Never say never

I have heard some drastic statements by folks, concerning ‘other folk’s problems.’ One I have heard often is, “I would never take Chemo, it seldom works and the discomfort and quality of life just isn’t worth it.”  I remember a sweet woman, Juanita Carter, who explained it well concerning the cancer that she had endured.

Juanita and her hubby Bishop Wayne Carter as we prepared for out trip to the Katrina devastation.

She said, “When the doctor says life or death, you will pick life.”  She chose to do the Chemo and lived. She appreciates life.  Now she is facing another of life’s demons, something is slowly trying to steal a wonderful woman’s memory.

I had a friend named Wacker Carver.  Have you ever known anyone by that name, I surely had not. But I got to like old Wacker. He was one of my first ‘crushes’ (Martha)’s uncle.

Martha, the first of our teen crowd to pass away.

I talked to him last, not 100 yards from where I sit now. We moved here and I had bushes to trim and cut. I said, “Wack, I have never done this before, but this time I am going to cut the bushes and leave them for the city to pick up.”

Wacker laughed, “Jack, you ain’t in the city, the city limit is about 150 yards up this road.”  Shucks.

The last time we talked was just before our yearly trip to Florida. He said,”Jack they said I needed dialysis or I would die. I had a sister who took it and it did not help, I will never take it.”

I told him, I did not know if it was a good idea to turn it down, maybe try it for awhile. He said “Nope, not going to, never.”

We left for Florida soon after that, clearly thinking Wacker would reconsider, but he did not; and true to the Doctors words, he died soon after we left.  I didn’t know whether to admire him or be mad at him. He was a good neighbor and  they are hard to find. 

I miss Wacker and his great dry wit. I wish he had taken the dialysis, but we all ‘sit on our own bottoms’, as mama said.

Sherry and I remind ourselves every once in awhile, “NEVER SAY NEVER.”

I leave life and death decisions to the one’s who are facing them. They sure do not need my uninformed medical advice.

Nite Shipslog

<<<<<<<<<<<V>>>>>>>

I loved the ‘55 Chevy.  I wanted a two door hardtop or even a two door with a post. But what I got was this four door 6 cylinder.

Above is Marty, Jack Jrs best friend and the ‘55.  Below is Sherry and Mark on the ‘55 not long after I bought it.

Why did I settle for a 1955 4dr, 6 cylinder? Because it was a basket case and it was $50.00. LOL JC Whitney & co  and I, restored it. in Key West.