I just got a letter from my car mechanic's church today stating that he
has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. He is only in his early to
mid 40's or so. This really blew me away. I've known the guy for years
and has always been helpful, competent, and honest. He even held my
checks if I wanted him to. I just saw him a few weeks ago getting new
tires mounted on my car. Having served in the Army and a helicopter
mechanic, he always asks about my son who is now serving in the Navy on
an aircraft carrier. He had complained to me the last time I saw him of
a bad chest cold that did not go away. I did not think much of it then,
nor did I ask any probing questions, and he did not appear to be
concerned about anything dire.

I am now even more grateful that at the very least, I had the
opportunity to fight and hopefully win with my own pca. I know that
there are many of us here at different stages and conditions. I too know
that the majority here surely have a better chance of a favorable
prognosis than he. Really puts things into perspective for me. Thought
I'd share.

B.A.