Sentenced To Life
Sentenced to Life: A Father’s Unwavering Optimism in the Face of Terminal Illness
A Story of Courage and Resilience
July 21, 2023, 10:32 pm. The night my world changed forever.
My dad, my superhero, was gone. I watched him take his final breath, a moment of peace for a man who had been at war with terminal brain cancer (glioblastoma) for three years.
A Diagnosis and a Choice
In 2020, my dad was given a death sentence. Doctors told him he had six months to live, at best. They gave him grim statistics, told him how his body would shut down, and plotted a future of suffering. But my dad didn’t listen. Instead, he chose to focus on the present and make the most of every day.
A Journey of Hope and Determination
My dad underwent brain surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. He adjusted his diet, and my mom became his personal chef, making everything from scratch. He trained harder, walked farther, and ate healthier. Death tapped him on the shoulder, but he gave the grim reaper the middle finger.
Overcoming Obstacles
When cancer took away his ability to use his left arm, he trained his right arm to do more. When it took away his vision in one eye and limited his field of vision in the other, he re-taught himself how to read. When it left him unable to walk or bathe himself, he asked for help, the bravest and strongest thing he could do.
A Life of Positivity and Purpose
I watched my dad suffer, but I never heard him complain. Not once. He remained steadfast, refusing to let his circumstances define him. When his four brothers told him it was unfair, he insisted the cancer was not unfair. He chose to focus on the good, to make the most of every day.
A Lesson in Optimism
My dad’s philosophy was simple: either feel bad for yourself or do something to make your life the best you possibly can. He chose to do something, to live, to love, and to laugh. And in the end, that’s exactly what he did.
A Vision of Life
Even when he only had a week left, he would lie in his hospital bed and ask me how we would get him to football games in the fall. He was excited about the fall, about the possibility of attending a Colorado Buffaloes game. It was part of his vision, a reminder that life was worth living, no matter what.
A Legacy of Hope
In my last conversation with my dad, he told me something I’ll never forget. He talked about finishing what I started, about staying positive, and about reaching more people. He asked me how many people we reach each day, and I told him 500,000. He then asked how many I wanted to reach, and I told him 5 million. And then he dropped the mic: "Adam, why put a limit on what you can do? Where would I be if I did that when I was diagnosed?"
Conclusion
My dad’s story is one of courage, resilience, and hope. It’s a reminder that life is precious, that every day is a gift, and that we should make the most of every moment. His legacy will live on through the people he touched, the lives he changed, and the lessons he taught.
FAQs
Q: What was your dad’s diagnosis?
A: My dad was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer (glioblastoma) in 2020.
Q: How did your dad respond to his diagnosis?
A: He chose to focus on the present and make the most of every day. He refused to let his circumstances define him.
Q: What were some of the challenges your dad faced?
A: He faced many challenges, including losing the use of his left arm, his vision in one eye, and his ability to walk or bathe himself.
Q: How did your dad overcome these challenges?
A: He trained harder, walked farther, and ate healthier. He asked for help when he needed it, and he remained steadfast in his optimism.
Q: What is the most important lesson you learned from your dad?
A: The most important lesson I learned from my dad is the power of optimism and the importance of living in the present. He showed me that every day is a gift, and we should make the most of every moment.
Q: What is your dad’s legacy?
A: My dad’s legacy is one of hope, courage, and resilience. He will be remembered for his unwavering optimism, his determination to live, and his ability to inspire others.
