Bringing us back to when it was nearing mine and Vanessa 15th anniversary, I went to the doctor for a stomach pain. Thinking it was no big deal I went in thinking that I’ll probably get some medicine, told to get some rest and be on my way home, not worrying about the future at all.

“David, I need you to stay calm and listen to what I have to tell you.” The doctor said with a solemn expression.

Gulping, I quietly nodded at him. “This is hard for anyone to hear but we discovered a tumor on your pancreas.” He said showing me the scans from my pancreas. He points to the tumor, which was a big mass. Not knowing if that was bad or worst, I slowly ask “Is it treatable?” The doctor sigh and replies “I am very sorry but it has grown into such a state that we cannot remove it surgically anymore without a huge risk to your life.” Hearing those words, I tremble a bit before the doctor can continue. “There is still the option of chemotherapy,” the doctor continues after letting me absorb all that was said to me.

Many things popped into my head as I felt my heart sank. I felt defeated at that moment, I was only in my 30's and this is happening to me. I always think these things can only happen in movies and not to me. Shaking my head slowly contemplating my life a bit “I’ll think about it,” I dejectedly answered slowly getting up and walking out the door.

“Please don’t do anything rash Mr. McKeon, there may still be hope with many new discoveries being made every day.” he said as his voice slowly drifted away from my thoughts. Walking through the clinic it was quiet, even though it was pack, many thoughts ran through my head.

I walk slowly to my car, after getting in and starting to drive I went to mine and Vanessa favorite spot. It was a dead-end street on top of a cliff, at the end of it you can see the vast ocean. Me and her would come here often when we were high schoolers and just watch the sunset there. We would sit on the bench and just enjoy the beautiful view. I sat there alone on the bench looking out at the ocean just looking... questing... and thinking back on my life.

Remembering all those years with her and thinking about what I am going to leave behind I wept in silence. As the sun sets I watch with teary eyes, not knowing what to do I just sat there. Feeling a buzz from my pocket I look at the caller id, I got a call from Vanessa and heard the sweetest voice I could hear right now “Honey where are you at?”

Moving the phone away from me, I cleared my throat before answering her. I replied “Oh just coming home from the Tyreese’s house. After my doctor’s appointment, he called me up and said he needed some help.”

She said worriedly “Ok then, don’t be too long, I love you honey.”

“Love you too babe, I'll be home soon.” I reply as we hung up the phone. Sitting there with new resolution in mind I was determine. Determine to not make this into something that will hinder her and my children’s life. So, I drove home and acted like nothing was wrong.

“Smell good honey, what you are cooking?” I said coming into the kitchen.

She smiles and replies “Nothing special, just some butter chicken.”

“Oh yea, my favorite.” I said picking up Kennon off from the ground. Then proceeded to make him be superman, as I flew him around the house I could feel the cancer inside of me; draining me of my youth and strength. Something the old me could have had done for longer is now tired after seconds.

Putting Kennon down and taking a break I went to sit next to my daughter. She was really into “Moana” now, just like many children her age. I sat there as she watch with great enthusiasm. “Moana again today?” I am joking said to her.

She smiles at me and playfully answer “yes daddy,” as she lays on my lap and continue watching.

I then proceed to tickle her until she laughing yells “Stop it daddy, I am going to pee.”

“We wouldn’t want that now do we,” I said as I stop and sat her upright next to me. I put my arms around her and caress her head as we enjoy Moana once again.

“Dinner ready,” Vanessa said from the kitchen. She has a strict rule about the family eating together at the table so we all went and wash our hand and set the table.

As we started to eat, I saw my precious family and kept it inside of me to not breakdown in front of them. I smile through it all and enjoyed it.

When Vanessa was in the bathroom showering I called up Tyreese. He answered “A little late to be calling now isn’t it David?”

“Yea, sorry about that Tyreese, I was wondering if we can meet up tomorrow?” I ask.

Feeling that it was weird of me to ask on a weekday he answers “Of course, I will see you at the usually?”

“Ok then. See you tomorrow.” I reply as I hung up.