My friend Raliegh...

[Seven]

So Raliegh was OOP for several months last summer. Found out when he came back that he was battling prostate cancer. Saw his board calender littered with Chemo treatment times and dates. He never said a word and continued to work thru the winter and this summer.

He's our machinist. The ultimate of CNC operators. He can build you anyting out of any kind of metal one could imagine. I mean anything. I'm amazed at what the guy can do with blue prints and a set of calipers or no prints at all.


Anyways.......I went back to the shop, as I normally do at least twice a week, to say hello and shoot the ****. Tuesday he tells me the cancer has moved to his lungs. Wow.



Point of my story: I was shell shocked. I mean, what do you say? I told him there's nothing I could say, or do, that would make it any better and that I would pray for him.


Was this ok? I'm not very good with these situations. Maybe I missed something that someone with better skills could point out? Ever been in this situation before? I don't know what to say or do when I see him on my visits or pass him in the shop except to act normal. I even wonder if that's the correct thing to do.

[Faerluna]

I think just talking with him might be the best thing you can do for him. Ask him how he's feeling, if there's anything that you can do to help, etc.

I know men aren't generally the best about talking about feelings, but under the circumstances maybe he could use a friend.

Of all things, don't avoid talking to him because you feel like you don't know what to say.

[Yeagermeister]

My best advice would be to treat him the same as if he was healthy. I'm sure he'd appreciate it.