My Dad is a pretty amazing person.
He was the first kid from his school to ever go to University and completed a PhD in organic chemistry by the ridiculous age of 23-24. He lectured in Malta and then came back to England where he got a DipEd and eventually a Master of Education doing what he has always loved, training teachers doing primary science (after all, he says, he finally realised he didn’t understand what the heck all the equations and squiggles he was drawing on the board meant in the first place).
He even pretty much turned down the the possibility of becoming a professor because for him, ‘good teachers should be bloody well teaching, not shuffling papers’.
After my parents split, when I was 10, he looked after me and my two younger sisters 50% of the time, right down the line, as well as working like a dog and still kept it together (and did it bloody well). When my family broke up in 2002 he cancelled his entire summer holiday and was out here, with his wonderful partner, within a week… via New Zealand (that’s the longest trip you can make, in the world, BTW… he did it in economy).
And today we found out that he has cancer of the oesophagus. He’s only 62.
We don’t know how bad it is yet, just that he definitely has it and I don’t really know why I’m writing this, except that I guess I want some way to express how I’m feeling and this has become a kind of place for that. In a way. And I think there’s power in this, I’ve felt it before.
Someone, can’t remember who, mentioned a bit back something along the lines of ‘of course you wouldn’t blog about something personal online’. Well I think that’s fucked. I think that if we’re to represent and communicate fully with each other and the world then it’s got to me in a less than two dimensional sense.
I’m not ‘religious’ and nor do I hold any particular set of beliefs but I do think that manifestation, positive thought and prayer can have an impact. Basically, whatever your religion, beliefs or ideology, if you could spare a few moments of thought and goodwill for my dad then I thank you.
James
James,
I do not know what to say, but, your news is not something I can just read and ignore. I have crossed several bridges with my parent’s health and it is never easy. I will be thinking about your dad, and you. Your luck to have a dad that has given you a love for “teaching”. Even though you are not in the classroom, you are a teacher, and help nurture knowledge. All I know is that he has to be very proud of a son like you!
Have faith and be strong.
Thanks for sharing this. I will pray for you and your dad right now.
James, best wishes to you and your Dad. He sounds like one tough bugger, and having a son like you behind him will certainly help.
I’m sending a ton of positive thoughts.
James,
You are right - Mike (aka “the Doc”) is an amazing person, although not too sure about pretty! All five of us (including 3 Christians) in his team are thinking and praying for him. We all want to help him fight this and be there for him.
James, I’m really sad to read this and will say a prayer for you and your Dad. I know it’s hard to be physically distant from you folks at times like this.
But I’m really glad you felt able to post this - knowing how each other is doing and reaching out can only make this community richer and more authentic. You are in my thoughts, Scott.
I hope it all turns out for the best for your Dad having also been through ups and downs with one’s parents it can be very difficult. Keep smiling.
James,
Your story today came across my aggregator right after my blogging world was completely rocked by Julie Leung’s presentation from Gnomedex 5.
For every 1000 posts about NECC or iTunes 4.9, there are a few that really matter. Take some time to listen to Julie. It’s a wildly different perspective on blogging…one that matched what you are going through today.
http://www.techpodcasts.com/content/view/117/
James,
I know how you feel. I want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. I can tell you, as you probably already know, that your blogging family will have you and your dad on their hearts and positive thoughts will keep flowing your way. Take care…
Anne
I remember you telling me about your dad. My thoughts are with you, and him.
Thankyou all of you, will keep things updated.
Thinking of you ….. ABB
good will on its way…..and good luck to all of your family.
Seek ye first the good things of the mind, and the rest will either be supplied or its loss will not be felt. Sir Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626)
James.
Namaste.
Kevin
(Namaste means I worship the light within)
Positive healing thoughts and peace be with you and yours. Count on me as a friend in deed so if you need let me know.
cheers Ade
James, I lost my dad to cancer a few years ago, he was 52. I can’t offer any wisdom and I don’t pray, but if you want to catch up for coffee anytime to chat, just ping me dude.