I'm mad, because every so often (every couple of days it seems) I get suckered into thinking that my life is so terrible, and why does this always happen to me, and why can't I just do what I want when I want, yada, yada, yada, blah, blah, blah, boo-hoo-hoo.
Today was another great example of the tug-of-war that is my life being a stay-home dad and aspiring writer. It's been a constant battle, one which leaves many casualties along the way. Either I spend too much time parenting (never a bad thing) and watch the precious writing hours steadily dwindle away as the day progresses, or else I'm too involved in my writing, and my children suffer (definitely not a good thing) while valuable quality time with my kids vanishes, never to be made back.
Julie Forward DeMay (pictured below) dreamed of being a published author, and in 2011 her first book was released — two years after Julie (a daughter, sister, wife, and mother) lost her battle with cancer.
So who the Hell am I to even consider my life to be a chore and all my parental duties a burden when I am perfectly healthy, have perfectly healthy children and a perfectly healthy wife? That's why I get so mad - I'm selfish and forget how good I've got it.
Wake the Hell up, Me!
I'm sad.
I don't know Julie. Never met her, and only have her pictures and stories to tell me who she was, but she's gone, and that's really sad. Another beautiful life cut down by an opponent that only seems to be getting stronger and stronger as time goes by (don't even get me started, medical community. Anytime you're ready to hand us a cure would be greatly appreciated!) I mourn with your family and friends, Julie, though I don't know what it's like to lose someone so tragically.
Frankly, cancer, you really piss me off!
I'm glad.
Why should I be glad? Well, it's the paradox, the classic juxtaposition that is cancer. It so tragically takes from us, yet, by its dastardly deeds, inspiration and hope spring forth from the ashes like a majestic Phoenix. We would've never known Julie's story and how her words could help others along with their struggles.
Thank you, Julie, for your bravery, your selflessness, and your inspiration. I wish I had known you so I could've given you a hug. And to everyone out there whining and crying about how hard-done-by they are, a few quick questions: Do you wake up in the morning pain-free? Do you have an adequate roof over your head? Do you have enough food to sustain yourself and your family comfortably? Do you have a job that allows for an adequate lifestyle for you and your family to thrive? Are you going to die in the next 3-6 months? Do you have friends and family that love you and whom you love?
Need I go on?