take her life. I hope she'll be ok.

My wife's grandfather has been diagnosed with lung cancer. It's progressing slowly and he's content to live as he is until the time comes. Grandma has taken it pretty well so far. They are both getting to be pretty old and I hope he'll be comfortable and enjoy the rest of his life.

As I think about those two situations, I feel very sad for Susan and almost happy for grandpa. This life is an amazing experience and I hate to see people die young. But when they get old, it's almost a relief to see them move on. I used to be afraid of death; I'm not afraid anymore. In fact, sometimes I get so tired of what I see around me, I wouldn't mind moving to the next phase myself even though I'm way too young to die. But I would miss my wife and children too much and I would feel that I could have done more for them if I had to abandon them now. No, I'm not suicidal, but I wouldn't mind passing out of this murky world for what I believe will be a brighter one. I just have more to do here before I go.

And while we're here, we might as well enjoy it. Grandma and grandpa are bravely facing their challenges and Susan is cheerfully submitting to whatever may happen. I've been pretty impressed by reading her comments and how happy she is choosing to be regardless of what life gives her. She has a lot of faith and courage. These people are such good examples for me. As imperfect as we all are, there are so many people around me that I can look up to in various ways. I'm grateful for good family and friends and their positive influence on me. I hope you, whoever you are, are equally blessed.