Already Rich – What Cancer Has Taught Me
Posted by michelle on Sep 17, 2012 in Parenting | 80 comments
My dad when he was a 20-something
October, 2009 — It was a day that started off just like any other crisp October day. I woke up, got the kids off to school, put on my scrubs, and headed to work. At the time, I was working as an Optometric Technician for a small practice in town. Trying not to think about the news I might be hearing later that morning, I listened to the radio and tried to stop my mind from turning every song I heard into a ballad about a daughter who loved her father and was terrified of losing him. I failed miserably upon accidentally flipping to a Cat Stevens song. My dad used to play this particular song on his guitar for me and my sister when we were little. We would sit on the rug in front of him, staring up into his pool blue eyes, soaking up his rockstar good looks and charm all to ourselves. We were his biggest fans for sure, and he knew it. I wonder if when my dad hears this song, he pictures a smiley 5-year-old Michelle the way I picture my 20-something-year-old Dad, strumming along through life without a care in the world. Oh baby baby, it is a wild world after all.
I unlocked the back door to the office, dropped off my purse in the break room, and filled a glass with hot water to steep my tea. So far, the day was unremarkable. The only difference that day was the phone in my pocket that usually lived in my purse during work hours. Before opening the exam rooms that morning, I stopped by the doctor’s office. He was on the computer looking over the schedule for the day.
“Good morning. Are you busy?”
“Good morning, Michelle! Nope, what’s going on?” The young Optometrist I worked for was always very easy to talk to.
“Well…today, I’m going to find out about my dad. My mom’s going to be calling me probably some time this morning, and I know I don’t usually keep my phone on me, but I was wondering if it would be okay this one time?”
“Of course, yeah. I hope everything’s okay.”
“Thanks. Me too. Anyway, I won’t answer right away if I’m with a patient, but I told my mom that I would call her right back.”
“That’s fine, Michelle.”
“Thanks.” Still holding a very hot glass of tea, I padded off to start preparing the exam rooms for the day.
The week before, my parents stopped by the house unexpectedly saying that they needed to tell us something in person. We didn’t have any idea that my dad was going to get a routine colonoscopy (why would we need to know that?) so we were blindsided by the news that they’d found a 4 centimeter tumor during his examination. They would have to run tests to see what it was, and of course to tell if it was cancerous. Today was that day. The days between hearing someone you love has a tumor and then finding out if it’s cancer move at the speed of molasses. You try to keep busy, thinking it will make the time go faster, but it doesn’t work that way. Busy or not, you get stressed and impatient.
Thankfully for my boss, coworkers, and patients, I wasn’t in the exam room when my pocket began to vibrate. I looked down, hoping it was a wrong number. I wasn’t ready to hear whatever the verdict was. It was my mom. Nearly sprinting out of sight of the patients in the waiting room, I sneaked around a corner and answered quietly.
“Hi Mom.”
“Michelle, is it an okay time for you to talk?”
“Yeah. Hold on a sec.” I passed the office manager and asked if I could go into her office to take the call. She, like everyone else I worked with, was very understanding and compassionate, closing the door behind me to give me more privacy. “Okay. Mom?”
“They have the results of the biopsy and the tumor is malignant…”
“Does that mean…” I interrupted my mom, because I didn’t know what the word meant.
“Yes, that’s the bad kind.”
“Oh no. Cancer?”
“Yes, stage 3 colo-rectal.”
I wanted to throw up upon hearing the words. For the next few minutes, my mom tried to explain the next steps. He would need surgery. He would need a bag. He might need it forever. She spoke clearly and explained everything so well, but I honestly couldn’t concentrate as well as I would have liked. I tried to sound as put together as possible as I comforted my mom and told her that I loved her and to give my love to Dad. Then we hung up and I collapsed onto the comfortable chair –which now failed at comforting me– in my boss’s office and cried. I cried for several minutes, soaking the sleeves of my shirt with mascara, powder, and salty tears. When I emerged from her office, I shakily told my boss the news. She hugged me tight and told me how sorry she was and that she would pray for my dad. My boss always got a bad rap for being a hard-ass. I never saw it, though. She was always kind and even somewhat maternal toward me. Especially at this moment, she was the only person I wanted to see, since she knew exactly how I felt. She had lost her dad to cancer years before. I asked if I could take a break before going back to work, to which she replied that I could take the day off if I needed it. Knowing that if I went home, I would likely lay in bed and cry, I declined her generous offer, and asked if I could clean myself up and finish my shift.
