I had started a thread recently about my Uncle Tom being diagnosed with cancer.
He died last night. Obviously, it was more advanced than the family, including Tommy and Sarah, knew.
In speaking with my mother this afternoon, she mentioned that perhaps it was better this way. Tommy was frail and not in the best of health recently, but he still had the joy of life that characterized him, and by which he will always be fondly remembered. Without the spectre of death hanging over him, he and his family carried on, and while the suddenness is a shock, it’s probably true that there is no easy way to do this. And perhaps this was the best way. Had Tommy been able to choose, I like to think he would have preferred to not worry anyone and have another beer and tell another joke anyway.
Thank you, dear friends, for your kind wishes. While the world is less bright now without Tommy, your light helps to fill the void he left in my life.
RIP - Tom Fowler, the best bad influence anyone could have.
I’m so sorry, honey. But at least he didn’t linger in pain…the end for many cancer victims is so painful and you are right. If he had to go, at least he didn’t suffer on and on until all he wanted was oblivion. And at least you got a chance to say to him whatever you wanted and needed to say.
Go rest high on that mountain, Uncle Tommy. You made a difference, you MATTERED to those who loved you. There is no greater legacy.
My heart and prayers go with you in your grieving.
I’m so sorry, Dave. I also agree that a quick ending is the best. When my father died, it was pretty quick and almost painless, and I’ve always been grateful for that. I’d have hated to see him suffer.
