Flabbergasted

I spoke with my grandfather today, and I received the news that I had expected but had hoped would not come.  My grandfather has been given the diagnosis that he has three months to live as a result of his liver cancer.  The cancer is inoperable, and the doctors fear that any other treatment will result in my grandfather’s death. My grandfather told me that I am one of three people in the family that know the diagnosis–the others being my great-uncle and uncle.

I really had little to say.  In light of it, anything I said afterward was trivial, at best.  I asked my grandfather if he was alright in light of the news, and he said he was.  I told him that I would be down for Thanksgiving, and we could discuss this further.  He told me “You don’t need to get me anything.”  A normally joyous holiday gathering is going to be overshadowed by this dark cloud.

I can only imagine how my grandfather feels.  I know how I feel.  It is difficult to imagine that the other person who has been largely responsible for my place will be gone soon.  It is even worse as I realize my grandfather is in a morbid countdown, waiting for time to expire.

For now, though, I am going to try and make the most of the time we have left.