My step father's health as been a cause for serious concern recently. He seems much the same in himself, frail but OK if that makes sense, but an annual review at the doctors pick up on reduced kidney function ans subsequent tests and scans confirmed that there is a tumour on his kidney. Yesterday he saw the consultant again and it was confirmed that he has cancer on his kidney and it needs to be removed, leaving the possibility that the other kidney will not cope and he could need dialysis. The future doesn't look too rosy.
I wasn't happy about having a step father. I was a teenager and I felt that it was somehow a betrayal of my dad for my mum to marry again. I didn't really understand until years later when I also found myself widowed with a young family. Finding someone else that you want to spend your life with is a very confusing experience, but it isn't a betrayal, nothing can diminish the feelings you have for the partner who died. It is not easy for the new partner either, living with a ghost is not easy.
It is only with the benefit of hindsight that I can say I am glad that my mum remarried. Despite our early clashes, my stepfather has been amazing, I have had him in my life for much longer than my own dad, and he has always been there to rely on. As well as helping in so many practical ways and always being there when he was needed, he has been a fantastic grandad and my children think the world of him.
We are hoping for the best as far as the cancer is concerned. Like everyone else in such circumstances we need to deal with it one step at a time.
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