I think for most people there is something that stands out every Christmas that makes it memorable. It doesn’t have to be anything Earth shattering or major by any means. For example: Christmas 2000 my then boyfriend and current husband fell off the roof of my house while hanging the lights. We will never forget that Christmas just because of that very funny event.
Unfortunately, Christmas 2010 will be forever the Christmas that I found out my father has cancer. Actually hearing those words from his surgeon on Tuesday, December 7, 2010 was a huge blow to me emotionally. I’m very well aware of the circle of life and the fact that I will one day have to say good-bye to my parents. I also am in no way oblivious to heartache. I have already endured the death of one of my own children. So why am I so overwhelmed with the thought of losing one of my parents? It actually amazes me that we know from a fairly early age that our parents will not live forever. I have known for a very long time that I will not always have my mom and dad. Even though we know this we are in no way prepared for it when we are faced with it. My dad’s diagnosis with cancer makes this knowledge a reality. Just the slightest thought of my dad not being around really opens the flood gates for me. In my opinion he is just too young to be faced with such a disease. He is 68 and full of life. He is the grandfather of my amazing children and they love him to pieces. He is the husband of my beautiful mother and I know she can’t live without him. I’m truly devastated to find out he has cancer. It is a treatable cancer and his prognosis is fairly good but the cancer will steal years away from him and our family. It is very upsetting to me that Christmas 2010 will always be the Christmas that I found out my dad has cancer. It will always be the Christmas that I really realized I will not always have my mom and dad. It will always be the year that I was reminded that I will one day have to say good-bye to some of the most loved people in my life.
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| Me with my parents at the Marine Corps Ball Nov. 13, 2010 |
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| My family Thanksgiving 2010 - 1 week before my dad's diagnosis |
