[NOTE: This post discusses CF warriors no longer with us. You may want to skip this post or skip to “LEWIS BLACK” below if the subject makes you uncomfortable.]
I once served on a committee for a local CF event for six years, probably more. I forget the exact years, but it was an honor. The team of individuals I worked with, well, they were amazing people. One was a CF parent who lost his child back in the day when there were few treatment options. He and his wife continued to fight CF after their loss. Friends of this couple joined the event committee to support them.
I learned a lot about courage and strength of character on that team.
Another family that sponsored the event had a daughter in her teens fighting CF when I joined the committee. She graduated college during my tenure on the team. I never met her, for reasons we all know well – stay away from each other, just one more nasty twist of having CF.
Their daughter passed away in her early 20s. I felt terrible for the family, and a little odd because here I was, living proof of someone older surviving with CF. There was nothing I could say or do to make it any better for them. I tried many times to write a letter, but the words weren’t mine to give. I’ve always regretted not penning it. I just couldn’t.
The event ended soon after that and the family, showing great courage, kept fighting CF with another event. I tried to write them again to thank them for that. Again, I could not do it. I don’t know why.
LEWIS BLACK
Helping to fight CF
One highlight of our events was seeing Lewis Black perform live. He did a great job and brought humor to a serious subject. He is a giving individual and still involved in the battle to cure cystic fibrosis. I saw him recently in a CF Foundation video, which is excellent. Here’s the link. http://www.cff.org/aboutCFFoundation/Publications/Videos/MyDream/
If you’ve never heard of Lewis, please check out his work at http://www.lewisblack.com/ or watch his videos on youtube. He’s in the middle of a tour that may come to a city near you soon.
Stay well.
The Unknown Cystic 
It’s never easy when people pass away regardless of the illness. But it’s particularly heart wrenching when we watch someone pass away from the very thing we fight every day. That same thing that might eventually catch up with us too. Until it or if it does, it’s really hard to put ourselves in someone else’s position.
I’ve always been of the mindset that we do the best we can with what we are given. We can’t control the cards we are dealt. We just live the life we have. I don’t think you should have any regrets. Sometimes silence is the best sign of understanding. Maybe some day you’ll be able to pen that letter. It will happen when it’s supposed to.
Peaceful Things.
Thanks, Josh. Appreciate the insightful comments very much. I doubt I’ll ever write that letter, but who knows if I might cross paths with them and have the opportunity to say something.