Eleven Months and No Longer Counting
What began in late summer of last year as an odd feeling in Mrs. Mansfield’s upper back and progressively became more painful was identified on November 10 as metastasized renal cell carcinoma. It has been a long year, feeling more like three, which stretching out was good in many ways and nightmarish in others. After eleven months from diagnosis, and twenty-four years from wedding, it looks like a few days of life remain.
An experience of this sort brings up various observations and musings. One from last night was about “mutual admiration societies.” It’s a phrase that mocks little circles of two flattering one another. On the other hand, these past few weeks it has been an uplifting thing to sit by as a couple of admirable people feel it is a good time to express their respect for one another.
Filed under: We transcend your bourgeois categories | No Tag
Kent G. Budge
October 4, 2018
I heard the word yesterday from your father-in-law. I’m very sorry to see you put through this.
It’s been a rough year for your wife’s family.
Agellius
October 5, 2018
I’m so sorry to hear this.
To be honest I’m a little confused though. I think you’re talking about your wife, but then in your second paragraph you seem to be speaking in the third person about another couple. Is it your wife who has a few days left?
seriouslypleasedropit
October 5, 2018
So sorry to hear this.
John Mansfield
October 5, 2018
Sorry for the poor, unclear writing, Agellius. By “couple of admirable people” I was referring to my wife visiting with various of her friends one at a time in our living room or a hospital room, sometimes with me present to witness the exchange.
G.
October 6, 2018
When the veil grows thin between earth and heaven, the veil also grows thin between heart and heart.
These are precious times. They are also very hard. My heart goes out to you and yours, JM. God speed, and happy reunions.
Kent G. Budge
October 11, 2018
Just heard the latest news via your sister-in-law. My deepest condolences. I don’t know what I can do to help from two thousand miles away, but if you think of something, you need but ask.
I can pray.