We lost a cousin last night...

George's cousin Joey passed last night, after fighting liver cancer for the past year. I think back over the past year, and think about the Sunday afternoon we recieved a phone call from up north, which of course immediately put me in alert mode. After all it isn't often that we recieve phone calls from up north, with e-mail, and Facebook, giving us instant contact with our loved ones far away.

As soon as I heard who it was on the other side, I became concerned.

Joey and his family did thier due diligence, doing research, seeking opinions, and finally settling on Cancer Centers of America, out of Philadelphia. They did tell him that it would be a tough road to go, but they were willing to try to lengthen his life and work toward getting him well. I think the outcome was about the same...but he did have a good quality of life up until about a week ago. Personally I find that to be comforting.

I am glad we able to see Joey this past July. He went to a Yankee game at the new Yankee Stadium... with one of his daughters, and he really enjoyed that... I mean he really enjoyed it. We saw him that evening, and he told us how great it was. Even though I am a Red Sox Fan, was happy for him... very happy. We have lots of pictures of him too... He looked good!

Joey suffered at the end, between the infection, and his weakened state, the last chemo treatment tore him up. He had all the classic problems that Chemo patients get, but no ability to fight back. For the most part, his last year was not terrible, but the last week or two made up for it...

Now I worry about those he left behind. His daughters, his wife, he brothers and sister, his nieces, and nephews, and his cousins. I think in time they will be fine thinking about the good times and the smiles. I know that helped me when I lost my Dad. I hope they can carry him with them through their life. And live up to his expectations, even though he isn't there to remind us of them. By doing this, they are keeping him alive in their hearts. When he is there, he will always be with them, where ever they go, what ever they do.