Hey Guys,

It’s been a while since we chatted.  My attempts to write were almost immediately met by incidents that filled me with uncertainty and sadness.  Discovering that one of my workout buddies from work, was diagnosed with advanced cancer, my best friend’s daughter is in her second bout against cancer at age 40, a former intern that worked in my office, 29 years old, was brutally killed in Tajikistan with ISIS claiming responsibility, then this week one of the female security guards in our building died, unexpectedly from an accident that occurred at work.  Those things in addition to other losses of extended family members and acquaintances made it difficult to not slip into an anxiety fueled mental maze.

Honestly, some have been weighing heavily on my heart than others particularly when it is in your face. A couple of weeks ago I ran into my former workout buddy on the elevator.  It’s very brave of her to continue working because her appearance has changed drastically due to the severe weight loss from the cancer.  I had just finished working out and needed to get my towel from upstairs.  On the way back to the gym, she was on the elevator with another person.  I did not recognize her until she spoke to me and began to talk.  After I turned and noticed the small frame, I fixated my eyes only on her face to not allow them to drift or observe the disappearance of that “super bomb” body that was once the cause for envy.  Upon exiting the elevator, I bolted into the bathroom and cried and prayed for her.

On the way home from work, I conversed with my daughter about that incident. We also talked about my best friend’s daughter, who was left drained and depleted of her energy for almost a week after her first intensive chemo treatment, and decided she no longer wanted additional treatments.  She knows the consequences.  My daughter stated that when people talk about “fighting” cancer they are referring to that struggle.  “The chemotherapy is the easy part, it’s the fight to do every day things like get out of bed, get dressed and muster up every bit of strength remaining to face the world.”

When these things happen to people we know, undoubtedly you question – if just for a second, your own mortality. I personally have a lot of life that I want to live and then I think, so do these people.  Although this seems dark, this is the reality of life as I know it.

Life – by Lee

Life – So full of uncertainty and surprises

Existing at the same pace every day

No stopping, never slowing

Tick tock, tick tock

We grow a little older, until old

Tick tock, tick tock

Occurrences, Events, Tragedies beyond our control

Tick tock, tick tock

Celebrate, Laugh, Mourn, Cry, Process

Tick tock, tick tock

Carry loved ones in your heart, grow stronger, live, love, and prosper

Don’t digress

Tick tock tick tock

Repeat

 Peace and Blessings,

Lee