Potholes

Some people describe the challenges that are thrown at us in life as speed bumps. And while I do agree that some can be categorized as such, there are other challenges we face that are more like potholes. They're dark and mucky and jarring, and you usually don't see them coming. Still, like speed bumps, you get past them, and maybe end up a little more wary, and a little more appreciative of the smooth, even stretches in the road of life.

I realize that what I last posted a few days ago was cryptic and have since learned that it left a whole lot more people wondering and guessing than I would have imagined. I didn't think that many people actually read this thing! Anyway, I apologize for worrying anyone. It wasn't my intention; my only goal at the time was to purge just a little bit.

So here's the deal. Michael was diagnosed with colon cancer this past week. Pretty much. We haven't gotten the results of the biopsies yet, but the doctor is pretty sure that what he saw is malignant, and is so sure, in fact, that Michael already has an appointment with an oncologist on Monday and will likely be starting a 6-week course of chemo and radiation (simultaneously) late in the week or early the following week. Eventually he will also have to have surgery.

This sucks. It's scary scary scary. It's devastating. I don't know . . . I guess I arrogantly thought that I/we had paid our dues, that I/we have been faced with enough challenges and heartbreak over the years. But nope, I guess it just doesn't work that way. There have been many, many tears shed in our house over the last week, and I'm sure there will be many, many more.

But you know what? We're going to fight this, and we're going to beat it. And we're going to come out the other side, stronger, a little more wary, and a little more appreciative of the smooth stretches in the road of life.

Fuck cancer.