Carefree times. Summer, 1982.
Since that time, over the next three years, my dad would learn things that he never wanted to know about himself and about cancer. He learned that as big as he is, he’s a lightweight when it comes to anesthesia. He now knows that it takes him a really long time to wake up, and when he does, it’s not pretty. He’s learned that he’s far younger and in much better shape than most people who have colon cancer. He knows this because all of his nurses have told him so. Cancer doesn’t care that he didn’t smoke, drink to excess, or overeat. He’s learned that cancer doesn’t discriminate. He’s learned that this wild world, this crazy life, is worth fighting for, even when it feels like fight is all you have left. He has learned that he has so much more, though. He has learned that he has so many people that love him and need him to keep fighting.
Today, my dad is healthy and active, perfect in every way really. Perfect, that is, except for the myriad of minor medical issues that cancer has so generously left behind for him. Thanks, cancer. I’m not going to list the issues that my dad has experienced or tell you how many times in the past month he’s been to that stupid, ugly hospital for what is now a small but routine part of his life. I will tell you that it doesn’t matter. My mom doesn’t care how much his medical bills are, or how many times she has had to take off work to take him in for another “routine” exam. She’s never even complained, but we all know. All that matters is that he’s here. I love my dad so much and I’m so glad that he’s okay. He still plays tennis a few times a week, still eats normally, sleeps like a baby most nights, and gets to watch his grandchildren grow up. All in all, we as a family know how lucky we are.
This scare has definitely given me a different perspective on life. I now know that money isn’t what’s important. Not at all. Yes, I want to get out of debt, but I will never let money be the most important thing in my life. I have learned about what is important in life; family, friends, your health. Everything else is just a bonus.
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Wow so sorry to hear about that. My mom had stage 3D ovarian cancer 7 years ago but is in remission today! It was scary indeed as I found out about a month before I went off to college. Luckily both your Dad and my Mom are in decent shape today. Cancer changes you for sure.
Lance @ Money Life and More recently posted..Buy An Older Generation or Last Season’s Product
It was very scary, yes. Glad your mom’s okay, Lance!
I agree, everything is just a bonus. Money isn’t always important! Glad everything is alright now.
Michelle recently posted..Spending, Life, Income and Food Updates…
Thanks, Michelle. Me too! I don’t know what I’d do without my dad!
I couldn’t imagine how scary that would be – especially if you’re a daddy’s girl! I haven’t had many of my family members come down with something serious; my grandpa had died of a brain tumor a few years back but other than that we haven’t had many scares such as this. Glad all is well!
WorkSaveLive recently posted..Our Journey Update – Net Worth, Debt, and Savings
I might be a little bit of a daddy’s girl, yeah. I’m sorry to hear about your grandpa. Was it sudden? Every minute we have is a gift.
Wow, Michelle. Thanks for sharing this story with us. Glad your dad is doing okay now and that he is still here making wonderful memories with his family
Mackenzie recently posted..Things You Will Never Hear Me Say
We are definitely going to work on making more wonderful memories together as a family! We’re also working on my daughter not being afraid of her papa! It’s kind of funny…she loves him and will walk up to him and talk to him or pat his leg, but as soon as he tries to hold her, she screams! We need to work on that!
So glad you dad is OK!!! This really touched home for me because my brother had stage 3 colon cancer as well at age 38, and went through HELL fighting it. And the side effects on your body are terrible! Then right after that one of my dearest friends had stage 4 colon cancer at 38 as well (or 39). She couldn’t fight it and lost her battle nearly 3 years ago, two days before my birthday. It’s a terrible disease, and I’m an advocate for getting tested. I have to every five years because of my brother. The test isn’t fun, but it’s very treatable/preventable if you just do the test. Anyway, I’m so happy about your Dad!
Budget and the Beach recently posted..Blog Motivation (maybe it’s the heat?)
