His name is John. He became a Rad Tech before I was born. He’s probably the most honorable and decent man I know.
The cancer is in his liver, both of his lungs, and, believe it or not, in his thigh muscles. He says he has 6 or 7 months to live–if he gets treatment.
He’s not going to have treatment. He’s 84.
I’m sending him a letter, which I’m going to copy below.
He’s about 5 feet, 5 inches tall.
"Dear John,
There's a big difference between you and my dad, but first I'd like to talk about the similarities.
My dad was a gentleman, and a true gentle man. He was kindhearted and thoughtful. He respected others, and he was respected by all who knew him. People sought him out for his opinion, and they relied on his knowledge--which was expansive.
His humor was soft, but quick and subtle. He had many stories to tell, and I loved to listen to them. My dad was well-liked by everyone who knew him. I don’t know of one person who didn’t like my dad.
All this is true of you, as well.
My dad was an honorable person. He always did what was good and right–because it was good and right. And he was good at what he did. At some point I sort of ceased being surprised at my dad’s ability to answer a question or solve a problem that I was sure he had no knowledge about. I just sort of took it for granted that he would know, because he was Dad.
You’re like that.
My dad was generous with anything he had to give–his time, his knowledge, his love–anything that was needed or could help out someone. If there was work to be done, he did it. He was someone who could always be relied upon to be there, all the time, every day.
As are you.
John, I’m writing this because when my dad got sick, I wasn’t able to tell him how much he meant to me, and how much I cared for him and respected him. I couldn’t say the words. I wouldn’t’ve been able to get through it without breaking down. But I wanted to be sure to let you know how much you mean to me, and to all of us that you worked with. It had truly been our honor to have you as a co-worker.
My dad was irrereplaceable.
So are you.
Lastly, I guess I should mention the big difference between you and my dad:
My dad was 5’9".
Very proud to call you my friend,"
I signed it with my real name.
