Last Words

A 42-year-old single female, in a promising relationship, is getting ready to adopt a baby from China after just landing a big promotion at work. Suddenly she is stricken with a rare form of cancer usually affecting men in their 70’s. It sounds like Greek tragedy, or perhaps something too over the top to even believe, but certainly something you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. I can’t tell you if it unfolds like a play, if it sounds that way, since it takes so much energy out of me being sick, but the drama in my life these days feels that way. I can tell you that watching your family and friends come to your bedside is probably one of the most beautiful, heart-wrenching parts of your life, even in a hospital bed. And while I’d love to stay and make up a new ending, I’m afraid weakness overcomes no matter how hard I try. I feel like the ending lacks proper drama, no sudden train crash or a fatal fall down the stairs. Just less clarity. In writing my column I’m overwhelmed by passion, drive and a determination to figure out where things will go from here. While I don’t know how many columns I have left, this one I needed to finish.

DIANE MARIE GLASS