Some Hard Stuff

 Papa2Roo’s brother ,Uncle2Roo (U2R), is a pretty special person around here. He lives pretty far away and when he comes to visit the family, usually stays at our house.  He’s 10 years older that Papa2Roo and has always been there to give advice, listen without judgment, talk about his wilder days, help with household projects, and all that.  He is single with no kids.  He’s been gone so long that he wasn’t really around much when his other neices and nephews were growing up.  Since he stays at our house, though, he’s gotten to know the Woob pretty darn well, and really, really enjoys spending time with him.  He brings him crazy toys when he comes to visit–screeching monkeys, stuffed animal dogs, dragon, RAT, and most recently a crazy laughing duck.  Woob loves him.  He loves Woob.  They play together and U2R is amazed at how brilliant and fun a toddler can be. 

The Thanksgiving before Woob was born, almost 2 years ago now, U2R was diagnosed with a weird form of liver cancer.  He had some surgeries, lots of chemo and radiation, some with success, some not.  He’s been sick on several occasions with pneumonia because the chemo has compromised his immune system.  He’s had a pretty rough couple of years, but always hopeful. 

The last time U2R was in town he told me about one day during his prayer time, he felt it on his heart to just pray and pray for Woob, for his health and safety, for his future, for his family, because he just thought he was such a special little boy and he loved him so much.  He said while he prayed he just cried and cried, he just loves him so much.  And he got tearful while he told me about it.

This week we learned that the doctors will not be pursuing further treatment for the cancer as “they’ve done all they can do.”  The treatments are not effective, and they just tend to make him sick and miserable.  They’re choosing quality of life over quantity at this point.  Papa2Roo’s family isn’t good at talking about this stuff…about what it means as far as time, comfort, how things will realistically end.  I can’t say I blame them, though I have a different way of doing things.  I like to prepare myself for the worst and hope for the best.  But to them, they’re holding on to anything they can to keep hope going. 

I’m bummed.  I’m saddened so much, certainly for all of us, but also for Woob.  Who will have another loss in his young life.  He won’t know it or understand it, but I know what he’ll be losing.

Please keep U2R and the family in your thoughts and prayers as we enter into this weird time in our lives.