Two nights ago, in low light and with a drink in my hand, I was asked how my dad was. A good friend was wondering about the ongoing cancer that lives in my father. This friend can handle most of what I put out, and I blinked twice before answering.
In general, those in the Simmons tribe like opposition that is clearly defined and worthy of our full battle abilities. My father lives with a very picky strain of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that is a bear to treat. His goal, our goal, for the last four years has been to gain remission so he can undergo a bone marrow transplant and possibly knock this cancer down a notch or two and then put it to bed. Three completed chemotherapy protocols have not done that – but one got him damned close. “Close, but no cigar,” as a grandfather used to say.
In the next few days, my father will enter another treatment that he and his doctor already know will not bring him remission, but it is the only option available to him at this time. It’s like we are all waiting for science to catch up to his need. His need, and the needs of probably thousands of others as well.
And so we will tussle with cancer. I am viewing this as not a full-fledged fight but a skirmish. We will help, and hold, and laugh, and cry. And wait. He will be sick again from the poisons he will ingest, and we will all dream of limited reactions on his part.
I asked my friend, with a voice that quietly betrayed my emotions: Who really wants an all-body rash?
Photo note: This is my dad, my stepmom, and my son on the night my son was crowned Homecoming King last fall. There will be more nights just like this in all our futures. Of this I am certain.
SHARE THIS: 
I just love you. That is all.
Toni:
I love you as well.
Thank you for reading our blogs and taking a minute out of your frenetic life to send such a great note.
xoxox
– sloane
The Simmons tribe does wonders for inspiring brave and mindful action and attitude – and i find this empowering for all. Sending hugs, hope and love as you all face another fierce fight with cancer. Susan
Susan:
Thank you for not only reading our blogs but for sending such a terrrific note. How lucky are we all to have each other? This trip through life is a whole lot more fun with such great friends!
Much love to you and Juan and the kids.
– sloane
Another beautiful essay. Thanks for sharing your family with us.
Darren:
Thank you for the compliment. And sharing might just be why we are all on this journey together…
Take care and have a fantastic day. Much love to you and John.
– sloane
Sloane – thanks for sharing. You all are in my prayers.
Robin:
Thank you for not only reading our blogs but for working us into your wishes and dreams via prayer.
All will be well, of this I hope.
xoxox
– sloane
Your family is a delight. Thanks for sharing this. It has been interesting, the news lately about some new (but old) cancer treatment tests & studies. I realize they make no difference as you are in the thick of it. Much love to all of you. Let’s hope we someday soon toast progress in this field ? ! ! Very best to your dad.
Rachelle:
it is my greatest hope that all things old are new again and work like crazy! All will be well in the end … it’s the “going through” that can send you around the bend! And I’m not even the one injesting the poison….
Thanks for reading our blogs. You are a good soul.
– sloane
Always the perfect words to describe anything, even the painful stuff. Love my Simmons family!!! Xoxo
Katie:
And we love us some Katie! Thanks for the nice note and for reading our blogs.
One day, we will all kick cancer….together.
xoxox
– sloane
Dear Sloane,
You are so strong, so inspirational and one of the best people I’ve ever known. I send you and your family my love, healing light of the Universe and joy that you have with your dad now – despite the fight that rages on. Because now is what we have.
You and your family embody this wonderful philosophy and I admire you so much for it. But know that there are always hugs when it is not always so easy. I have been told I give good hug. I love you, my friend.
“Look to this day, for it is life, the very life of life. In its brief course lie all the realities and verities of existence. The bliss of growth, the splendor of action, the glory …of power. And yesterday is but a dream, and tomorrow is only a vision. But today – well lived – makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,and every tomorrow a vision of hope. Look well, therefore, to this day.” ~Sanskrit proverb…
be well – care for yourself – feel the massive love that surrounds you –
xoxox-April
April:
Thank you for such a nice note. We feel the love every day and are thankful.
And, yes, your hugs are amazing and hugs may just save the world!
– sloane