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That Dreaded Word

Life is a hoot, make the most of each day One never knows what's ahead Could be sailing along not a care in the world When you hear that word we all dread First time I heard it, my dear dad was diagnosed Thought, what is this thing called cancer Is there no way to give him a little more time Maybe a new treatment is the answer Unfortunately, my dear dad finally succumbed Devastated, I was just a young boy Seems like a horrible way to end your life A waste of a lifetime of joy My very first encounter of many to follow Linda, my first wife succumbed As other family members and good friends This cancer has left me stunned Well, so far I've managed to avoid this killer Can't help wondering when it's my turn Seventy-eight and I'm still motoring along How long before I get burned © Jack Ellison 2014

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Cecilia Macfarlane

Date: 4/7/2014 12:21:00 PM

Jack. a heart felt write with a great message...really LIVE each day. Terrific poem my friend. Hugs

Jack Ellison
Date: 4/7/2014 5:25:00 PM

Thanks a bunch my dear Cecilla! "really LIVE each day" you got it! Great big loving hugs XOXOX

Carol Eastman

Date: 4/3/2014 9:50:00 AM

Burned? Naww! Not without a Dragon! By the way, Dragon has told me the big C is beatable. But says he isn't! Silly Dragon! You ARE spoiled! But it's not me doing it! Honest! It's Grandpa Troll constantly feeding him his favorite foods! And the penguins think he's a Bigger God now that he can some times throw ice? EWWW! Not me! Any way, my Harley riding Dad beat it at 82... But then again my Dad could beat a brick! He'd just pick up a hammer! But my family's not strange! Nope! Not at all! LOL

Jack Ellison
Date: 4/7/2014 5:23:00 PM

Like so many other families, cancer has reared it's ugly head more than once! Your Dad is de man!!! XOXOX

Eileen Manassian

Date: 4/2/2014 10:56:00 AM

Hi, Kenny...I have someone dear to me who struggled with that...You never really get over the shadow of fear....will it come back? Is it really gone? I know how you feel. Hope you are your sweetie pie are doing well. Hugs from Beirut for you and Cathie!!!

Jack Ellison
Date: 4/2/2014 3:31:00 PM

Thanks my dearest sweet Eileen! Cathie and I are still motoring along! So far so good! And you dear one, how is everything there? Well I hope... love ya to bits, Kenny! XOX

Russell Sivey

Date: 4/2/2014 9:12:00 AM

I know the fear that comes from that dreaded word as I was told that I might have it many months ago, prostate cancer, but it was a false alarm thank goodness but I do know people that have had it or those that do have it and struggle with it! It's terrible, and very scary! I'm sorry you have lost loved ones from this terrible thing! This poem is tremendous my friend! You have delighted me by the splendor of this incredible piece! What an outstanding write, Great Work!!

Jack Ellison
Date: 4/2/2014 9:45:00 AM

So far so good for me, health wise... been one of the fortunate ones! No serious illnesses and I'll soon be 79! Happy to hear yours was a false alarm but always keep on top of it, my friend!