CANCER: Tribute to the fallen

I read with great interest the moving front page story of Jim Morrison’s courageous and successful fight against cancer. As a survivor of this dreaded disease, who can speak better to those who are faced with the same crisis in their lives. His refusal to capitulate and steadfast courage in what he saw as the battle to survive should hearten and encourage all who face a similar challenge. He certainly stands as an inspiration, as does his wife who struggled with him and endured so much.

I would like, however, to dedicate a few words to another set of survivors. This group of survivors are the husbands and wives, parents and grandparents, siblings and friends of those who also fought this horrible disease but lost. I can speak from experience because 10 years ago, about the same time Mr. Morrison was diagnosed, my wife was also diagnosed with stage four and died a year later. She did all the things she was told to do. She took the chemo and radiation treatments and all the rest. She was an optimistic and positive person, and was as determined to prevail as any person could be. She shared Mr. Morrison’s belief that “cancer is a kind of battle that’s up to you,” and she fought it bravely, but she lost.

I am sure that there are many of your readers who have sat at the bedside of their loved one and asked God to take them instead, who now walk the long road of grief. There is an end to that road. It took me a long, long time, but I am now committed to a new loving relationship and live a full and happy life.

As you walk that road, be comforted by and hold firm to the truth that your loved one fought bravely, with courage and determination, and their effort was no less noble because the result was not as you prayed it would be.

BOB KLEYPAS

Coeur d’Alene