TLC is losing a long-time resident this week. He's suffering from, among other ailments, stage four liver cancer and some symptoms of dementia. He also has several other physical issues. His medical providers don't give him much time.
(I don't use his name out of respect for his privacy and that of his family.)
Yet, in spite of his impending passing, there's a bright side to this story.
And you might ask what could possibly be positive about this man's departure from TLC? And ultimately, from life itself.
But in my mind, one positive thing is that he'll be able to spend his last days with his father and other family members who are driving from the Midwest to take him home. While he never talked to me about his family, I'm certain that if he's like most of us, his addictions created issues that at the very least strained their relationship with him. Yet here they are, driving thousands of miles so he can spend his last days with loved ones.
Another positive thing this man leaves behind is the example he showed by not running away. Some times when addicts are terminally ill they revert to their old ways and do what they can to kill their physical and emotional pain. But this man never did that. He stuck around. He didn't whine or complain. He accepted his illness with a quiet dignity. And did his best to show up to work every day and complete his duties. He is a good example for those of us he leaving behind.
God speed, my friend. We love you.
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