Today's gratitude comes with a heavy heart. The older brother of my friend/assistant, Karen, passed away this evening. His was a very short battle with cancer. Indeed, it wasn't more than three months ago he was enjoying a vacation in Colorado with a friend. When he got home, he had flu-like symptoms. He kept thinking he would get better, but continued to get worse. He was admitted to the hospital thinking that he might have picked up Lyme Disease from a tick in Colorado. As his condition deteriorated, test revealed that his body was riddled with cancer. There was no time for treatment. He spent just one day in Hospice before his death.
I never knew George personally. I have just heard stories from Karen. He was a gifted wood worker and cabinet maker. His life's calling, however, was music. He was able to play in bars around town. Karen speaks of the times he would call her and her mother on-stage to play the kazoo along with the band. I can only imagine the fun.
I grieve for the loss of a still young life. He would have turned 60 in December. I mostly grieve, however, for my friend, Karen. She and her daughter have endured so much loss in their lives. Life isn't fair, but it seems particularly unfair to this family.
Karen is also so worried about her 87 year old mother with a failing heart. She is not dealing well with the loss of her child. I guess it doesn't matter if they are 6 or 60, a parent should never outlive their child.
So I'm taking today's gratitude list very seriously. You never know what is around the corner and life can turn on a dime. I'm extra grateful for my kids, my husband, my friends and family today. I'm also incredibly grateful that Karen is a part of our lives. I just wish there was something I could do to help ease her pain.
I am so very thankful for:
1. sunset over my lake
2. music that makes me want to sing along and dance
3. Coach Art and Coach Sackman - two great coaches in Luke's life
4. Old Navy and Target for inexpensive clothing for my boys
5. Strawberries, grapes and peaches
6. Cole is responding so well to therapy and medication
7. Jack would rather be home with me than anywhere else.
8. Scott Kelby teaching me new Photoshop tricks
9. tulips
10. the big Magnolia tree outside my bedroom window. I can't wait until it blooms.
11. Gary is starting to pay more about his health.
12. Bobby Bowden and all may FSU football memories
13. my hair - sometimes it is the only part of my that I like
14. audiobooks that I play on my iPod during my miles and miles of driving. I'm learning a lot of cool stuff.
15. This I borrowed from Cameron - There is no longer any man named Bush in the White House
16. Our troops who do what their country asks them to do
17. Professor Mike Radelet who opened my eyes about crime, punishment and the death penalty
18. My Aunt Jenny and Uncle Jack who love my boys, make us homemade jelly and marvelous carmel cake.
19. My Aunt Shelby, Uncle Doug and Aunt Etta who are my boys' connection to their Appalachian roots
20. My niece, Laura, seems to have her head screwed on straight and KNOWS HER POWER
So, so sorry about Karen's brother. :(
This is a great list. :)
Posted by: Cameron | November 17, 2009 at 10:27 AM