Cancer In The Family

I found out today that my cousin, Mike Gladden, has cancer. My heart really goes out to him. Any way you look at it, he's going to have a rough road ahead.

There is a reason that everyone in my family fears cancer. It runs in the family. No, it not only runs, it rampages through my family. Although only one of my mother's six sisters got it, all four of her brothers had cancer. One beat it. Three did not. The sister didn't beat it, either. For everyone in my family, any unexpected sharp pain brings to the surface the wondering if your number has finally come up. There's a reason for that.

Mike is young. Mid to late 40's. Healthy. He has a chance at beating this. But I'm sure we're all painfully aware of the odds. I'll keep him in my thoughts and prayers, though, and hope for the best.

It all kind of puts things into perspective, doesn't it? I spent part of today feeling sorry for myself, dwelling upon the inherent unfairness of my current situation. But somehow everything that seemed so overwhelming earlier today now feels insignificant by comparison.

I won't bore you with public service announcements. I won't encourage everyone to go get checked, and often. You make up your own mind. But if you find a little spare time in your day, I'd appreciate it if you'd send a few encouraging thoughts or positive energies to one Mike Gladden in North Carolina. I'm sure he's going to need it.