By Juanell Garrett, Midwest Voices panelist 2008
I cried this morning. A friend emailed me this column by Tony Snow, "Cancer's Unexpected Blessings," written a year before his death. I saw a picture of him after cancer and its treatments affected him. His hair was wispy and gray, but the wide smile was still on his face.
It was one year ago that my older sister died--mercifully quickly--from blunt trauma and a broken neck as a result of a fall down her basement stairs.
Although their deaths were so much different, they were both communicators. Many here didn't approve of Tony's message because of ideological differences, but that is neither here nor there.
Karen's communication was on a personal level in notes of encouragement that went across this country and even into others. We know of several that were delivered after her death.
In our home this past year, we've fought less and said "I love you" more. We've come to appreciate the fact that we don't know how much time we have.
You are blessed for having learned much from your unfortunate loss.
I have always thought Tony Snow to be among the most forthright and genuine of those in the 4th estate. I am saddened for his family's loss but know that his spirit will live in their hearts forever.
I remember reading his op/ed piece. It was published at about the same time as I entered my recovery period from major cancer surgery. it was inspiring to me and has been an internal lynchpin enabling my attitude and my appreciation for all my good fortune.....each and every day.
Good to see a reminder.......thanks.