The Fighter

It's scary how fast things can change. One day you're here, and the next...

I've worked at the same job for close to 9 years. For years it was me and the three lawyer/partners. It's just me and "the guys". That's how I refer to them, "the guys are out today", "the guys are busy", "the guys are driving me nuts".

Well, two years ago, one of the guys discovered, through a very frightful event, that he had cancer. He had esophageal cancer, and during this disturbing event, the paramedics, doctors, his wife, everyone thought he wouldn't make it through. He could hear them talking about him like he was already gone, but he was determined to fight back. And fight he did. He came back from that day, and after only 5 days, he was back in the office, working full time like nothing happened. He got treatment for the cancer, and he fought that too. He was determined overcome the cancer. He did. A little over a year after the discovery of his esophageal cancer he was cleared. It was gone. They wanted to do a full body scan just to be sure. We all were so happy for him. He fought it.

That full body scan though, that was rough. It revealed that yes, he did kick the esophogeal cancer, however his liver was another story. The doctors told him to just enjoy what time he had. He didn't like that answer. He was going to fight again. He went holistic, teas, acupuncture, supplements, diet changes, and even chanting. He was going to fight it. Eventually, he went back to the hospital for clinical treatments.

In all this time, no one could tell there was anything going on with him, if he didn't say so. He would go to work every day but Wednesdays, his treatment day. The only thing that changed was that he wasn't able to run anymore. He was a marathon runner before this all happened, so that was hard for him, but he fought on.

On Friday, Feb. 7 we locked up the office like every Friday. However, it wasn't just any Friday. Over the weekend, he had a major set back. It looked like his system was giving up. His mind was still fighting, but his body just couldn't do it anymore. His doctor told him to call his daughter home from college and get things in order. He still wouldn't give up the fight. He asked the other guys to give him his laptop so he could do work still. He couldn't get out of a chair, but was determined to get back to work soon.

It never happened. On Feb. 24 he finally lost the battle. The fighter just couldn't win this one. So, I say, goodbye Neal. I'll miss you and all your stories. I'll miss hearing your laugh in the office and complaining about Boston sports. I am happy to have known you.