A thought for Dustyballs

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My friend Paul D'Gama ( whom we affectionately call Dustyballs ) has been stricken with that deadly disease that is often refered to in awe and fright as the "C" word . When I heard the news from another friend of mine it didn't actually sink in till a few days later and then I had to literally sit and stare out the window , my eyes glazed over , as the memories of our childhood together came rushing through and it finally hit me. This guy who is almost the same age as me and who has everything to live for ( having a wife , two lovely daughters , a good job and plenty of friends and family ) is now in a hospital undergoing chemotherapy and God knows what other treatments as the doctors try in vain to get him right again . The prognosis is not good though and the family have been informed . I try to imagine what must be going through Paul's mind as he sees his life slowly but inexorably slipping away . I vainly attempt to put myself in his place and a chill runs up my spine .

When it comes right down to it , what does it all mean anyway. From the day we are born we start dying , so someone said …but in the interim we endeavour to give some meaning to our existance . We strive to achieve things both materially and emotionally …many strive for spiritual fulfillment as well . We tell ourselves that a good job done during the day heralds a good nights sleep ……. Does this therefore extend to a good life led heralding a good passing . Unfortunately the reality is different .