The end of the olympics was a great piece of Canadian history. Crosby’s goal was quite possibly the most memorable of all time and probably for years to come. While the rest of Canada is still coming down off this patriotic high, my family had to cut it short. We lost a young man to acute leukemia on tuesday, but the celebration was over the same day as he was rushed to hospital on Sunday. He had no prior knowledge of his illness and slipped into a coma that day. He was put on life support, they pulled the plug and was gone.
He was healthy in October when the mortgage company wanted blood work to insure the young couple. This illness takes it’s victims in weeks without treatment. That doesn’t leave much time to really discover the disease does it? We’re all just reeling from the shock.
He wasn’t someone I knew very well, he was actually the fiancé of my brother-in-law’s cousin, I believe we met once. My 4 year old nephew took it hard, as Kyle(rip) used to spend time with him. I’m so saddened by the fact that my little nephew already ‘gets it’.
What breaks my heart even more, is the poor girl who has to pick up the pieces and cancel all the arrangements for their wedding that was meant for June. And most of all, my heart breaks for the baby he leaves behind. My second son and this baby are only weeks apart, I just can’t imagine the fear this man felt when he was given his diagnosis. The pain of not being able see his son grow up. Not being there to protect him…these are things that scare me when I think of my own mortality-that there won’t be enough time.
I’m just still so shocked at how fast things can be taken away. Last week this man was thinking he was fighting off a flu and this week he is gone- from an illness he never knew he had! It happened so fast that it’s like the shock of a fatal car accident, but with the knowledge that if it had been found sooner, there might have been hope!
My own father died at the age of 41 from non-hodgkins lymphoma, and that seemed so young. This man was only 25, it makes it hard to believe in a grand ‘plan’. My father has 3 years to come to terms with his illness. Time to make ammends and say his good-byes, but really, it’s never enough time. My father withered away to just a shadow of his former self. I don’t know which is better…quick or dragged out? Neither would be best, but of course we all have our end, you just always hope you’ll die of old age. (and secretly wish you’ll be the first one to become immortal)
His funeral is Saturday, and even though life goes on, things will never be the same for his family.
My heart goes out to Jacalyn-his fiancé and Jack-his baby boy. I cannot imagine what you must be going through! Turn to the ones you love for strength, and make the most of everyday.
Love Kerri
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Photographer. Mother of 2 boys.
