Mortality

Last Tuesday, I spoke to a cancer support group. It was difficult for me to do. I spent a great deal of time preparing. Talking about our own mortality is difficult. Those of us who can do that have learned to truly embrace the present moment and all the good things life has to offer.

As I looked around the room, my mind went back to a dinner about a year ago. The dinner guests included lupus researcher, a top rheumatologist, and potential donors. During the meal they naturally talked about lupus. When it came to mortality from lupus, I spoke up saying, "It's really hard for those of us with lupus to hear you talk about mortality statistics." And it was. And it is.

One of my fellow teachers has a husband with severe lupus. On Wednesday of this past week, he died from complications of lupus, leaving behind a wife and two young children. Camilo Molina, rest in peace and my light perpetual shine upon you.