You know it’s a weird day when you run a race that takes you a mile up a stream in nearly waist-deep water at points, then edit photos you took that look like a dream but no, you were actually there, then get the news that your favorite uncle has been diagnosed with prostate cancer but they’re informing everyone in the fashion you would if you were saying “I got a new puppy.” “I have prostate cancer. It’s going to be a little tough at first, but things are looking good.” Because apparently there is a good kind of prostate cancer to have.
The fact that we even live in a world where there are “good cancers” leaves me without words. How do you comprehend that? Good cancer. Because, yes, that is good for the person you love, and it is positive, but it is still cancer. &^%$#@! cancer. It pisses me off. Daily.
But unlike me my family is so incredibly level-headed, if not at first then later. And while I’m over here pissed off they are educated and have a plan and somehow find it in themselves to tell me how it’s all going to be okay.
And they are right, I know they are right. So in the meantime I will provide distraction. I’m really good at that, providing distraction. Want to sneak out of a party unnoticed, I will drop a glass. Want no one to notice you put salt instead of sugar in the peanut butter cookies? I will spill coffee all over them. True stories. I distract like no one’s business.
Here we have no boring parties to leave for better parties, or delicious-looking yet salted cookies to ruin, and so I’ll settle for pictures instead.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, September 2009
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m sure that news knocked you over. I am sorry to hear that your uncle has cancer. If you need more distractions, I want to hear more about this race through the water.
What an incredibly strong and upbeat person your uncle must be. I wish him continued strength to beat this thing.
Your photos astound me. I need to talk to you about them.
im so with you on the “good cancer” phenom. it’s crazy that that sentence makes sense to us yet is such a huge oxymoron. im sorry to hear about your uncle…
you ran a mile in waist deep water?!?!
I’m sorry about your uncle
Love the pictures. I was in Santa Fe a few years ago – loved it!!
Sorry to hear about your uncle…and yeah, it does suck that there are ‘good cancers’…but well, it’s unfortunately the case because why find a cure for cancer when you can make money off the treatments and make even more money off drugs to fix things like erectile dysfunction…but I’m not bitter about those things…:) Anyway, one of my best friends just found out her FIL has prostate cancer as well. Another good friend, her dad had it, and he was treated and is fine. If that helps?
Oy. Well, I’m glad your family is being positive. I think that’s the right thing to do.
Those pictures are gorgeous.
Prostate cancer is a world unto itself I think as it doesn’t get the attention that other cancers do and there is the form that isn’t deadly while there is the other form that is. My dad has the form that is. There has been progress though in what they can do and will do to help… and yet, in the end, it is all about the way we live and how we embrace life that make the biggest difference. It is kind of, and forgive how this sounds, yes my Dad has cancer and it might kill him – but it hasn’t killed him yet and until it does, there is a lot of life to live and many moments to embrace!
Thank God for level headed people, because cancer would really freak me out, even if it is the good kind. Hope he recovers quickly.