My son (or, sometimes I miss this place)

[Pale Blue Dot]

Tonight we found out that my aunt has uterine cancer, and the prognosis is not good.

I am an atheist and a skeptic: I don't actually believe that prayers or "vibes" will help (although if you want to send them, I won't complain).

I am most concerned about my 14-year-old son, who has watched several people who he loves die from cancer. I want to tell him that everything's OK. I want to tell him that no one he loves is going to die. Most of all, I want to tell him that he will never die.

Years ago, when his mom and I were still married, I was a Lounge regular. You might even say that I was in the "popular clique." His mom and I divorced, a year later I met my wife (here, in the Lounge), and slowly she and I started to "detach" ourselves from the lounge culture. It was drama that we suddenly no longer needed in our lives.

Tonight, however, I am alone at home, dealing with both the news of my aunt's condition and the sound of my son's voice over the phone. And tonight, just one night after I could easily have been banned from DU, I wish that I was one of the "popular kids" again.

And I wish I could lie to my son.

[lizziegrace]

1. I'm so sorry

for you, your son and your aunt. And I know how you want to protect your son and give him a world where there is no hurt, no loss. :hug:

[bluesbassman]

2. Sorry your aunt and your family is going through this.

There's no easy way to deal with death, but you may find your son may be better able to cope with it than you fear. My 16 and 13 year olds have had to deal with similar circumstances recently and they have weathered it well.

I wish you the best as you deal with this, and that you and your son become closer as a result.

bluesbassman

[siligut]

3. I want to offer comfort.

Real life isn't easy. I am glad you are unable to lie to your son, loss of trust has far reaching consequences.

[GOPisEvil]

4. ...

I have nothing else to offer but my sincere best wishes for your aunt and the rest of your family.

[BarenakedLady]

5. I'm sorry you are going through this.

It's hard to watch your children hurt with the realities of life and death. We want to shelter them from it all. *sigh*

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. My dear Pale Blue Dot...

It's so wrenching when we have to be the grownup, isn't it? My heart goes out to you, your aunt, and your son...

I'm so glad you weren't banned yesterday. That would have been most unfortunate. And I'm also glad that you are a man, a real man, who can't lie to his son. There is no good in lying.

But I hear you about trying to shield him from your aunt's horrifying illness.

He has to grow up, and he has to deal with all of that. It isn't fair, it isn't right, but still the fact remains.

My deepest condolences to all of you...

We've got your back...

:hug: :hug:

[auntAgonist]

7. I'm so sorry you're going through this and that

your aunt is ill with uterine cancer.

Your son is very fortunate to have a loving father who cannot lie to him. Hold him close and answer all his questions.

I hope for only the best for you, your aunt and your son. Your entire family is in my thoughts tonight.

aA
kesha

[PeaceNikki]

8. Peace and comfort to you and your family.

:hug:

[Midlodemocrat]

9. I'm terribly sorry, PBD. My best to you and your family.

[TZ]

10. Sorry to hear about that

Life really sucks sometimes..:hug:

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. Feeling philosophical and melancoly last night. I hope today is

better for you and yours. :hug:

[surrealAmerican]

12. Like so many others here have said ...

... your son is better off because you won't lie to him. Imagine what a cruel, insensitive person he would become if you did tell him everything's ok. It's not a tragedy that people die, it's an integral part of being alive to begin with.