May 19, 2018 - My Dad made it to his 70th birthday. That was his goal and he made it. This photo was not taken that day. It's of us in Bangkok back in happier and healthier times in 2000. But, this is how I pictured him on his 70th when I was far away from him back home in the U.S.
The day this photo was taken, we were fresh from a Buddhist service at a Temple on the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok. We had mud on our third eyes, which you can more easily see on my Dad who was always tan from running on the beach in Phuket everyday. He loved to run.
A serious (daily) runner and swimmer--who made good time in over 250 races in his life including many marathons, and even a few triathlons--only made it to 70. My Dad moved to Asia to live a healthier and more well-balanced life. He was there from 1990 until 2018. But, in 2014, he learned he had a rare cancer more often found in Asia. It was bile duct (liver) cancer caused by fluke parasites that can build up in the liver and lead to cancer. This was a huge shock and something I'd never known before could happen. It was a gut-punch for us all as Dad was finally planning his retirement.
That heartbreaking reality check fueled me to charge even harder at my own health and life goals. My wellness journey had only just begun the month prior to learning of my Dad's illness, which reaffirmed for me I should continue on that path. I just wish it weren't too late for my him and only share it (the cause of his cancer) here to help others be more well-informed and proactive in their own care.
I also think my Dad would be happy to know that my sharing his experience might help someone else prevent this disease or catch it much earlier. I will always respect my Dad's fight and that he made it to the finish line to celebrate his 70th. I have no doubt it was his proudest endurance race on the books.
