A Life Given and A Life Taken

There is an old saying that for every life given there must be a life taken so that the circle of life can continue and remain balanced.


When I was pregnant a couple of years ago with my son, my father was diagnosed with Stage IV Tonsillar Carcinoma that surely made us worry. Since it is not healthy for a pregnant woman to worry too much, I did not dwell on my father's health condition too much and instead focused on the positive news that there was going to be a new addition to the family.


Eventually my father underwent chemotherapy treatment and I soon gave birth to his first grandson. To make the long story short, my father experienced the recurrence of stage IV carcinoma -- the last one was diagnosed in his nasal passage. Being a strong and willful man that he is, he still chose to undergo medical treatment so that he may live a little longer. Unfortunately, this last treatment affected his salivary glands thus he was unable to produce saliva resulting in his loss of appetite and soon enough his body began deteriorating.


After a few months of fighting to stay alive, he finally drifted off to permanent sleep with my son right beside him.


It has now been almost 7 months since my father passed away but I can't help thinking if somehow his death had an effect on my son. You see, at the young age of 3, my son is exhibiting behavioral characteristics that were specifically unique to my father. My son's way of laughing, dancing, and even the way he rubs his chin when in deep thought makes me remember my father. I can't help but think that there really is a connection in each one of us; that there is a trait that can be passed on from one generation to the next; and that we will never forget those who really matter most.


A life given and a life taken? It does seem to be the rule of nature. Don't you think?