A second opinion that changed your life

It was 2008, when the doctors told you your life was going to end soon. Cancer had intruded your body and was eating its way through. You were not ready to give up yet, because that's just who you are. So you decided to get a second opinion in a different clinic. Your new oncology team was more hopeful. They didn't tell you you were going to die somewhere soon. They didn't tell you you would beat the cancer either. They just told you, they were not going to give you up. They talked to you and your family and tried to find a method that would help you feel better. They couldn't take away the C word, but three years later, you're still here..

I finally managed to pick up that phone to call you. But not until I read your message on the Internet.. meaning you were still alive. Not well, but alive. That's when I decided to call you... Your lovely wife picked up the phone and by the tone of her voice, I could hear you were having a very, very hard time. I could hear the tears crack in her voice, but at the same time, she was happy I called.. We talked a little and she informed me about your condition. Your sight is leaving you.. your legs are giving up too. Most of the time, you lay down to nap. But the one thing you won't give up, is to have visitors. So yes, you said I could come over and visit. I wanted to make sure the visit wouldn't be too hard for you. That's when you told me you would really look forward to my visit. Yes, it would tire you out, but you didn't care. You want people over to come see you and talk to you. Although you can't say much yourself - you're really short of breath - you love to have people over and listen to their stories. It helps you forget the C-word for some time...

I know it will be my last visit. I heard your voice.. You're no longer a strong bear, but a tiny, little, fragile bird... Deep down, I could hear your humor and that warmed my heart. Despite the pain -  morphine doesn't take away all of the pain - you can still make jokes. I love you buddy... See you on Thursday x