CANCER STOLE MY DAD


Sitting by the window and reflecting, on one bitter cold day,
The sky cloudy, the weather report predicted snow, 
The temperature outside 10 degrees, a little low,
33 years ago, it was a sad, life changing day that May.

My dad is all I could think of, he consumed my thoughts,
The Specialist Oncologist had given us the tragic news,
My soul trembled, my heartbeat fast, I developed the blues,
It was confirmed, my dad had cancer, my stomach in knots.

It was in his bronchial tubes, no therapy allowed,
For it would burn them, and he would certainly much sooner die,
I ran to the restroom at the Hospital, all I did was cry,
We went to a homeopath, who gave us extra time, only borrowed.

My dad was in remission for a year, then immediately,
Like a clock struck twelve, or like a storm with lightening,
The cancer began to spread this awful disease was metastasizing,
In 4 months, a man weighing 95 kilos became a skeleton, disturbing.

Our house doctor lived near and visited my dad every morning,
My dad was very sick by now, an expresso coffee cup of porridge,
We fed him, even water he hardly kept down, such awesome courage,
His breathing was hardly audible, manna mou he shouted, crying.

The doctor arrived, he said that this would be the longest day ever for us,
I took my son to school, explained that his grandpa might travel to heaven,
My father died that morning, my son was inconsolable, he sobbed until eleven
That night, wanted to go to school the next day, grandpa helped him in his test,
He said, and he got an A plus.


NB  Manna mou – he was crying for my mom’s mum who he was very close to – Greek words.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Kendrick Avatar
February 27, 2026 at 12:30 PM
Jennifer, this was a heartbreaking work. It is awful to see someone you love to go this way. The sad thing that maybe if it could have been caught early on, he could have been helped to live longer and healthier. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Sara K
Godwin Avatar
July 31, 2025 at 5:56 PM
My son's foot was run over by a car yet straightened itself at the hospital, he said Granddad did it. Plus, Dad came to me once when Kyle was in crisis & I was falling apart; he saved the situation. It was/is awesome. This is therapy, documents your emotions as they are now and I bet you wrote about it when it happened. I collapsed to the floor when Dad died. I think yours also died young, mine at 67. Why your Dad & others must suffer so much is a part of death I don't understand. CayCay
Loving Iii Avatar
July 29, 2025 at 10:40 AM
The good part is You were there. I go visit my mother everyday in a home. some people never see visiters. Not even their own children. Now I know why Jesus said "I never knew you".
Legros Kelley Avatar
July 27, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Jennifer, my dad died in 1988 too, to cancer, in September. My three-year-old son found strength knowing grandpa was watching from heaven, helping me to hold on and find strength through tiny little him. We were at the church we used to go to when a storm hit, the ceiling caved in on my son's class. He told me 'I only screamed once, and that was when the roof caved in, do you think grandpa in heaven is proud of me mama?" I think your son was right, his grandpa helped him get that A <3
Legros Kelley Avatar
July 27, 2025 at 5:21 PM
My dad fought courageously too, our son's learned from their grandpa's. My heart hurts with yours Jen, my goodness, what pain this world has in the loss of our loved ones. Hugs to you from across the miles, I know they know we still love them.
Williams Avatar
July 12, 2025 at 9:37 PM
Dear Jenny, this touched me to the core. Your words carry the weight of love, grief, and courage in every line. You’ve captured not just a memory, but the emotional heartbeat of that time—how a family holds together through unimaginable sorrow. Your father’s strength, and your son’s innocent faith, shine like quiet stars through the darkness. Thank you for sharing something so personal and profound. Love and Hugs
Kauffman Avatar
July 8, 2025 at 11:42 AM
So powerful and touching, Jennifer. Even after all this time your love for your father, and the ways you miss him, have not diminished. This poem truly comes from your heart. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Sending you blessings on wings of consolation, dear friend.
Goldsmith Avatar
July 8, 2025 at 9:21 AM
I enjoyed reading your powerful/wonderful yet very sad write/story. I am so sorry. I know it still hurts. My dad died years ago and I still miss him so much. Have a very blessed day writing away..............
George Avatar
July 8, 2025 at 5:20 AM
Such a touching story. I can imagine how your world must have toppled down on hearing the news that your Dad had contracted bronchial cancer for which no effective treatment was there. Seeing a heavy built man turn into a skeleton is even more distressing. Let us believe that he is in Heaven. Powerful poem expressing your deep sorrow over your Dad's demise. Hugs, Jenny.
Cunningham Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 6:08 PM
It's a terrible disease Jennifer, its one that affects many families, mine included. When you think of the billions spent on weapons of mass destruction that could be spent on finding a cure it does anger you. Seeing loved ones in pain withering away is truly heartbreaking. Tom
Andresen Avatar
July 6, 2025 at 12:40 PM
- Back after my summer vacation... - A sensitive poem dear Jenny - Cancer eats people from the inside out and... a terrible disease... as a nurse for many years... I have seen most of it... - Sad to hear about your father... my father died of lung cancer - hugs
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