Suddenly, we realize that we are mortals after all

Recently I've encountered some sad events in my life. Although not directly connected to me, I have known of these people for many years.

In September, a family friend passed away from multiple cancers. He had cancer of the lungs, stomach, colon and maybe lymph nodes as well. It was a vicious metastasizing cancer that spread and eventually took his life. My parents and I had driven down to Atlanta one weekend in August to visit him. I remember that visit very vividly. I remember the emotion on his face when he saw us go into his room, how touched he was that we drove some distance (what of it, such a small gesture really) and how my mother couldn't hold back her tears even as she was egging him on and telling him that she's fully confident that he will recover.

Just yesterday, a member of my Church passed away too. He had brain surgery two weeks ago to remove a tumor (benign or otherwise). Apparently however, he suffered a stroke during the surgery. After the surgery, he wasn't doing so well. On Sunday, he suffered another massive stroke and he was pronounced brain-dead. I think he was removed off life-support yesterday. I could be wrong, I don't have all the facts. The sad reality is, his was a sudden and perhaps crushing death to his family. He also lost a 16 year old son many years ago, maybe about 15 years ago. My symnpathy goes out to his family.

The English pastor of our Church was diagnosed with cancer too. He is going to undergo treatment and has taken a 3 month leave.

I heard another member of our Church, he always seemed like a very solemn and earnest man, but a good man. I heard he has lung cancer, and he already has one lung removed. Now the cancer has spread to his other lung. I could be wrong but I don't think he's a smoker.

These events do put things in perspective for me. However shitty I think my life is at times (and I know truth be told, I have it pretty good, I'm just a brat) I know that I am really very blessed. My homework for today, tomorrow and all the days of my life: how to achieve lasting contentment and appreciation for what I do have.