My Father’s Cancer changed my life in many ways. It began 1971, when I was thirteen years old and in the 9th grade. The stomach cancer diagnosis came after months of troubles eating meals. The day of the surgery, I sat in class watching the clock for the hour when the surgery would begin. Part of his stomach and esophagus was removed then reconnected to the shortened esophagus, He lived the rest of his life with his stomach located on his left side closer to his heart instead of in the lower middle of his abdomen.

Soon after the surgery, Christmas came and went while he recovered in the hospital. My brothers and I gathered up the presents in a large bag, Like Santa Claus, my brother Johnny threw the bag over his should and we walked through the hospital to Dad’s room. He lay in the bed as we opened wrapped presents and celebrated with as much cheer as we could manage. Mom apologized to us for not having as many presents as usual. She was unable to shop much that year.

Dad always believed that Christmas should be as big and joyous as possible. There was a fresh cut tree decorated with lights and ornaments in the living room. Several years the tree would be anchored to the wall to prevent the climbing cats from knocking it over again and again. Dad had a giant movie camera which he bought in the 1950’s soon after my older sister, Theresa, was born. Every Christmas Dad stood watching his four children unwrapping, giggling, and scurrying about the living room on Christmas morning. Dad with that giant camera and overpowering lights shining into the room, recording everything. His family and his ability to provide comfortable middle-class treasures was his greatest joy.

When Dad came home he stayed in the bed for a while. I went to church that morning and told everyone he would be home by the time church was finished. Everyone was praying for him and wished us all well. Gradually life returned to normal. My parents owned a arts and craft store. They both returned to work and continued with their lives. Dad still had problems eating because his stomach was moved to his side, it change the way he digested food. He experienced ongoing pain from gas and bloating. He began taking