Ironically, given my last post, I spent 3 hours today at the local Veterans Hospital with a good friend. He was scheduled to have s scan done there and invited me to join him for the period after he drank the barium and before he had the CT scan done.
In that chunk of time, I saw more people missing limbs and disfigured than I have seen in my entire life. it was humbling and inspirational at the same time and an excellent reminder that while my life may not be going ideally at the moment, I still have a lot to be thankful for.
My friend was diagnosed with cancer last year and given how far gone it was, had his bladder, colon and part of his stomach removed. He now wears a bag 24/7 to collect what his body cannot. Today's scan was to determine if the cancer has returned.
As we sat there chatting and enjoying each other's company, it hit home how little any of us know about what lies ahead for us. We've been friends since 1993 and have enjoyed many, many stellar conversations about just about everything, so I feel for the sacrifices he has had to make. On the other hand, he is still here, still my friend and still a most enjoyable person to spend time with and for that, I am grateful.
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thanks fer writin this
ReplyDeletein Feb 2009 there was a ornery legless wheelchair guy sittin behind Art6 in the rain for over a week - i asked the cops to check up on him - last time i saw him was in oregon hill - maybe he was a vet also
how is yr friend today?
Hanging in there. Still carrying a bag everywhere he goes, but still smart, funny and wildly complimentary, so very much himself.
ReplyDeleteP.S.: And a big thanks for continuing to mine my archives. You will soon know far too much about me and my inner workings.
ReplyDeleteIt's actually quite flattering and I can only hope I haven't bored you yet.