Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Tomorrow Isn't Promised to Anyone

   Although the main purpose of my blog is to explain how cancer has affected my life and my family, I also want to write and inform others about experiences outside of my father's battle with cancer that have made me realize that I need to live every day like it's my last. I was not planning on doing this at first, but a recent event that has changed my life and the lives of many of my friends has become a great example of how life is too short.

   Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. Exactly one month ago, one of my friends from high school passed away. He was in my class from 7th grade until my senior year of high school, and he was definitely the kind of person that makes an impression on everyone that he met. He was so full of life and energy, and he always knew how to bring a smile to anyone's face. It is devastating to think that someone so full of life lost his life at such a young age. His name was Andrew, and he passed away from cardiac arrest.

   This has not only had in impact on my life, but also on the lives of many others including Andrew's family and friends. My younger brother knew him well and I can see how Andrew's death is affecting him in a positive way.  I think Andrew's death scared my brother because no one ever thinks about someone they know or care about passing away until they are given reason to. I have been noticing that my brother is trying to stay in contact with me more than ever, and the little brat actually tells me that he loves me now! I have also been reading what friends of Andrew's have written on his wall since he passed away, and it seems like his death has been almost like a reality check for the people closest to him. This tragic event has made a lot of people come to terms with the fact that they too will eventually pass away, and you never know when it may happen so you need to make the most of the life that you are given.

   I do not want my blog to appear to be a place where I am looking for pity; I am not writing about my experiences looking for people to feel bad at me. Instead, I want to share my experiences that have made me realize that I need to really try to make the most of my life because it is too short to be anything but happy. Everyone has their fair share or tough experiences or obstacles that they need to overcome in life. I am not the only one who has lost a parent, or anyone close to me for that matter. I want to leave my blog open for other people to share their experiences of losing someone close to them, whether the cause was cancer or not.