The doctor said my life will most likely
End in months not years,
Unless of course I get run over by a bus tomorrow.
The cancer invades my body,
Spreading as it pleases,
I take chemo twice daily to slow it’s progress.
Watching my daughter graduate from college,
Walking her down the aisle,
Teaching my grandchildren how to fish,
All seem to be an impossibility,
My daughter is so precious,
Sparkling like Sirius in the heavens.
I could not be more pleased
With how she has applied,
The passion and talent that burns within her,
In twenty years I have witnessed her amazing trajectory,
I have told her that I will always love her,
But not nearly as much as I do now.
I am as proud as any Dad can be.
Yet I struggle with finding more to say.
I am not a hugger.
But hugs feel especially good right now.
And all the love from my family and friends,
I drink up like a camel.
There is nothing left on my bucket list,
Except to live each day to the fullest,
Until I hope to have the strength,
To greet Death,
With grace and dignity.
© 2013 M. Tsai
Reflections of a River Man 
This is so heartfelt, honest, and heartbreaking to read. I can’t imagine the emotions you felt while writing it….while feeling it. It can’t compare and I know words can not convey emotions like this. We have seen but a snippet of the hurt you feel, and that is enough to feel overwhelmed by this piece. Thank you so much for sharing this.
Thank you for sharing you.
Thank you for your kind encouragement and empathy. Your words are comforting to me.
Love you, Dad.
I will always love you Naomi.
Thanks for sharing, my Internet friend. I’m sending you strength and love and grace. Do you feel it yet? I hope so.
Yes indeed, and it feels very good. Thank you.
🙂
Love, light and healing thoughts going to you and your family with much appreciation for sharing your heartfelt experience with us.
Thank you. Many blessings to you as well.
🙂
Lovely and something your daughter will always cherish. Thanks for sharing this Michael. All the best.
Thank you Nancy.
Thanks for sharing with us. As one of your many childhood friends, my thoughts and love are with you and your family. You are an amazing person, Michael.
Thank you Dorothy for your love and support.. There are so many childhood memories we share. It is nice to think about them now.
I am so sorry you are facing this but you are not alone! We are all here with you! Maybe if you would accept a suggestion that is too bold but meant with love…you should start video taping yourself and thoughts about certain events in the future?
That is an excellent suggestion! I have been contemplating how I might handle those special occasions. Thank you my friend!
Please do so…my brother died 7 years ago and his ex kept all his videos- I would PAY for them but she will not part with them..Please try.. thinking of you!
Grace sent me this link. Beautifully written and full of courage. We are sending positive thoughts to all of you from our holiday in Japan. Naomi is not only a beautiful, capable and brilliant girl–she’s a lucky one to have you as her Dad. Thank you, Michael!
With Love,
Julie, Jay, Sam and Anna
Thank you!
Love,
michael
Heartbreaking, may your love for each other never fade.
Thank you.
Having the love of your family and friends is a mark of a successful life.
You have this and we can all hope to match your example.
Your a great friend Terry, thank you.
Michael,
I stumbled onto this post and —
As a father of three adult children – two daughters and a son – I share your pain. I find myself walking away from road rage and other triggers to anger – swallowing my pride, as I want to be around for as long as I can, for my children.
But this post is not about me, but you.
I’m sorry to tick “Like” but you know what I mean. Some believe and I believe everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, this might seem unfair —
Words can do no justice Michael and neither can they comfort. I will never understand (and hope never to be in your position) the pain and anxiety felt by you and your loved ones. But know that though we got to know each other only for a few days over the internet – you have my prayers.
Peace Brother,
Eric
Your words and prayers are comforting. My prayers for you and yours.