1 Corinthians 15:55
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Most of us have lost someone we love. Some have gone quickly, while others have suffered and lingered. And many of us have lost a loved one to the demon cancer. That was partly the inspiration for Wilted Magnolias.
Seven Years Out
Bret
Perry is seven years out. The phrase "seven years out" means nothing
to people who have never suffered from cancer or had a loved one battle the
disease. However, to a cancer survivor the term means the same as life. Many
famous names come to mind as cancer survivors, such as Christina Applegate,
Lance Armstrong, Howie Mandel, Martina Navratilova, and Mandy Patinkin.
Although famous people bring attention to the subject, close friends or family
make it real. To watch a loved one survive recurring cancer has a major impact
on a person.
Bret
was first diagnosed with colon cancer seven years ago. He underwent surgery and
rounds of chemotherapy. He received a good prognosis and thought he had dodged the
bullet. At a later checkup, the cancer had returned but not in his colon. This
time the cells were in his liver.
After
numerous treatments of radiation and chemotherapy, once again the devastating
disease seemed to have been defeated. Bret was weak and understandably changed
from having undergone the ordeal. He lost every hair on his head and a great
deal of weight. Nonetheless, his outlook on life remained positive. He never
gave up. His smile stayed real; his eyes still twinkled with boyish mischief. Bret's
attitude impressed many people.
Bret
appeared to have won another battle. A few visits to the doctor looked good.
Then, the shocker came. Although Bret had never smoked a cigarette in his life,
cancer attacked his lungs. Bret had another fight to endure. Through it all, he
has inspired many.
Health
professionals who have treated him, did not give him until the end of 2011.
Bret is still alive. He has held his three granddaughters, and the last time I
saw Bret, it was at an unexpected family funeral for which he flew in to be a
pall bearer. Although no longer an actual family member, Bret's embrace of me
lingered. No words needed to be spoken for both of us to say, "I will
always love you."
At
the last report, Bret's cancer had not left, but it had not grown. Nobody has a
clue what caused these various forms of cancer. Could it be the cadmium he was
exposed to for so many years in working with carbide tools? Could it be
something he came in contact with during his research for Pfizer? There is no
answer.
Bret
Perry's face will never appear on the cover of Time, Newsweek, or Sports Illustrated as a cancer survivor or an
inspiration to millions because he is not famous. He is merely a friend, a son,
a husband, a father, a grandfather, a brother, a nephew, a grandson, a son-in-law,
and an uncle. If this beast called cancer finally defeats him, he will not be
on the national news. Bret will be an unsung hero. Yet, he has influenced many
in at least two states, his home state of Mississippi and Connecticut, his
chosen state of residence. His optimism and fortitude, his humor and
determination, his love and devotion have warmed hearts and surprised
caregivers. Bret Perry is seven years out.
End
Note:
Bret
lost his eight-year battle with cancer. He was able to travel once again to
Mississippi to give his elder daughter in marriage on March 23, 2013. He looked
so good that at a casual glance that nobody would have known he had less than
two months to live after stage IV colon cancer metastasized to his spine. He
turned forty-eight on April 23, and on celebrated the birth of a grandson with
his younger daughter on April 24. Just after midnight on May 19, he passed
peacefully into Eternity surrounded by most of his family. On May 22, loved one
celebrated a life worth living, and Bret's ashes were scattered at the softball
fields of East Lyme, Connecticut, a place where he touched many lives.
I
was not among those who bade Bret farewell, but for me, he will always live in
my heart and memory. And he was much more than an inspiration to me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKyhGyTW_TM
Cover by Christopher Chambers.
Bret with my son, Caleb.
Wow, Janet, how can I ever comment on such a wonderful memory of a friend gone too soon.
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