Yesterday was a long day for us, and I’m afraid I’m going to shortchange you all on today’s blog post, because it is almost midnight, and I am drained, both physically and emotionally.
We left Elkhart Campground about 9 a.m. and drove 140 miles to Muskegon, Michigan, where we picked up my cousin Berni Frees, stopped long enough for a quick potty break and were back on the road, driving another 160 miles to Traverse City. MY cousin Terry Cook is in the hospital there, battling cancer, and we were saddened to see how weak he has become in just the month since we were there for Miss Terry’s own oncologist checkup.
Terry is a couple of years younger than me, and has always been like my kid brother, and with my own siblings and parents all long deceased, he is one of the few links I still have left to my childhood.
We visited for a couple of hours, and at one point, his wife Peggy, Miss Terry and Berni walked down to a waiting room to give Terry and I some time alone to talk. One thing I have always admired about my cousin is that, like me, he’s a no bulls$#@ kind of guy, and tells it like it is. So we had a very frank, open discussion about what lies ahead, and I was impressed with his way of looking at things.
Though not a religious person, he is spiritual, and he told me that while he’d love to be here for another 50 years, he is also aware that we don’t always get what we want. He has had the love of his wife for over 30 years, he has seen his two kids grow into adulthood, and if his work here is done and it is time to move along, so be it. He will fight the good fight until it becomes apparent that victory isn’t attainable, and then he will go, with peace and dignity. I don’t think any of us can hope to do any more.
After a couple of hours, it was obvious that his pain level was increasing, in spite of the morphine pump, and that he needed to rest. We didn’t say goodbye, just so long, until the next time, wherever and whenever that is.
We drove back to Muskegon, where we spent the night, and we’ll be back at our rig in Elkhart by mid-day today.
I’m sorry for the fact that today’s blog is rather a downer. I’ll be rested and in better spirits tomorrow.
Thought For The Day – Tell the people you love how much they mean to you today, because tomorrow is no more than a promise.
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Nick Russell
World-Famous, New York Times Best Selling Author, and All-Around Nice Guy!
No need to apologize for a no bulls$#@ kind of post. My 81 year old dad is the same way. He’s ready to order everybody’s Christmas gifts, and says if he’s not here in January to write the check, I’m on his account and can handle it. He’s not planning on departing this world, but he’s very matter of fact about the inevitability of it. Let’s just remember to enjoy the good things here, and each other’s company, while we still can.
Anticipatory grief is exhausting. Expressing your feelings helps with your dealing with grief. You don’t need to apologize for a sad blog after giving us so many laughs over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Nick! Never apologize for sharing your feelings. Life is not always filled with laughter and good times. It seems that it is during the tough times that we meet the “real” person. And we love that you are “real!”
We hope that your cousin is able to beat this terrible disease. His attitude certainly is a winner!
HUGS to you!!
Sending ((( hugs ))) and strength for this journey where ever it takes you and your family.
The other folks have said it well, Nick. We’ll put cousin Terry on our prayer list for a successful battle — or an easy passing if that’s what it comes to.
Sorry to hear about your cousin Nick, but there sure is no need to apologize for your normal type of feelings. Most of us, your readers, have probably been down this trail ourselves and know of what you speak. After I lost my second younger brother in two years somebody told me these words that never fail to get a smile on my face. “Don’t cry because it is over, smile because it happened” I know you have a lot of great memories to help you through these tough times and here’s hoping that when the “Great Spirit”, whomever that might be makes a decision it is for more great memories to be made.
Really sorry to hear about your cousin Nick, In spite of all the problems we all encounter, keeping the right outlook on life is the best way to move on. He sounds like that is the way he is doing it.
He’ll always be your special cousin, even when you can only see him in your memory. Be glad you have good ones so you can laugh between the tears.
It’s always hard to say so long. 🙁
Terry Cook, you and your family are in our positive thoughts & prayers.
Thankfully this lifestyle gives you a chance to visit with him and enjoy some of the time left to him. We too agree to always say I Love You to those whom you love. Each of us does not know how much time is left in our life. I want the last word from me to my loved ones to be positive and full of love.
Hugs & Love, Connie B
So sorry to hear about your cousin. Not much I can say that has not already been said. Just know there are people who care and we share your sorrow.
Nick, I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin. What a blessing that you were able to visit him and have a good heart to heart talk. Warm and supportive thoughts headed your way. Thanks for sharing.
It sucks when you have family with serious illness. Hopefully you can make the best of the time your cousin has left and make some good memories. This also serves as another reminder that you can’t want for someday to do what you want to do since you never know if you’ll make it to someday. This is the big reason my wife and I retired early and are planning on going fulltime next summer.
What I would have said has already been so eloquently said by so many others above. To that I add hugs and best wishes.