How are you supposed to do this? - Bracing for the Wave

A couple of weeks ago I shared my cancer and lack of healthcare coverage rant; two situations about which I became passionate and livid once my brother got a heaping helping of both.  I think one can only process so much at a time and then the soul has to rest and brace for the next wave of reality.   

This evening a dear friend of the family posted information on facebook announcing a fund our cousin established to receive donations that will assist with Thom's care.  He began the post with
"As many people know, Thomas Metcalf is dying..." and another wave of reality - the cold, hard, painful kind, hit me. 

I had worked through the cancer part but was not ready to face the dying part.  How are you supposed to do this?  How do you acknowledge that someone is dying when that someone
- signed your 8th birthday card "Lov MOT" (so proud that he was learning to spell his name)
- begrudgingly let his G.I. Joe date your Barbie (until you got a mod-haired Ken)
- promised to turn around, walk out of the church and drive you far away if you didn't want to really get married (that would be the starter marriage)
- shared an apartment with you when the starter marriage ended

How do you do this? I don't know...any suggestions?

First National Bank, Scottsboro Alabama under Gifford's Home Improvement for Thomas Metcalf

CANCER STINKS AND SO DOES THE LACK OF HEALTH CARE FOR ALL

Last week I "tweeted" about the beautiful weather while in Hilton Head for the RBC Heritage Classic; this week was spent waiting with my brother and sister for any tidbit of information we could learn about why this strong, proud man is experiencing intolerable pain.

There are only the three of us, Thom isn't married and Kathy is widowed so we depend upon each other for support.  Thom and Kat are fortunate to live in the small town where we grew up.  They are both very special people who shoot straight and have strong relationships with friends and extended family - the Rodney Atkins song "These are my People" comes to mind - particularly the chorus:

"These are my people
This is where I come from
Were givin' this life everything we got and then some
It ain't always pretty
But its real
It's the way we were made
Wouldn't have it any other way
These are my people"

Our people have been visiting Thom in droves at the hospital and I am sure this will continue when he comes home - believe me every call, visit, and prayer is appreciated. 

Thom is dying from cancer that went untreated due to no health care and his extremely high tolerance for and ability to deal with great pain.  When he could stand it no longer; he sought treatment at an urgent care center who diagnosed him with muscle pain and sent him home with a prescription for muscle relaxers - IDIOTS! No insurance, no tests, give them a band aid and send them home.  Thom went to the hospital and the real doctor who treated him and sent him to the other real doctors at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga for treatment have been an answer to prayer.
Thom has a very advanced insidious form of agressive cancer that has spread throughout his body.  He worked a construction job through all of this until a couple of weeks ago.  I can't imagine the intestinal fortitude and sheer guts and determination of my brother.  We come from strong stock but I didn't know just how strong.

We appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers.
Thom is not alone there are others in his same or similar situation throughout the country.  It is time we remember it and do something about it.

Two of my favorite words for 2012 are "YAY" and "YUM."  These two words will be the foundation for my theme for 2012 and it is going to be a VERY GOOD YEAR!  Keep posted and join the journey!!