Hacker News Reader

Comment by wpietri | Hacker News Reader

Thanks for writing that, Paul.

Six months ago, I lost a family member to glioblastoma, another one of those "get your affairs in order" cancers. It was 3 months from beginning to end for us as well.

In the interim, it seems like I've had two sorts of conversations. Ones with people who have experienced loss, and ones with those who haven't. The latter group are perfectly nice people, but there's a gap. So I am very grateful that you've taken the time to write about issues that are so present to me and so many others.

And yes, of course this is about startups: Beginnings and endings. Loss and acceptance. Presence in the moment. Creation and joy. And choosing wisely how to spend what little time we each have.

View on HN

I lost my mom to glioblastoma. I remember times, near the end, when my mom was so sick that I almost wished she would die sooner, so I could remember her as she used to be, and not frail, sick, unable to form sentences, or remember who I was.

Indeed there is absolutely a divide between those who have lost a close loved one and those who have (yet) not.

It's been about 5 years since it has happened, and it's affected me in a profound manner. Although I'm only 32, I see how temporary everything is. Perhaps it's a morbid viewpoint but I'm not sad or depressed. It's just an interesting philosophy I have naturally gained from going through something so terrible. It's sort of an "it is what it is" type of mentality, and it's almost like I feel that my real age is like 65.

Ever since then, I "take stock" very frequently to ensure that I am living the life I want to live, and I am happy. If I am not, I make changes. Because I know things can sour very quickly. I understand fully now when older people say things that generally equate to "value being healthy", or "health is wealth". I try to value that philosophy every day, and ensure I find happiness in my job, my friends, and family. Indeed, that is my highest priority.

We also lost a family member to a glioblastoma.

Couldn't agree more about the gap. I'm glad for it, in that it means those people haven't had to experience this acute type of pain and suffering. I'm happy for them. Naturally, as time goes on, more and more of them will experience it, which I guess is another way of saying to folks reading: Take a survey of your family and close friends, count your blessings, and don't take a day for granted.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com