Creeping out of the cancer cave.
Backstory
We have been in the dark cancer cave for over 3 years, the past two years were the worst. Our focus was finding a way for James to live as long as possible. Illness makes one's world smaller. Pretty soon you are isolated in your home most of the time. I am now venturing back out into the world. A friend invited me to Spain. She is flying there on business so all I would need is a ticket. My instinct was to say, "I can't go anywhere because..." Then I realized, a new life is still ahead of me, pain or not.picture James on the right. His belly as big as the pumpkin. Always laughing and smiling.
by DynamicDbytheC in Six-Word Memoirs on Love & Heartbreak on Mar 06, 2013 | 
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Comments
Wench says,
When my grandfather died of cancer, we worried that my step-grandmother would isolate herself and become shut off from the rest of us, since by blood, she wasn't really 'ours'. This happened on my mother's side when my grandmother died (also of cancer) - my step-grandfather has had almost no involvement in our lives since then. Fortunately, Eileen has stuck around and, in many ways, become a closer family member than my grandfather ever was for me.She also started traveling. She goes everywhere. Egypt, Istanbul, Austria. She started playing softball with her coworkers, going out dancing, taking family she didn't know very well out to dinner, having house parties.
Everybody knows that she loved my grandfather. She was by his side constantly when he was sick and speaks about him all the time. She has memorabilia from their years together everywhere in the house and photos of him with her and all the kids and grandkids. The ways that she has filled her time since his death haven't diminished that in any way. I think he would have wanted her to find ways to be happy. You will always miss James because you love him. But he would want you to find ways to be happy, too.
You should go to Spain. =)
catsmeow says,
Go when you want to. Go when you're ready.NumbrOneAunt says,
this might seem odd, but you might want to consider your relationship with the friend in making your decision. is she a close friend who will likely be comfortable with you, no matter what reactions you may have?DynamicDbytheC says,
She was in college with me and knew James and I from the VERY beginning. She loves us both.Dean6805 says,
You're an amazing person, DDC. I hope you go and have a wonderful time.Believe says,
Go. Do. Be.ba_miracle says,
Can't wait to see photos from your trip to Spain ;-)ShellDeFelice says,
I vote for Spain, but you'll know if you are ready. Will it be near Barcelona? My daughter lives there, speaks fluent Spanish and could be an instant guide to more than the "touristy" sights.TheAngstyPoet says,
Please go to Spain. I think it would be the best right now. Heart is with you DDCDynamicDbytheC says,
DE, you are so right. There is so much to work with here. If Larry or the editors see it and want to do something with it, that would be fine with me. I think Shutter may have input so who knows.jl333 says,
Pack your bike, go to Spain. Take lots of pictures. Betcha can't post them upside down (hey, that's another great six!)JAD says,
Go for it. James would want you to.