“Sleep On, Sandi”

An old friend and sister, the wife of a friend I've known since I was twelve, died last night of cancer-related complications. The last few monts of Sandi's life were horribly painful. For her, physically, and emotionally for everyone who loved her. As is often said, in some ways it is a relief when the end finally comes. When the pain is so bad that the strongest medicines have virtually no effect, there's little we can do but pray and feel somewhat helpless.

Oddly, I mentioned the war Sandi Smith was waging (against her own) body exactly one year ago today in my essay, I'm Sick of Cancer. At the time, we still hoped she was going to beat it. By late summer it was clear that wasn't going to happen.

The mortality rate for life is still 100%. Everyone aflicted with it, dies.