Experience doesn't always help...

I got to work a little late today because I had to have my blood checked... once I got to work I was given some bad news. A former colleague, 37-38 years old, passed away yesterday. She began teaching in my school 4-5 years ago, spent 2 years in my building and more recently has been at the high school. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer, had treatments and was given a clean bill of health... until a little over a month ago. Not only was the cancer back, it had spread...she was placed in hospice care a couple of weeks ago and lost her battle yesterday. She leaves behind a husband and two young sons. It breaks my heart.

Part of me feels like I should be able to offer some wisdom to her husband, some advice to make it more bearable for him and his kids, but I don't even know what to say. I know losing a parent and losing a spouse are two different things...but watching someone die from cancer... there is commonality there, within the heartbreak. I bought a sympathy card this afternoon... and it's sitting her beside me without any of my writing in it. Losing someone is awful... I remember how hard it was to receive and read all of the cards... but it was also amazing to see how many people thought of our family and sent cards...

Cancer sucks.