As you guys know, my cousin and best friend Chris passed away, and now im faced with the news that my Grandfather (Papaw) has lung cancer. I really just cant deal with all this, I just recorded my new parodies, and then I find out about this. I mean my life was just getting back on track, and now well...I dont know. I need some words of wisdom or something, cus Im ready to give up, and its scaring me. Peace --- Ghetto John

Hang in there kiddo.  The darkest hour is just before dawn.  (I know it's cliche).  
Things have a way of working out.  Sometimes it just gets overwhelming.  That's when you need to get out for a day and experience life for yourself.  
Go to a shelter and serve food.  Go to the local Boys & Girls club and become a volunteer.  Do something that gives your day a reason for being happier.  Take up jogging - jog with nothing on your mind other than running.  Easier said than done?  Try it!
Spend time with your grandfather.  Spend time with your family.  Just be!  Don't try to analyze what's going on and why.  I doesn't work and just keeps you down.  
Lift your spirits by reading or reading to an eldery person in the hospital or read a book aloud to a group at a nursing home.
Just some suggestions.  Take care and know we're here.

the only thing i can think of is to keep doing the things you love to do, drawing, playing a sport, writing parodies, whatever.  spend time with your grandfather, even if it's only talking on the phone for five minutes.  i hope things get better for both you and your grandfather.

I like what both of you guys said; you have some great suggestions.  It was basically what I was going to say.


My mom went to a seminar for her job once and there was a motivational speaker there.  I know this sounds really cheesy, but three times a day you're supposed to say "I am a positive person".  Once when you wake up, once in the afternoon, and before you go to bed.  Trust me, it works.  It may sounds silly, I thought it did, but it makes you feel better.

Get back to us and let us know how you're doing.

What others have said makes sense.  I too have suffered lose, and you just learn to deal with it.  Its not easy, I know, but you just carry on.  Volunteering,. if you have the time, is great.

When I was in 8th grade, I lost a grandfather followed quickly by a cousin. I know what it's like.

I still miss them both, but the is something that I had to deal with. It's a painful process, but you'll get through it.

I appreciate the loss of your grandad. Mine died two years ago and it was very difficult as I was very close to him.

It may seem that I am being pessimistic about the future of your situation but what helped me along was to remember my grandad the way I wanted to remember him. Initially I was angry about my loss but later this fact dawned on me.

I try to remember the good times I had with my grandad, the funny quirks he had (and he had a lot). I hope I'm making sense - Also, while you have the chance, tell your grandad that you love him. That was something I wished I could have done.

I hope that what I have said makes some sense, John (I feel that to call you 'The Ghetto John' in a situation like this is not appropriate).

Hang in there, John.  I have found that when you are down, prayer helps immensly.

Keeping yourself busy is like "superglue" for the psyche.Keeps you sane.My parents died within a year of each other and that was bad enough.It hurt...thats grief.But all during that you start to remember things about the person that make you smile and feel like they never left.Thats what remains and my parents are still alive in my heart.
I heard this a long time ago
"No one really dies until they leave your heart"

My Brother died 8 years ago but we're still dealing with the pain.

Howard

hang in there john..when god closes a door he opens a window... we all have suffered loss sum more then others..give a holla if u need to talk... :D

Dont give up, man...hang in there...hope everything gets back to normal again...

  John,

  You're what..18-19 years old?  You think you're the only person with problems?  You'll be just fine.  Don't wallow in it.
Say, "John, you'll be just fine.  Don't worry about it.  You have your whole life ahead of you.  Save your energy for future worries, of which you'll have many."

  Then, after having said that to yourself, if you still need a kick in your needy butt, just call. :)
 

John,

I have the word FAITH tattooed on my arm so that everyday I see it I remember this:

You know you're gonna live through the rain
You gotta Keep The Faith

Everybody goes through hard times my friend...with a little faith that things WILL get better (and trust me, they will) then it's not such a hard row to hoe...you are not alone. We are here for you! :) Keep The Faith!

John, I know what you're going through.  My mom was diagnosed with colorectal & liver cancer a short while ago.  They removed the tumor on her colon, but cannot remove the cancer in her liver.  However, they are trying to prolong her life and keep it from spreading with chemotherapy.  

An older gentleman I know was diagnosed with bone cancer and given 2 months to live.  He's still here, 6 years later.  

Remember, cancer is not necessarily an immediate death sentence.  Try to keep busy and in touch with your grandfather.  Most of all, know that we are all here if you need a helping hand or shoulder to cry on or whatever.  My last advice is do what you can to make his time left on this earth the best you can, let him know you love him.

I appreciate all of this guys, and Im sure that everything will work out fine, and regardless of what happens I know that God is in control of everything. Im glad that I can come here when Im going through things. You guys are the best. Peace --- Ghetto John.

I am so sorry to read that so many of you are going through loses, and anticipation of loses.  A few years ago, after a long illness, my mom died.  I had spoken to her (although she was somewhat incoherant) very Sunday, but couldn't get to her before she died.  I miss her very much, and would love to hear her voice again.  But life goes on.  My dad, who is now 83 (and has a girl friend - more power to him) is fine and - obviously - going strong.  

There is an old Zen story, which may put things in perspective.  A man goes to a Zen master for a blessing.  He returns and reads it.  "may your father die, may you die, and may your son die".  The man is astounded.  "How can you wish death on my family?"   The Zen Master replies "I have wished you the natural order.  What more can you expect, or desire, from life.?"  Hard to accept, as I know - wish mom was still around - but such is life - and death. I sypathise with all of you, and hope for the best for the ailing.  Peace and love to you all.
DC