I am not afraid of cancer, it just needed a place to grow and, unfortunately, my body provided a fertile environment and I currently serve as an unwilling host.
I’m not afraid of dying, even though that’s not my preference, so we are throwing poison into my body to make it a more inhospitable place for cancer to live and grow.
What I am afraid of is being remembered as the After Me and not the Before Me.
I want my grandkids to remember the Before Me that played games on the floor, played 4-square with all their silly rules, and willing to go whenever they called. Not the, I can’t make it tonight, sorry I’m tired, maybe tomorrow, After Me.
I want my wife to remember the quiet moments and wonderful trips of the Before Me, not the hard nights and tears, of the After Me.
I want my family and friends to remember the dumb jokes, the too opinionated, the always interested in their lives, Before Me, not the weekly health status update, After Me.
I want to ride bike again, go on trips, write another book, do stupid things at the drop of the hat, go back to Haiti, walk a trail, volunteer different places, go out for beverages or talk over coffee with friends, things the Before Me loved. Not the, I have an appointment today, After Me.
Those of us with the future of After Me’s want you to know the Before Me’s are still there, clawing and scratching, knowing there will be wins and losses to the After Me.
9 thoughts on “Before Me After Me”
Bruce, recently losing Don, I have found myself searching for the Before Him! Our cancer journey was a hard, painful one! I want to remember the before’s and I know I will get there but the after’s are so fresh and vivid yet! Thanks for your words and God be with you on this journey!
My deepest prayer is the After Me of Donnie will fade over time and replaced by his wonderful Before Me!
Bruce what a wonderful message .you have made a lasting impression on many people young and old.Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers
Praying 🙏🏾
You make so many people proud to say they know you, Bruce – the Before You, today and of many years! You must have brought sooo much joy to Evelyn, and still bring that joy to Boyd. Your sons have a father most children dream of. Please know I pray for strength, being pain free and many more hugs your grandchildren get to receive.
I understand, and I can’t imagine how your message could have been communicated better. Your willingness to be vulnerable and your clear, compelling communication is something I think of when you come to mind now, and it is what I will always remember. Thank you.💕
Bruce I will be praying for your complete healing whether it is from medicine (poison) that science has found useful to treat cancer or by Gods healing power. We will stand with you in prayer for total healing!
Jim Zilinsky
Keep on Keeping ON!! The Before Me will once again be a part of the After Me. It may look different, but it will love deeper, live harder, and laugh more—all my love and prayers.
Bruce, I’m sitting here at the cabin remembering the “before me” times that you provided good counsel. I am so blessed that you were my mentor and our friendship continues. Praying for you through this, man. I’ll give you a call soon. Randy