Oh Tonya, that’s so young. I’m so sorry for your loss. That is absolutely terrible. It’s crazy really, because my dad never had symptoms. He was so healthy, so we thought. He was 51 and had just gone in for his routine 1st colonoscopy. Since then, his siblings have also gone in for theirs, and they all had polyps. Not all polyps are cancerous, but all colon cancer starts from a little polyp. So scary. Good job being proactive and continuing to get your check-ups. I know it would cost an arm and at least half a leg to go in and get one if it’s not covered, but if you have even the tiniest inkling that something isn’t right, I would for sure go get one if I were you. I feel that way about myself as well. My dad was over 50, but just barely! I feel like my sister and I need to be extra, extra careful now…especially since we lost a grandmother to Breast Cancer.
Thanks! Yea to date it’s the toughest loss I have ever felt, but use her as sort of a guiding light whenever I feel down, that I at least have the opportunity to live my life and not take it for granted!
Budget and the Beach recently posted..Blog Motivation (maybe it’s the heat?)
I’m so glad he turned out ok!!! Cancer is a scary thing, I see it everyday at work. The worst is when a young person comes in for a small symptom and learns that they have a massive cancerous tumor, I’ve seen it happen a few times and it’s horrible! Either way, it takes a team of medical professionals and an awesome support group to overcome it, and it can be done like in your dad’s case! Love your story
Nurse Frugal recently posted..I’m melting
Thanks NF! I bet you see a lot of it sadly in your profession. Nurses are angels that live on Earth. Thanks for being an angel and caring for those that need it most!
So sorry to hear everything your family has gone through, and I’m glad to hear that your Dad is okay now. This story (and stories like these) make me and hopefully everyone else stop and think about what’s important in life.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted..10 Ways to Make Money in the Wedding Industry
Absolutely, DC. I hate cancer…it’s an ugly, ugly beast. But my sister and I agree that it has brought us all a little closer, as much as I hate to admit it. We now say “I love you” when we hang up (my mom, sister, dad, and me) whereas we used to only say that occasionally. We also treasure every minute we have with one another.
This post is so effing beautiful Michelle. You are a great blogger, but above that you are an astonishing writer. I’m so glad that your Dad is better now, I can’t imagine what that must have been like
Thank you for sharing!
Lauren @ LBee and the Money Tree recently posted..How much for puppy?
Thanks so much, LBee! I write best when I feel passionate about something, I think, so this was easy for me to write about (even if it made me a little sad to relive these moments.)
Very touching story Michelle. Glad to hear that your dad is fighting through it and it sounds like he’s doing pretty well. I had my own scare with this and it sure opened up my eyes. In my case I had lots of the warning signs like smoking, eating bad, etc. So it was pretty stressful waiting to find out. Luckily my news ended up being good though. Still, it makes me look at life pretty differently.
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I know what you mean, Jeremy. I hate to say it, but having a scare like this really teaches you and allows you to see what’s really important. It also kicks your butt into gear if it wasn’t already there! We all eat healthier now, and we don’t tan anymore, any of us. I’ll never smoke again either! Not worth it.
Wow, that is a powerful story. I can relate – both my Dad and father in law have been through some pretty intense surgeries that have changed by outlook on life. When these kinds of things happen, you realize its time, not money, that is important. I don’t think I’ve ever had a day where I was “bored” since then because I know what’s waiting for me down the line.
My Money Design recently posted..To Be Young Entrepreneurs or Employees? My Kids Try Entrepreneurism
Time is priceless. Every minute we get to spend with loved ones is so, so precious! Are your dads okay now?
Totally agree with what Lauren said and I’m so glad that everything is alright now. He must be really proud knowing how great of a daughter he raised and the values she has.
DebtsnTaxes recently posted..Linkin’ It Up: MRI Edition
Oh I hope so! I think he thinks I’m alright too!
Thanks, Stan!
This is so beautiful, Michelle. I’m so glad he’s doing better and so sorry your family has had to go through all this. And thanks for the reminder that we’re at the end of the day, money is just money. Relationships are the key.
femmefrugality recently posted..Three Things You Should Consider When Moving. But Probably Haven’t.
