when your mortality is chasing you

Of the patients I care for, those with cancer are the ones I most admire and sympathize with. They come in, often minus thier hair, most often suffering the side effects of chemo. Usually they are the kindest and most patient. Perhaps their long experience with medical settings has taught them patience.

I see people who have been living with cancer for YEARS, off and on. Sometimes they had one kind that had been "cured" and then another spot somewhere else comes back. I see those newly diagnosed, faciing a long haul. Sometimes those who are at the end of their haul.

I'm sure they are human and have their bad days and aren't always nice, just like everybody else. But facing death changes you. It humbles you. In humility there is dignity.