The elephant in the room and possessions

So, at lunch, I pick up the book, to read a few chapters. Randy talks about the lecture and the stuffed animals he had brought on stage, how he had fun with his niece and nephew to the point of pouring a Coke in the back seat of his new car, and then you come to the elephant in the room yourself...

A few months ago, on my oldest daughter's 21st birthday, little sister was driving home from a friend's house and wrapped my beloved Red Ranger around a tree. At 3 am. I calmed her down, explaining that possessions could be fixed/replaced but the important thing was that she was OK. Seeing how it was big sis' 21st, well, let's just say that talking to the Police (and I do NOT mean the band) was an out body experience...

The truck was repaired, but the most important thing is that Sarah was not afraid to drive it again...

The book is going along smoothly talking about the girl who got the biggest stuffed animal, and there it is, in front of you.

The elephant. Chapter 12. We all know what is coming, but nothing prepares you for it.

The initial diagnosis. The first round of treatment, and the optimism of a follow up visit.

The optimism that soon turns to determination.

I hope and pray you all never have to hear these words, but if you do, I will be there if you want to talk.

"We are going to give you a drug that will improve the quality and quantity of your life".

I heard them for the first time in August of 1999. They still haunt me to this day, I'm pretty sure they always will....

That's the day when I found out how short and precious life is.

So do me a favor today. If there's someone who's special to you, someone you love, tell them how you feel.

Tomorrow might just be too late.

peace.