Thank you, FF. Sometimes, I need reminders as well, but this one is pretty constant in my life. I know that every minute I have with my dad is a gift. He scared us all pretty good, but we are all so thankful that he’s alright.
OMG next time send me an email and tell me not to read this kind of story at work. ALSO next time lead with the part where your dad is alive!
Kathleen @ Frugal Portland recently posted..My Flip To Frugal
Oh no…I’m so sorry, Kathleen! I need a NSFW sign on this one, I guess! Yes, my dad is alive and well! I just saw him yesterday and he was goofy and fun to be around, just like usual.
My heart but reading that. I’m so sorry you had to go through such a terrible time, I don’t wish that upon anyone. So glad to hear he is okay, thank you for sharing such a personal post.
Janine recently posted..Travel Partners: Men or Women
Thank you, Janine. Our family would be lost without him. He is such a great guy!
Michelle, glad to hear that things have worked out well for you and your dad. My dad has also been fighting a number of cancers the last few years (skin, bladder, & salivary gland), which he beat with radiation and chemo. However, he’s gotten another that this time will likely be terminal. I’m glad that things turned out well (or as well as they can) for your dad, make sure you do enjoy life. I hope that you don’t have to learn anything else from cancer, it’s really not the easiest teacher. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh Karl, that is so hard. I know that we are very lucky, and that not all stories that start this way end up positive. We know that my dad isn’t considered to be in remission yet, but we also know that we are so lucky that he’s doing well. I’ll be thinking about you and your dad during this awfully trying time. Hugs
Michelle, I appreciate your thoughts. It’s one of the downsides to getting older. And it is certainly another rinkle in the retirement planning. Luckily insurance isn’t a problem with good government-job health coverage, so at least there’s that. I can’t imagine those folks trying to deal with this type of problem and really just rely on whatever is available. Some of these things cost so much that it would bankrupt you. Proper insurance probably doesn’t get enough coverage in blog-o-land, but even with coverage some times there’s just nothing that can be done. Best of luck wiht your dad. My cube neighbor at work is in remission, and she’s doing great!
CultOfMoney recently posted..Cycles and the markets
When my step-dad (really, “Dad” is more appropriate) passed away from cancer, I realized that family is way more important than I had ever prioritized before. Dad’s death was rough to get through, but it helped me reconnect and reprioritize my family at the top of my list.
Glad your dad’s doing so well, Michelle!
Christa recently posted..An Introduction to Investment Properties
I’m so sorry for your loss, Christa. You are right that cancer, as unyielding and unkind as it is, can sometimes teach us something about ourselves and what is important. I can’t imagine losing my dad, and I don’t like to think about the fact that he’s not quite in remission, but I just cherish every minute I’m given with him. Strangely, it’s also brought me closer to other members of our family as well. It just makes you realize that our time on Earth isn’t infinite and that we have to make the most out of every moment, and make sure that those we love…know it.
Wow, that sounds like a difficult time, but you seemed to have learned a valuable lesson. I can’t imagine facing the same kind of issues, but I would guess that I will at some point in my life. Thanks for sharing a touching story.
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It’s one of those moments that doesn’t feel real, or it was for me. I never thought my parents could get sick. I just never thought like that. I think that we are so safe. We live in a good area, we don’t smoke or drink to excess…we’re good! But then something comes along and reminds me that I don’t have a freaking clue when my time, or anyone else’s, might be up. So I try to make sure that those I love know how much I care.
Wow, this post nearly brought me to tears. I worry about cancer all the time simply because it’s so predominant in my extended family. You are absolutely right – it’s important to manage money well and get out of debt, but family always comes first. I’m so happy for you that your dad is okay!
Shannon-ReadyForZero recently posted..Weekly Shout Outs: Biking Edition
Shannon, I never worried, but I did always have it in the back of my mind when my grandma was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. She lost her battle sadly. When my dad was diagnosed, it definitely brought it to the forefront of my mind. I try not to worry, but I do try to take care of myself, eat right, don’t smoke, etc. I also have now become the official NAG of the entire family!
Wow. Cancer is a scary thing. A few years ago, my mom had back-to-back breast cancer scares.
Edward Antrobus recently posted..Giveaway: $5 for Facebook Likes
Oh no, Edward! I know it’s the scariest thing ever waiting to find out if your loved one is going to be okay, and being completely helpless.
