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JPenny
09-27-2004, 08:07 PM
Hi-ya, friends: :grouphug

I didn't fly today . . . just went to visit a friend in the hospital. I've worked closely with her on a project the last three years, and she's become more like a family member than a friend or co-worker. Anyway, she's got an inoperable tumor, cancer, surrounding her bronchial tube and aorta. She can hardly breathe. They've begun giving her morphine, which I'm told is a sign that the end is near. It was beyond pitiful to watch her struggle to get each breath. On the way home, I considered: which is worse? To die in a crash that lasts maybe a few minutes, or eke out of life slowly with pain and misery, slow suffocation?

I can't say for sure, but I think I will have a different perspective the next time I fly. I used to think dying in a plane crash was the most horrible way to go. What an idiot I was!! There are far worse ways to go.

Hope I'm not depressing anyone. :rolleyes It's a depressing day here, with the rain and wind and gloom from Jeanne descending on us. A moment ago I heard the loud noise of a huge jet passing overhead. We don't live far from an air base where they take military planes for repair. No parts have fell in the yard since we've lived here. :) Anyway, all that to say that the planes are still doing their stuff, even in this messy weather.

Well, that's my "blog" for the day. Hope everyone's doing well.

Jean in SC :wave

ChiefAtHeart
09-27-2004, 08:08 PM
I totally understand your feeling since I watched my mother die a slow death from cancer. I guess either of those would be a horrible way to go. :(

smokycmt
09-27-2004, 09:47 PM
I also understand your feeling as my uncle is currently dying of brain cancer. He was diagnosed in June with a glioblastoma and it is basically untreatable. It does make you stop and think....

Christine

Passenger Mark
09-27-2004, 10:01 PM
Hey Jean,

You know... your post caused me to take a moment of pause and realize how lucky I am.

Posts like yours, although I am sure it was hard to write, act as an anchor for the rest of us.

It puts everything into perspective. Today I have been grumbling about it being Monday, problems at work, tired, etc. And then I see your post, and think how self-centered I am! At least I get to rise out of bed, and experience and enjoy life. And, it sure does give new thinking to Fear of Flying.

Thanks for posting. My thoughts will be with you and Jeanne.

Take care,

Mark (one of the bunch) :grouphug

JPenny
09-28-2004, 04:25 AM
My sympathies to all of you who are going through something similar. I've been sheltered from this kind of thing until now, and it is very sobering. I'm nearly 40, and yet it seems like my life still stretches ahead of me indefinitely. But life is short--too short to waste time being afraid! Thanks for your encouragement. And enjoy every free breath you're given!

Jean :angel , in the midst of Jeanne :troll

JPenny
10-01-2004, 01:05 PM
Well, my friend passed away early yesterday morning. It's crazy--it was less than a month from the time she was first diagnosed with cancer to the time she died.

We sorrow, but not "as others which have no hope." (1 Thess. 4:13)

I know this isn't a FOF discussion, but I count y'all as friends, and that's what's going on in my life right now.

Jean

WillFlyToDisney2
10-01-2004, 01:43 PM
:grouphug

So sorry for your loss, Jean.

Big hugs from the Lowcountry!

Kelley

Passenger Mark
10-01-2004, 03:28 PM
Jean,

It does not matter if this is a FOF discussion. Not one bit!

I too am sorry for your loss. I am grateful that the suffering did not go for long.

I will keep you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs...:grouphug

Mark

Disney fan
10-01-2004, 03:35 PM
Jean,

Hugs from me too. I am so sorry for your loss.

Will be thinking of you and family.

Lynda:grouphug

JPenny
10-01-2004, 11:25 PM
A very sincere thanks to all of you. You know how it goes--it's night time, the kids are finally in bed, and you go to check out your favorite places on the internet, wondering if anyone out there really cares. It's nice, VERY nice, to know that they do!

No more moping now. Have a great weekend everyone!

Your friend in SC, Jean :wave

WillFlyToDisney2
10-01-2004, 11:29 PM
Jean,

Don't think of it as "moping" - you have every right to feel down right now. You are mourning the loss of a dear friend - that is never an easy thing. Try to remember the things about your friend that made you smile. :)

More hugs coming up I-26 to ya! :grouphug

Kelley

Chelle
10-01-2004, 11:46 PM
Jean, I'm so sorry to hear about your friend :( I hope she is in a better place now, bless her heart.

You're absolutely right, things like this really put it in perspective.

:hug to you

beaugest
10-01-2004, 11:51 PM
Jean, thank you for thinking enough of us to share that with us. I too am thinking of you. Monica

xiknal
10-02-2004, 12:06 AM
...for trusting us with that very personal story. It really does put things in perspective, you are right. Take care of yourself, and know we are all wishing you the best as you go through this sad time.

Barb