Thursday, July 21, 2011

Birth and Death

Today is David's birthday.

This has become a dual anniversary for us, because it was two years ago today that we arrived in Santa Fe, in a pouring rain storm, to start house-hunting here. Amazing to us that it's already two years. And now just one more until he's done with school.

We always say it, but time flies on by.

The days rush past, with all our little ups and downs, until something reminds us that this isn't a given. On Tuesday, one of my college friends died. I've long had his blog on my blogroll there on the sidebar. The title is now ironic: I'm Not Dead Yet. He'd been battling pancreatic cancer with courage, humor and determination for several years. He hoped to beat the truly terrible odds of this devastating cancer, and did for quite a long time. Eventually his body gave out. He turned 45 in March; I'll turn 45 next month. I'm still here and he isn't.

Life - and death - are strange that way.

A few days ago, the young woman my cousin is engaged to posted to Facebook that her grandfather has cancer and we should pray for him because cancer is caused by sin. She's a Southern Lutheran and he's now a Lutheran minister. I wanted to comment that my cat died of cancer and I'm pretty sure she wasn't sinful, but I refrained. There's no arguing with that kind of belief system.

I think we'd all like to know why. Why one person gets pancreatic cancer young and another does not. Why some live to be very old and others don't live to see their children grow up.

The one thing I do know is, I'm glad to be alive. I'm happy to be celebrating another year with my friend, partner and lover. I hope never to take this for granted.

Happy birthday, my dear!

6 comments:

  1. *tear*
    I am so, so, so sorry to hear this news. I understand the questioning. I am facing it, too. My mom is battling stage 4 cancer and hearing someone express such a narrow-minded view might have tipped me over the ledge. You're a bigger person than I am!

    But your point is important: don't take life for granted. Thank you for that.

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  2. I'm very sorry for the loss of your friend *hugs*.

    I hope that you and David have a good celebration. Birthdays are to be treasured.

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  3. Happy Birthday David and big hugs to you both!!!

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  4. I'm sorry to hear about your mother, Patty. And, I confess, my finger itched to leave that comment for hours. Cherish what we have while we have it - that's the key!

    Thank you Laura and Kristina!

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  5. Happy Birthday to David. Aloe cocktails all around!

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  6. Happy Birthday David!

    Sorry about your friend Jeffe.

    Everyday is a gift. Every birthday a cause for celebration.

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