[RSVMILLE661]

I am glad 2004 is behind us. If there is 1 word that describe the year it would be the word; Loss.

It seems as though my family and I have dealt with more loss this year than in years past. We have had 4 deaths in my family 2 with-in the past 3 weeks.

2 great uncles and my last 2 immediate uncles have all passed. Now my Great uncles who are all in their 80's I can accept. But my 2 immediate uncles, 1 who dies the day before his 62nd birthday and the other who died at 55 the day after Christmas. That is too young.

I am 28 years old. I refuse to be middle-aged at 28. My family does have a history of heart disease and cancer. I'm living proof of Cancer history. Last year at this time I was diagnosed with testicular cancer. I had to have 1 removed.

I guess no one is safe from tradgedy. But this forces you to come to terms with your own mortality and it can really knock the spirit of the holidays right out of you. So I have lost my holiday spirit.

I guess the reason I write this is, I hope all of you realize how precious life really is. Enjoy your time here and make the very most of every day.

Also if you are in questionable health.. I implore you for the sake of your loved ones, do what is neccessary to be here as long as possible. Be it losing weight, getting a physical, anything. Your loved ones will thank you for it.

[lee955i]

So true. Lost my Mother-in-law (54) 4 days before Thanksgiving and my Mother on Dec. 26th. How do you tell a 3 1/2 year old that she's lost both of her "Grammas" within about a month? Hardest thing i've ever had to do. I think our X-mas tree lights went on about 3 times this year since I basically lived at the Hospital for 2 weeks.
Needless to say, I hope 05 turns out to be a little better .
Cheers, Lee S.