Liverworst

SeanDohertyBy SEAN DOHERTY

I am usually a very happy person. I have a smile on my face every day despite what’s going on in my personal life.

I don’t like to be that person who hides the truth and responds when someone asks me how I am with, “I’m well thank you, how are you?”

The truth is, I’m not well. But it is not my own health but the health of my family.

Living with my aunt and uncle in Bourne has brought me closer to them than ever before. For the past year I have been a functioning part of the household and they have become mentors and listeners, as well as an audience for my stand-up.

We have had bad days and good days but for the past month, everyday has been a bad day.

My uncle is suffering from Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) and has been hospitalized for weeks. His liver is gone and his kidneys are struggling. The endless doctors’ appointments, the waiting for phone calls, the constant fear of what’s going to happen is starting to wear.

My aunt, God bless her, is doing everything in her power to make the situation work. Myself and my 17-year-old cousin have been working extra hard around the house to help out but in reality, there is nothing anyone can do but wait.

The waiting is what is killing me and, in my opinion, killing my uncle. This once strong and independent breadwinner has become a sickly shell of his former self. The hospitals and doctors are the best in the business and I could not ask for better care.

I’d give him my liver in a heartbeat. (I’ve offered but we aren’t a match.)

I’ve learned to stop looking at WedMD because that website will drive you insane. I’ve learned to accept that there is only so much I can do, but I have boundless amounts of comfort to give.

I don’t think I’m a person that asks much of people, so my next plea is one that I ask not for myself, but for my family. Whatever faith you are, whatever you believe in, whatever you believe is a higher power for healing, put one in for him.

I am a firm believer in the healing power of positive thoughts and I am optimistic that if you’re reading this, those thoughts will come.

I thank you in advance for your positivity, and now we wait.



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