Bummer Of A Summer

Memoir, Poetry 1 Minute

What was to be the 70th summer of my life became the summer of the fight of my life. In June, an MRI revealed a blockage in my bile duct which turned out to be cancerous. In July, I underwent a surgical procedure called the Whipple. I am currently undergoing an aggressive chemo and radiation therapy program that will continue into February of 2025. I feel very confident that I am going to be ok. Also, I feel really, really good! Better than before my surgery. I feel so good, it is difficult to wrap my head around the fact that there is anything seriously wrong with me.

The writing prompt for the Chatham Memoir Group was “Angels In My Life”. For some reason, Jackson Brown’s song, “These Days”, popped into my head and I started scribbling down words to fit the tune. Please keep in mind I don’t consider myself to be a poet, but my effort to fit the prompt and the song follow.

Angels In My Life

Ernie Stricsek©

I was told that I had cancer

Of the cause there was no answer

Those days

I was full of anger, dread, and tears

Then the angels of my life drew near

And I saw I had nothing to fear

My wife is my first angel

Of her love and devotion, she’s so giving

These days

She has made me feel not afraid

To live each day as all is fine

And that I’ll be around for a long, long time

My other angels are so many

Family, friends, and Doc’s give me reasons

All of these days

These days I think and hope

Their love and care will guide me through more seasons

I’ve been given a second chance

The rest of my life will be a different dance

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Published by estricsek

I am an engineer by training and began to really enjoy my passion for writing after retiring to Cape Cod, MA a few years ago. I hope everyone enjoys reading my stories as much as I enjoy writing them.

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13 thoughts on “Bummer Of A Summer”

  3. Hi Ernie

    Such a beautiful and moving poem and expression of gratitude. I am thrilled that you are feeling well.

    Of course wishing you the very best

    Bob

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  4. Ernie, thank Heaven for early detection! Thank Heaven for the love and devotion holding you dear! Best wishes, “the best is yet to come!” May you live long and happily! Frank

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    1. Frank! It is so good to hear from you. Yes! Early detection certainly helped, and the fact that nasty stuff didn’t invade my pancreas meant I was eligible for the surgery. I plan to be around for quite a while. Best wishes, my friend, I miss seeing you and meeting for lunch.

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    1. Hi Neil! Thank you so much my friend. I am sorry, circumstances have made me fall behind on my reading. I owe you some comments. Best wishes to you and your family. I believe I’m going to be ok.

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  6. Dear Ernie,You are a warrior! You will get through this. Prayers for you are continuing nonstop.Keep writing, dear friend!Warmly,Liz EnglishSent from my iPhone

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    1. Liz! It is so good to hear from you! I hope all is well with you and your family. We miss your stories in the Monday group. Thank you for your kind words. Best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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