Still learning

I have made it a point to learn to build a blog this year. So far, I'm not doing too good at even getting into my own blog. So therefore I haven't blogs as much as I want to eventually. I bought a book from Amazon.com by This Hussey called "Create Your Own Blog." It arrived today, as just as soon as I finish the current book I'm reading, I'll tackle it. So far it looks a little tough, but the reviewers gave it great praise.

This year has started out with a sad note for my brother's family,and my families as we learned of the illness of my nephew. It has made me so very sad. My nephew, the first born grandson of my parents, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the esphosigus before Christmas, and he and his lovely wife waited until after Christmas to tell my brother and sister-in-law. The cancer has spread into the liver and lipnoid glands. He is taking chemo, but that will only buy him some more time on Earth.

As a counselor, I have found myself monitoring my own grief stages, and have worked throught the denial, and bargaining stage. I don't feel angry, but do wonder why someone who has lived a good life, not drink, nor smoke and taken care of himself is given this awful disease. My nephew is a deacon in his chruch and has raised two lovely Christian daughters. He has accomplished everything he set his mind to doing. He is 10 years younger than me.

I have all the great childhood memories of playing with him, teaching him songs to sing and play on the piano. He and his brother being in my wedding and his wedding and the births of his daughters. I have fantastic memories of his generious nature and caring heart.

I am planning to go to Dallas in about 3 weeks and have a nice visit with him, and the rest of my Dallas area family.

One thing I have also thought about his approaching death is that he has been given a golden opportunity to tell everyone he loves them, to tell them good by and how very much he will miss them. It is another opportuntity to mend fences, and complete any unfinished business.

The fourth stage to griefing is depression, I am fighting hard not to slip into that great abyss, as I know the rest of the family is fight this as well. The last stage is acceptance. I guess I have accepted this tradgic situation, but don't like it one bit. There is really no other solution.

That is all for today. Accept for this thought: Live everyday as if it were your last. Tell those you love you love them. Savor every moment of life and cherish each precious gift of love you receive. And of course, don't say no to dessert.

Mary