Post #109605 by Bamboo Dude on Sun, Aug 22, 2004 9:07 AM

On 2004-08-20 13:28, Tiki_Bong wrote:
I honestly believe that the more I got into Hawaiian culture - language, steel guitar, history, etc - the more it helped me realize that one needs to make the most out of the time we spend on the surface of this Earth. What matters is family, friends, and taking time for yourself.

This is so true, Bong!

I had a friend who was diagnosed with brain cancer at age 54. In Dec. of 1997 he noticed slurring in his speech that he couldn't control, so he scheduled an appointment and a tumor showed up on the MRI. He wanted to wait until after Christmas for the biopsy...just to have one more family holiday without the 'taint' of knowing that the growth was malignant. After Christmas the biopsy confirmed the malignancy. As the tumor grew, it took away his speech...all he could do was babble...and also paralyzed him on one side. Hard way to go for a guy who made his living as a manufacturer's rep selling sporting goods equipment.

One night I took him to go see Titanic, just to get him out of the 'prison cell' at home. When we got to the theater, rather than sit in the 'handicapped section', he insisted on walking up several steps to a row of seats in the back despite the difficulty. He was a rock...determined that if the cancer was gonna kill him, it would have to take him fighting!

Halfway through the movie, he had a siezure. I tried to revive him with CPR, but he was already gone before the medics arrived. Four months from biopsy to being put in the dirt. He left a wife, and a nine year old son who was and is a very promising athlete...a 'natural' in every sport he's in.

That experience woke me up, and I resolved to return to school to finish my bachelor's degree, which I did despite working a grave yard shift six days a week. After graduating from UC Irvine in 2000, the goal of finding more fulfilling employment has been elusive. I live with more anxiety than ever before,and I am not sure where this journey will lead, but I am resolved to not let death take me without a fight!!!

To all the TCers out there contemplating these major decisions, all I can tell you is life is gonna be a struggle at times no matter what you do, so you might as well follow your heart, and live a little before the big dirt nap! Thanks to you all, and esp. to Suicide Sam who has allowed us all to reflect a little on why we are here.

P.S. (To Chongo) Dude, nobody NEEDS criticism, constructive or otherwise...if they WANT it, they will ask for it, but usually from a close friend. Encouragement is always welcome. I wish you the best in your efforts to find peace in your life!