#TANKA TUESDAY #POETRY CHALLENGE NO. 217 Theme – Immorality”
“The purpose of life is a life with a purpose. So, I’d rather die for a cause than live a life that is worthless. Immortal Technique”
Anonymous
Dreams of Medical Immortality
Tanka by Marsha Ingrao
Living forever In fragility and pain Reconstituted from sacrificial donors grave responsibility
My friend Alex had kidney disease. His sister-in-law gave him one of her kidneys. She disapproved of his lifestyle, maybe she worried about what he was doing to her kidney through habits or a lifestyle. Possibly she thought she owned him. Did she regret her decision?
Then he had throat cancer. His larynx was removed. No more talking for the man who loved to talk. He never recovered. He died in a house fire.
His brother wouldn’t honor Alex with a funeral, so his friends did. Alex’s brother and his wife spewed hatred all over the woman who planned his memorial service. I’m glad Alex did not see their reaction.
Immortality As yet, unachievable We all make choices Not to ask favors of one Even to prolong our lives?
I wonder what choices Alex would have made if he had been omniscient.
I wept inconsolably for Alex when he died. The cost of medical immortality is dear and not impervious to death.
Upcoming
- #Writers Quotes Wednesdays Writing Challenge Frank at Beach Walk Reflections is hosting this weeks #WQWWC. Be sure to link your post to his this week. We will both follow up with your links.
- Story Chat Summary – “Wanda Lust” Coming up next Tuesday
What’s coming up for you?
Marsha Ingrao - Always Write 
24 responses to “#Tanka Tuesday: Dreams of Medical Immortality”
Great post. What an inspiration.
LikeLike
I find it hard too but once we give a gift to someone we should be gratefull that we are able to give and then not judge what they do with it.. I have a friend who gives his brother money every month knowing he will go out and do drugs but his brother needs to live and so he gives and let’s go..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that is really hard, Lisa. We help support my husband’s sister. At first I resented spending my retirement money, but we get a lot out of the relationship, too. (and no drugs, thankfully!) I’m not sure I could be as generous. WOW!
LikeLike
I like the caurage people like you have
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. 🙂
LikeLike
Am humbled dear 🤱
LikeLiked by 1 person
no one is perfect; we need to look for the good in people…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes to that! I guess that includes me, huh?
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Each of us makes our own choices. There seems to be more to Alex than just the few words you were able to share.
I’ve watched a few movies about those who thought they could or were somehow immortal. I’m not use what is after this life, but I’m not currently sure what I would do if gifted the choice to live longer than I am allowed. Each day is a gift and only the one person opening that gift has the right to use or discard what ever is in that box.
Family though is just plain tricky. Not all family gets along. I am sorry for your loss. May the memories you choose to keep become bright stars in the memory of Alex.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Jules. He had no expectation of immortal life, certainly, but I ran into his sister-in-law at another function, and was shocked by her response venting to me about Alex and his lifestyle choices. She hardly knew me, and she knew I was good friends with Alex. That happened years before he died and I just never forgot it. Alex had issues, certainly, but who doesn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember when this happened. Devastating for all who cared about him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, I’m sure I vented to you, my friend. It was so sad.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, that’s so sad. I hate to see families torn a part but I also am aware that I don’t know – and didn’t live – their history. It sounds like your friend was surrounded by people who cared for him despite his challenges.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was well loved by his friends, and as far as I know had a decent relationship with his brother. I met him on several occasions. He seemed nice enough until he wasn’t.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh so sad and so well told in your poem Marsha. sending love … soooo sad! 💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was hard, Cindy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
mawuah .. xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Cindy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
💖
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow – A gut-wrenching story … and your poems deliver the bottom line.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was a gut wrenching story, Frank. It broke my heart. I ended up with the photo album that the woman put together. He was a mentor and meant a lot to me and all of us in the world of education.
LikeLike
Feeling sad about what happened to your friend, especially the family reaction. Can people be that cruel? I hope your friend can rest in peace now. Take care.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Erlyn. I hope so, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person