Passing

Life doesn't stop for cancer. When you or a loved one is diagnosed it seems like your world and all your plans are upended. But the world doesn't stop.

Housework still needs doing. Bills still need paying. Icy weather still causes car accidents. Hurricanes strike. Votes are counted. Relationships grow, strain, and regenerate. Nephews are born. And loved ones die.

My cat Alexander passed away yesterday. He was mine since high school, eighteen years ago. His favorite job was playing guard, over the garden or outside the shower. He is missed already.


The continuation of life after diagnosis can feel good and bad. There's comfort in normalcy and moments of joy even in dark days. But time keeps marching and won't give you a break from changing, aging, yearning, growing, grieving.