Kristen LaRoche

To the editor:When I originally thought about writing this letter, it was for all of the wrong reasons. I was angry with my father. Then I remembered that this weekend was Father's Day. So there I sat ponderingI am a 38-year-old woman who was just diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. I do not know what the treatment is going to be or what the possible outlook is yet because I meet with my oncologist on Monday for a second time.What I do know is that I have a mother, step-father, brother, sister-in-law, step-brother, lots of other family, a GREAT boyfriend, tons of friends throughout the country and co-workers who all love and care about me just the way I am.You see, my brother and I have both had a strained relationship with our father since we came into this world. What happened between him and my mother, well, that is between them. The bottom line is that they produced two really great kids! There have been bumps, peaks and valleys, road blocks, issue after issue, just like any another family. We are all human and we all make mistakes. Last night I called my father in New Hampshire. I have not spoken to him in years. I wanted to deliver the news about the cancer personally. I know his personality and demeanor, I so was not surprised by his actions but I feel very sad for my poor brother and his children who will never know their grandfather from that side of the family, any better than they already do, because he has decided never to visit them in Texas. because he has decided never to visit them in Texas.Here is how the call went:Me: Hi Dad. I'm sorry for calling so late but I wanted to give you the news myself. (silence on the other end) Last Friday I was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. It has been found in my lymph nodes and behind the chest. We are still waiting on test results on whether or not it has spread anywhere else. My Dad's response: I'm sorry to hear that, Kristen.My response: I hope all is well with you and I wish you the best in life.The line went dead.With that said, I am not angry nor am I upset. I only wish my father the best life has to offer. So here are a few comments for your readers on this Father's Day weekend:Always tell your children you love them.Always tell them you are proud of them.Fight to be a part of their lives even when they tell you or ask you not to be.For those who are step-parents, guardians, mentors, just there to be there, folks, thank you and God bless you! My step-father has been more of a father Dad, than anyone has in a lifetime. I would like to say thank you and I love you, Mike. Happy Father's Day!