WWTBAM Bored

Amazing photographs of cancer patients before they die and afterward with quotes from interviews. These photos are on display in the UK currently.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/galle ... =333325401

I am greatly moved by these portraits and the people in them. I am particularly reminded of a dear long-time friend, who died when she was younger than I am now.

Does anyone ever feel the need to comment yet cannot find any suitable words?

My mom fought cancer for eight years, it's been 25 years since she died. She led a full and happy life, yet was cheated out of so much - not the least of which was any thought or knowledge of her grandchildren. She was determined to die at home, not in a hospital. At least she won at that quest.

Cancer also took my dad just four years ago. His death was harder but more typical - last chance desperate surgery and all the hospital stuff. My dad's fear was not of dying, but of being kept alive beyond any chance of recovery. His last request of me was to not let him linger, kept alive only by machines. 20 minutes after I had them pull all the tubes he died. I've never doubted that it was the right thing to do.

Both my parents had similar looks as many of those pictures. It's been a while since I cried for my parents.

If you've lost someone to cancer - my dad was 93 & fought it full force but didn't win - it does bring back haunting memories.

I noticed that many of these beautiful people seemed much more beautiful and at peace in their second picture.

I was also struck by how many of them had real regrets about what they didn't get to do in or with their lives.