ME

ME

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

A Special Privilege


Some events quite simply serve to put one’s life, with all its privileges and setbacks, into a more realistic perspective. Some people, though still young, brighten the lives of all those they encounter; without these people the world will be much poorer but, at the same time we can count it a real blessing that our paths have crossed.

Today, my younger step-daughter, Cathy, received the news from a friend (one who has been a friend, confidant, travelling companion right through from childhood) that the friend has been given 9 – 12 months to live. The friend, Kate, a remarkable and radiant young lady, is 28 years of age and, 21 weeks pregnant; it seems as if the pregnancy, and its accompanying hormonal imbalance, may have hastened the growth of a brainstem glioma.

It’s only a couple of years ago, after much humming and hawing by the medical profession, that a tumour was removed. In spite of the loss of peripheral vision, epileptic seizures, chronic migraines, Kate always has a ready warm smile for all whom she meets. Having been given the “all clear”, she was assured that the best course of action was to get on with life as normal and, yes, it would be alright to start a family. (The latter advice, in retrospect, seems to have been more than a little suspect).

Last year Cathy had the privilege of attending Kate’s wedding, when Kate married Luke, a young man from Essex she had met during her travels in Australia with Cathy. Cathy has always been determined that Kate would be her bridesmaid when she marries!

The news has been devastating to all of us and, as Cathy says, it’s impossible to imagine a world without Kate. Certainly the world will be much the poorer when the inevitable happens.

The only time we have is now
, and whilst our thoughts and prayers go out to and for Kate, her family and all her friends, we must always remember the privilege of sharing / having shared the same planet!

5 comments:

Unknown said...

That is so sad, Mal.

The Oxcliffe Fox said...

What shattering news! Please accept a great big loving hug from us both.

TOF

Tim Hodgens said...

I remember carrying a young girl from her parents car to Children's Hospital in Boston where she was receiving chemo therapy. She did not stay with us for long after that, but at a school performance of the 4th graders I remember marvelling at how she had more life in her than any others in the auditorium...perhaps more than all of the whole audience combined.

Sorrow within gifts; gifts within sorrow.

Malcolm said...

Thankyou for your comments; all much appreciated!

Jane Doe said...

What horrible news. I am so sorry, she sounds like a wonderful, special person, one the world will surely miss. I am glad though, that you had the opportunity to know her as long as you have, it sounds like she has greatly enriched all of your lives.

Blessings,

Jane