A talk with Dad about his cancer

UPDATE March 10, 2018: Dad passed, closing his eyes for the last time, ready for the pilot to take him home.

11/22/14: We just found out a few days ago -- my dad's colon cancer has returned. in spite of surgery and therapy back in 2003-2004.  Not only that, it has spread to his liver.  This retired carpenter/ furniture maker, says all the same that he's lived a charmed life.  His specialist tells him his chances for survival are good.  As for myself, I have dealt with serious health issues since 2009 when I lost a kidney to cancer from diabetes, and battle renal failure from time-to-time, so I don't hold my breath for the outcome of this new challenge.  All I can do is take it day-by-day, keeping faith in my dad who has always met life full-on, with his down-to-earth self.  

I wrote the piece earlier this evening (it's now 9:30pm Saturday, PST) in like 90 seconds.  The conversation is still very fresh; this Tanka is about some of what Dad said to me. I was moved to write this as an outpouring of gratitude. That no matter what, while there's time, he's still with us, and I can count on Dad for his unwavering love and support, and he knows this goes both ways. 

Meantime, I'm entering my Tanka in a contest over at the-haiku-club called "2014 Attitude of Gratitude" (with somethingzenzen  hosting the event).  Funny -- I didn't write this piece with the contest in mind, but as soon as I finished, I knew it was the very thing for me to submit. Besides, I couldn't let toki down.

I've added a lovely preview piece featuring a photograph taken by Kelsi Nullibicity
who was so kind and gave me permission to use the image, which was then treated to look like a delicate watercolor, and finished with a font of an Asian feel, with a rich shade of color, and defined with thin, interior bordering to finish the effect by collaborating with the talented John RetroZombie who has always been able to translate my ideas & visions to perfection, and who's efforts made the finished image possible. 

John, and Kelsi, my admiration and thanks to you both for your generosity!

02/05/15 Featured here:


01/15/15 The results are out, my tanka placed 3rd: