Well, first of all, thank you to everyone supportive messages and emails about the weight issues. It really means a lot. It's been a life-long battle and one that I'm sure will continue. But as time goes on I learn better ways of dealing and coping with it. (And yes - the Weight Watchers points system is the only diet plan that ever worked for me - I lost about 55 pounds over about 6 months - and even though I've been off of it officially for months now, I've only gained back about 5 pounds. It is definitely the way to go for me personally.)
Well, today at work was a little interesting. About a mile away from work was a gas plant explosion. We could hear little explosions constantly as tanks exploded and flew through the air. Here's a little video taken by a local photojournalist.
If that wasn't exciting enough...there's something I haven't written about at all in here, but is weighing heavily on my mind. Someone very close to me is dying from lung and brain cancer. Today the doctors did a CAT Scan and found 4 more tumors for a total of 7. One of them is wrapped around his right optic nerve. He also developed a Staph infection throughout his body that has now spread to the brain.
I have had many friends die from different things - even a couple from disease. This time is different. I've never had to watch someone I care about this much go through this. The only word I can use to describe it is "surreal." His body is giving out on him - abandoning him - and doing so in a very painful way. It is so bizarre to sit next to someone you love so much and to know that in a few months he'll probably be gone forever.
Tonight I hugged him and held him while we both cried. I really, honestly don't know how to handle this. I know I will because I always do, this is just different territory for me. I know it's so hard for him too after watching his mom go through the exact same thing about 6 years ago. Now he is in her exact same position. I can't imagine what that feels like for him. All I can do is support him and love him and make things as easy as possible. I'll take care of myself later.
Your friends are so lucky to have Steven as their friend.
ReplyDeleteOMG, Steven! I really can't believe this. Has he told his family yet? He really needs to give them a chance to see him. Damn. Poor thing!
ReplyDeleteYou seem to always attract new and extreme emotional challenges, and I know you'll be okay and be comforted by the fact that you did as much as you could. And of course, you have a faithful support network, too. All you have to do is ask.
ABC News just did a segment on exploding Dallas.
ReplyDelete(Steven, were you out back smoking?)
Just be there for him. Some of the smallest things mean the most.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had cancer, a friend would be available to be whenever I needed her. I remember waking her up one night asking for a Starbucks coffee: she drove around until she found one that was open. These little measures mean the most to me. And to her: she knew she couldn't make the cancer go away herself, but she made sure she did what she could.