Heartbreaking and touching story. Great writing too. I would be such a wreck, such a mess. I don’t deal with stress. I don’t deal well with family illnesses. I am glad everything is okay now. Boy I was reading and dreading for the worst. Thank you so much fo sharing this personal story!
Aloysa @ My Broken Coin recently posted..How To Marry Your Equal
I’m sorry for making you worry, Aloysa! Kathleen said that I should start with the part that my dad is alive and well.
I’m so happy for you and your father that he is still alive and able to tell his tale.
My wife and I recently saw first hand just how terrible cancer can be. One of our closest friends who was like a sister to us, was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma in about June 2011.
She had to undergo so many different treatments all with the aim of slowing the growth of the tumors. There were plenty of side affects of the treatments and drugs but she was determined as ever to fit as much of life in as possible.
Never once did I hear her complain about her situation. Mature beyond her years, she handled her burden with more dignity and resolve than most people twice her age would be able to.
Unfortunately she lost her battle with cancer in April this year 9 months after she was diagnosed. It would have been her 23rd birthday last weekend
Since the day we found out she had terminal cancer both my wife and I have been more determined than ever to try and make each day count. It’s just such a shame that it took such a horrific experience for both of us to realise just how important life is, and why you shouldn’t waste a single moment.
It has been one of the most heart breaking experiences of my life and even 5 months later, it still doesn’t quite seem real. How could such a terrible thing happen to someone with such a bright future (she had just completed honors at university for finance) and who was so young.
Sorry for the long comment.
Glen @ Monster Piggy Bank recently posted..How coffee is impacting on your mortgage
Oh Glen, I am so sorry for your loss of your good friend. Having someone so close to me, and so otherwise healthy, get the scary diagnosis has made me realize that we have no idea when our last breath will be. My dad isn’t quite in what is called remission, but he is doing great, as good as can be. I still won’t take another minute with him for granted now. I almost always tell him I love him before hanging up. I hug and kiss him every time we say goodbye. I call him sometimes just to say hi or to gossip (he hates gossip and is terrible at it!!!) I know that some who are reading this might not have had as happy of an ending as my dad has so far. I also know that we were lucky. My dad happened to be going in for a routine FIRST colonoscopy. Cancer is a sneaky devil. He didn’t have pain or weight loss or anything. He felt pretty good most days and rarely got sick. My mother-in-law has a good friend who was an amazingly talented swimmer. She worked out 7 days a week, had a true verve for life, never felt sick a day, and was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer in her 40′s. She will likely need chemo for the rest of her life. She still swims, but cancer is doing its best to try to drain her energy. It is so crazy to me that healthy people, both young and old alike, from every walk of life, are getting diagnosed with this unrelenting disease.
Glen, I know it is so fresh still, but I think it could be therapeutic for you to write about your friend, if you haven’t already. Sometimes, sharing your pain with others allows them to take a tiny bit of that immense weight for you. I’ll keep you and your loved ones in my thoughts. Hugs
Great post, Michelle! Cancer totally sucks. I’m glad he made it though and is now on the other side.
And you’re right, without your health, nothing else really matters….especially not money,
Thanks, Holly. We still have a bit of a fight since my dad isn’t in remission yet, but I know that he is doing great and that we are so lucky for every minute we get with him!
Wow what a heart felt and touching post. My fiancée lost his mother to brain cancer when he was eighteen, and we’ve never really gotten over how important it is to put family first. Cancer definitely leaves lasting changes even after it’s long gone.
Jordann @ My Alternate Life recently posted..Fun Money is Important!
That must have been so hard for him, Jordann. It can make you feel so small and helpless, because there’s nothing you can do but hope, and then love them as much as possible. I’m so glad you and your fiance know to put family first always, but I’m so sorry for the way in which this lesson came to you.
What a moving story. I’m so happy that you guys have had a happy ending, even with the residual medical issues. Money never seems that important when faced with our own mortality.
CF recently posted..It’s never too late
I’m happy about the ending as well! He’s a great guy and I’m lucky to be able to call him Dad. Money feels like such an important thing sometimes, but you’re right that once it comes down to our own mortality, or that of a loved one, it’s small potatoes.
