Dealing With Sadness...

Today, I am dealing with the loss of a friend who lost her battle with cancer. In addition, today marks the 14th anniversary of the death of my father in law.
Not a good start to the new decade, is it?
My friend, who I won't reveal because she always was a very private person, was fun and crazy. Her favorite lines were "Get out!" or "Shut up!" That makes me smile now because I can hear her say them in normal conversation. She was the best mom ever to her three children and her grand daughter, well, that little one "did" hang the moon! These children brought her so much joy and helped her throughout her cancer treatment.
My friend did not have health insurance. Perhaps, it is because of this that she did not go to the doctor when she started losing weight for no apparent reason a few years ago. When she did finally seek health care last May, she had no other choice but to go to the state run hospital. It is all over the news that this hospital is on the verge of closing due to money issues. Only after she was accepted by a top notch hospital in Atlanta did they say that her cancer was not aggressively treated. The top notch hospital began extensive treatment, but I am afraid it was too late.
Part of this post is to share my sorrow, but it does not come remotely close to what her family is feeling. Part of this post is to share the state of health care in the United States. I realize that health care must be paid for by someone, but hasn't this family paid the ultimate price?


Comments

Unknown said…
My prayers for your friend's family. Not a good way to start 2010.
Lisa said…
I'm so sorry for your sadness and the heartbreak for the family. My heart goes out to all of you ... as well as those without proper insurance coverage. It's truly a shame.
Mental P Mama said…
Oh, Deb, so thinking about you today. I will remember your friend and her family in my prayers....
Tammy said…
You are so right Deb, something needs to be done about health care, unfortunately I'm not holding out much hope.

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend.
Nevadanne said…
So sorry to hear of the loss of your friend for you and her family. It is a hard way to begin the new year but also a way to begin the new year with special warm thoughts of her and the times you had together. Hoping you find comfort in the days ahead. ♥
abb said…
Thinking of you and your friend. This is so very hard. And it seems to happen this time of year more than other times.
Country Girl said…
Oh, Deb. Oh, I am so very sorry. Words can't express the depth, either.
Deb, more than half of my paycheck goes towards health care. But I refuse to let my husband go on an inferior policy with his cancer. It's worth it to me to pay the price.

But you are right. This family paid the ultimate price.
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. My heart goes out to you and her dear family. I am fortunate to work for an organization that offers top-rate health care at a reasonable price. That will go away some day when I retire. I am deeply concerned about the quality of health care given to seniors and those less fortunate to be without.
Donna S. said…
I am so sorry for your loss!! Cherish your memories!
Mauigirl said…
So very sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing her story as it illustrates the shortcomings of our medical system.

Let's hope that 2010 improves for you very quickly.
joanne said…
sharing our sorrows gives us strength and preserves our precious memories of our loved ones...thinking of you Deb...
Chatty Crone said…
Deb, I am so sorry for the loss of your friend - a tough way to start the new year. I'll be thinking and praying for you. Sandie
Jann said…
I'm so terribly sorry for your loss, and the added pain that it might have been prevented. Am thinking about you and sending my deepest sympathy.
Daryl said…
I am so sorry for your loss and for other friends and family...

Popular posts from this blog

A Peak at 2010 for Fellow Taureans

Christmas in July Give A Way