I had been preparing for this for over a year but it always catches you by surprise when the day finally comes. My uncle who had been fighting lung cancer died today. If you are smoking, and are thinking of stopping, please do. If you are not thinking about stopping, at least consider it.
I suspect I'd have an awesome guy around still if he hadn't started way before "everyone knew" smoking was bad for you.
I won't get on a soapbox about it. I'm just bummed out really.
The only thing that comforts me right now is that he was able to see his 3 daughters and one son get married in the past few years.
Most of my family has been "alive" while I have been alive and in general, anyone who had passed away, I was too young to really know them. So, for about 32 years, I really haven't had to deal with many funerals. The past few years has changed that, but it is to be expected.
When I talk about family members that have died recently, people seem to react like there is a plague on our family with health issues. Overall, it is the exact opposite. I've been very fortunate to have so many family members last into their 70s, 80s and sometimes 90s. Time just catches up with you I guess.
I know it really has kicked me in the rear to get the most out of life while I am alive.