Thanks so much for sharing, and glad to hear your Dad is doing ok. We have a good friend (who is a mother of three kids under 10) who was diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer about 18 months ago. She is doing ok now, but has been dealing with a lot of the “things” that can come about due to the cancer. You’re right, when encountered with something like cancer you do see that “it” (meaning money, or many other things for that matter)is really not what’s important.
John S @ Frugal Rules recently posted..Why I Love the Envelope Budget System
Oh yeah, John– surviving cancer is only the first part. Dealing with all the unwanted effects that it leaves in its wake is sometimes even more difficult. I couldn’t imagine going through that with 3 young children. Gosh, it could be me. Glad she’s doing well!
What a touching piece. So sorry for all that you have had to go through, my dad has had some skin cancer scares but nothing to the degree of what your dad went through, and I cannot imagine how difficult it must have been for you and your family. It’s funny how something like that completely changes your outlook on life. So happy that you have your dad with you still, and can enjoy life with him there, despite the annoying effects the cancer has had on him.
MoneyAfterGrad recently posted..Is Debt a Dating Deal-Breaker?
Thank you. He is dealing with those things so well. He never complains. In fact, you would never know that the guy ever went through cancer if you met him! He’s not the kind of person to complain about anything. He would gladly talk to you about anything else, really!
I teared up a few times while reading this. I’m so glad that the end said he is as healthy as possible and still gets to do things he enjoys like play tennis and spend time with his grandkids. He, and your family, are some of the lucky one. Although not ideal, sometimes it does take things like that to show you just how “rich” you are in other senses even if not with money. Great post.
Kelly@Financial-Lessons recently posted..iPhone and Droid Apps for Your Small Business
Thanks for the sweet words, Kelly. I’m glad he’s still able to play tennis as well. He’s a very active, happy person, and I know it would be so much harder on him if he weren’t able to still be the same active guy as he always has been.
Wow, so glad to hear your dad is doing as well as possible. It really is scary how there is no rhyme or reason sometimes. My dad has had several health scares, but he has always smoked, so we kind of expect it. It’s never easy though. Makes you think about priorities for sure.
Kim@Eyesonthedollar recently posted..Life and Financial Lessons from a Five Year Old
Kim, do you find yourself angry when your dad smokes? I now get upset with my parents if they eat poorly even! I just love them and want them to be healthy…and live forever naturally!
A well told story about a tremendously personal issue. Isn’t it funny how something this horrible can yield such great insights about what’s important? Someone once told me that they appreciate it when bad things happen because it helps them realize just how special the good things really are.
AverageJoe recently posted..Why You Shouldn’t Invest Like President Obama
It is true, Joe. Although I would never wish this sort of bad thing on anyone, it has put my entire relationship with my dad into perspective.
This was very beautiful Michelle. I’m really glad to hear that your dad is doing well! I worry about my health and everyone elses now after my passed away.
I remember a few weeks before my mom passed on, she was in the bathroom and I was making sure she was okay and just generally talking to her. My dad thought she was taking too long and asked what was going on. She replied that she was putting on her face. When he made a comment about her being sick and not needing it, she let him know in no uncertain terms that she would be putting on her face until she was too sick to get out of bed. She never let on that she was sick which I loved.
bogofdebt recently posted..Wedding Worries
And ps. a heads up to not read this at work would have been great
My boss walked in while I was tearing up
bogofdebt recently posted..Wedding Worries
Thank you, Bobbie. My dad is the same way. He never lets on if he’s not feeling well. He will tell my mom, but never me or my sister. We don’t even know he’s in pain or anything (one of the many after effects) unless we specifically ask. I have a feeling he doesn’t tell us everything even then. I know that he is protecting us. I know that he is so strong. I can’t imagine what the things he’s been through must have felt like. I don’t know if I’m as strong as him.
Cancer is a terrible disease. It just exposes how fragile we really are, and also instantly clarifies our priorities in life. I am so glad to hear that your Dad is alive and watching his grandchildren grow.
