Wednesday, October 31, 2007

"We're dropping like flies!"

That's what I told Cliff the other day, when his cousin Art called to say he has prostate cancer.  I realize prostate cancer is highly curable, but still.  It makes you think.  Nobody wants to hear the "C" word, curable or not.

Does anybody else remember Chef Tell?  He had one of the early cooking shows on television, back when there were only three or four channels on TV.  I still use his favorite phrase sometimes:  "Very simple, very easy." 

I just read that he's dead at age 63:  my age.

Robert Goulet died yesterday at age 73, only ten years older than I.

Speaking of people ten years older than I, a local friend of mine (also named Dona, just spelled different) is now in a rest home.  She was about my age when she had the stroke that made her a semi-invalid.

Cliff's cousin Kenneth, who planned to have a big going-away party
before terminal cancer ended his life, isn't going to be able to throw the party after all; he's too sick.  He recently told Art, another cousin, "Don't ever let them talk you into taking chemo."

On a side note, AOL offered this fascinating "Where Are They Now" story about the cast of M*A*S*H.  Some of them have passed away, but others are still kicking at a ripe old age:  Alan Arbus, for instance, is 89; Harry Morgan, a fellow I've been watching on television since the 1950's (ever hear of a show called "December Bride"?), is 92.

I know, I know; I hit this theme often these days.

It's why I take every opportunity to ride the horse, or ride the motorcycle with Cliff.  Every golden moment we enjoy is a treasure.

By the way, it's supposed to be in the sixties and sunny today.


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Now playing: Johnny Cash - Redemption
via FoxyTunes   


14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I think it makes life much sweeter when we do remember how fragile and uncertain things really are.   It is to be 74 and partly cloudy here in NC today.  

Anonymous said...

We really have to celebrate each day.  The older we get I'm sorry to say the more deaths of friends and relatives we will experience.  I watched my Mom and Dad go through the same thing and when they passed away, there was very few of their friends left.  I just lost another uncle yesterday...not to cancer, but he'd been in a nursing home for around 30 years after suffering a terrible stroke.  We cannot choose the time or the day but we can make the most of the ones we do have !  'On Ya' - ma

Anonymous said...

Makes a person want to live the fullest they can and be as happy as possible. Helen

Anonymous said...

I think this "time" in our lives is more meaningful because we are seeing ourselves...vulnerable!!!  Losing a loved one...even tho distant....makes us more aware each day just how little control we have over our lives...and the best comfort we can have is knowing we are in the hands of Him who loves us so....hugs...God Bless...Ora

Anonymous said...

I lost my Mom on the 21st, on her 85th birthday. No matter how old, it is too soon. Enjoy every day.

Anonymous said...

i'm the same age as you and find "IT" on my mind more and more.  I've Survived breast cancer 2 heart attacks and by-pass surgery.  I enjoy EVERY day that I have, the little things that used to bother me just are not worth getting upset over anymore.  You have a great attitude, I wish you many, many more rides on Blue and the motorcycle.    Vicki

Anonymous said...

I got my wake up card back when I was 25. Almost died...was hours from passing away. Taught me to love every day...even if it is a lousy day, at least it is a day we can be thankful for having. I do try to make the days count, it is all we can really do. It is funny you should make this entry as Dad (Tomato Garden) speaks of living on the 'Sunset' side of life on todays entry. Enjoy the days...have no regrets and you will be at peace.

Anonymous said...

Yep...we all need to enjoy the time we have here, cause as Dad (of Dad's Tomato Garden") says..."time is precious...please don't waste it"
Danny was only 51 remember....
love ya,
carlene

Anonymous said...

This entry brings tears to my eyes as my husband died in his early fifties. Didn't even get to see but one of his grandchildren but at least he didn't suffer for months and I'm thankful for that. I try to tell John we should get out more while we can. He rather sit in front of the TV. I'm glad you and Cliff have the sense to get out now. Paula

Anonymous said...

It's scary!  We need to enjoy every day to the fullest.  Find joy in some way every day....
Hollei

Anonymous said...

You know, Donna, I believe as we get older we realize more and more how precious every moment is.  I do the same thing you do when someone dies.  I compare my age with theirs, and it's really scary sometimes.  Living each day to the fullest is probably one of the most real saying's that there is.

Hugs
jackie

Anonymous said...

donna, evidently you didn't read on down Grans post. Porter Wagoner died too, monday it said, but there was no news on it on Tv that I seen. I caught an article a few days ago saying he was moving to a hospice.  
  REt

Anonymous said...

thank you for reminding that I need to quit wasting my time.

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful ride :-)

xoxo