2009 so far

I had hopes for 2009 being a year of more good things than bad. Anything had to be better than 2008 and the slow economy which effects everyone in so many ways. But, 2009 has been a year where I have said the word cancer more than I would care to. Last week we found out that my Aunt Theresa was diagnosed with liver cancer. Not good. She is only 47, and has children ages 10 and 7. Theresa had a profound impact on me growing up, and I've always felt a strong bond with her. If anyone can fight this, and beat it, it will be Theresa. But, I think liver cancer usually has the upper hand.

Then, on Sunday, I learned that Theresa's brother, my Uncle Bob has brain cancer. He had surgery on Sunday that removed a tangerine-sized, stage 3 or 4 tumor. And now we wait.

My aunt and uncle are my dad's siblings. They are a close, tight-knit family, which is surprising to some because there are 9 of them. They were brought up in a Irish Catholic military family, where family meant more than anything else in the world. I've always been amazed at how every single one of them is successful, healthy, and has managed to navigate this crazy world so well. But now, for the first time, 2 of the 9 are dealing with cancer. Dealing with their mortality. It's the circle of life, I know. We are all getting older, but that doesn't take away the shock and fear.

So, I try to remain positive, and love the ones I love.