Not sure where else to post this, but I just learned that an old buddy lost his lengthy battle with cancer this evening after putting up a solid fight. If anyone feels like raising a glass to a random stranger, I'm sure he'd appreciate it.
You are a good friend for thinking of them like this. In the old times it was thought that you would think of the recently diseased for a few days so they would see the path to find the other world. Because if we are sad they left and their kin are waiting to welcome them, their path would be brighter if they were missed. So when the mourning days were over celebrate them going home. We should all sing our death songs like warriors going home.
Currently in the hospital after dealing with a neutropenic fever (fun fact: somewhere around 106.3f your brain can no longer form coherent speech) stemming from way-too-stronk chemo. I concur, fuck cancer.
My uncle took a voluntary in early COVID days as the lymphoma required more and more frequent transfusions onsite amid sick people and he with no immune system. He didn't want to risk his daughter's pregnancy, fraught as it was already, and when the transfusions got too frequent and his time left was too short and risky, he gathered his family and left us peacefully at 5 pm on a Tuesday.
I miss him dearly.
My cousin's child was perfect and strong, and she's already the free, fearless, astounding personality as the grandpa she never knew. She will know all the stories by heart, though.
Sounds like he made a difficult, selfless choice to protect his daughter and granddaughter. Sharing his story is a great way to honor him, so thanks for that.
I'm truly sorry to hear that. I know it's a little cliche, but don't forget to take care of yourself so that you can take care of her, and sometimes just being there is enough.
Thanks for the kind replies. I didn't necessarily make this post looking for sympathy, moreso just getting it off my chest, so I appreciate y'all taking a moment.
Sorry for your loss. In the future please avoid calling it a "fight" though, as that's got negative connotations toward those that can't survive the disease, since it puts the blame on the victim for "not fighting hard enough". Not saying that's what you meant, but some people definitely mean it that way.