Unfortunately for me, my father passed away when I was 5 years old. By the time they caught it, he had Stage 5 Melanoma, too late. I was just talking with a friend at lunch about how, looking back at the last 6 months of his life, I remember a bunch of great memories. Trips to Disneyland, new hot tub, and just tons of fun time with our family. Little did I know at the time that it was because he had been given 6 months to live.
You are truly blessed to have your father, and I pray that cancer has no say in his life ever again.
Jacob @ iHeartBudgets recently posted..Learning About My Relationship With Money At Age 7
Jacob, I am so sorry. I can’t imagine going through such a loss at such a young age. That must have been so confusing to you. I also can’t imagine what your mom must have gone through. I’m sure you’re dad is proud of the great guy you’ve become. Our whole family knows how lucky we are with my dad. He just so happened to be going in for his first ever colonoscopy. He was 51 years old. He was in excellent shape, having played tennis a few times a week for years, and walking every day. It was a complete shock. This horribly scary experience has made me realize how incredibly lucky I am to have my dad in my life.
Omg..beautiful story, thank you for sharing and I am so glad that your dad is doing well. This really reminds us that money isn’t everything, the real reason we want to get ourselves out of debt and secure with our finances is so that we can spend more time with our loved ones. Life’s too short, and it’s scary to think how quickly things could change within a flash.
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You get the gold star AND the cookie, Erika!! Absolutely! I want to have money so I can not worry about money, and thus spend more time with my family! So true!
Wow that’s hard. My dad also had cancer in the bowel they found during a routine colonoscopy. He was very fortunate it was just starting to grow and they caught it just in time. He never had to do chemo or radiation glad everything worked out for your family as ll.
Crystal recently posted..Weekly Wrap Sept 14, 2012
Crystal, that is so lucky for your dad and your family! My dad had to do both chemo and radiation. He’s the toughest guy I know.
very touching story glad everything went well. My mom is fighting a battle and I think she’ll get well soon. This is inspiring story for me…
SB @ One Cent at a Time recently posted..Start Investing Now and Never Look Back
SB, I will keep your mom in my thoughts. Hugs
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m so glad your dad weathered his bout with cancer. You had me a little worried.
My sister had stage 3 melanoma at only age 28. We are blessed that she is still healthy, but it’s been a fight over the years. Cancer really can get any one at any time.
I’ve often wondered if my own little children will remember me as my young twenty-year-old self.
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JP, that is so young. Unbelievable. Glad she’s okay, but I know what you mean about the fight. My mom says that cancer is the gift that keeps on giving unfortunately.
About your children; they will remember you if you are memorable.
I hope my kids remember me as being a nice, warm, fun person that’s easy to talk to and always makes them feel safe and loved.
Sorry to hear that, but it’s great that your dad is doing better now.
Life is short and we need to make the most of it. Money is important, but once you can pay for the basic necessities, it’s better to focus on living to the fullest. Great writing.
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Very true, Joe. I think you are doing just that by staying home with your son. We are so blessed to have healthy (and adorable!) children who want to hang out with us all day, aren’t we?
Hi Michelle you had me worried there for about a few seconds upon reading your first paragraphs but i am glad your dad is doing great these days. I too come from a family who has two tumor survivors, and its really hard being in that situation when you get to ask yourself always ” is this it? Am i going to lose somebody too soon” and i know you exactly relate to the feeling. I wish you and your family the best, you are indeed right that FAMILY is the most important things in life. More than money and Whatever treasures. (teary eyes…) heheheh.
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Sorry for worrying you, Eddie! I know it is really hard when you have family that is sick. I would love to have money and treasures! That would be fun! But I also know that I would give up anything to keep my family safe.
Money, indeed, isn’t everything. In fact, our focus on money should be to an extent that money is not the reason for our worries. Besides that, life is lot larger than your bank account.
I am so glad to read that your dad is living again a normal life. He is surrounded by a loving and caring wife, daughters and grand children. What more can you expect from life?
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Shilpan, my dad is rich as well–you’re right! He is so easy to love, so it’s not surprising.
I’m happy to know that your dad is a cancer survivor. I remember one article I read it says that family and health is like a crystal ball that needs a lot of care cuz this gives us endless happiness in life. Work and money is like a rubber ball that when you drop it, it will bounce back to you.
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