For Jean-Michel Chappe

Yesterday I found out that one of my Imerman Angels email fighters, Jean-Michel Chappe (pronounced shap-ay) had died from brain tumor complications. We didn't know each other very well, but I know he was devoted to his children and wife, and he fought with all his might (of course, as with most of the afflicted, to no avail). This is the story so commonly told about those of us diagnosed with cancer (and brain cancer in particular). We live are suddenly confronted with headaches, nausea, and/or seizures, get diagnosed with a high-grade mass in our heads, and before we know it, end up withering away.

Fortunately, his wife let me know that he died quickly while he was unconscious. This is the most comfortable way any of us can hope to end our physical struggle. Click. Lights out. As with most ways of dying, the body's processes degenerate and a formerly simple problem turns into a currently life-threatening one.

I told his wife how sorry I am, and that I wish I had known him better. I don't know what he would've wanted, so this is my tribute to him, though. I wish I could write one for everyone else that's fought so hard only to have their life ripped out from under them. In these horrific circumstances, it's the least I can do.

To end on a positive note, we're all here struggling against something, some place, some time or person. Not everyone can see the direct connection between their struggle and the succession of experiences here, but we can. Whether or not we're cursed with this affliction, I don't feel like I'm living day to day any differently than anyone else. If I wasn't worrying or fretting about this, it was and would easily be something else.

Okay, enough of this cheesiness...