My dad died from throat cancer.
The cancer was swift and virulent.
He had been a professional athlete in his youth, and had kept his body fit and trim. Well into his 50's and early 60's, he had the body of a man in his 20's.
Until the cancer choked him and shriveled him up.
Healthy foods, vitamins and supplements, regular exercise routines, yes, he did it all.
Unfortunately he did the one thing that negated all of the above: he smoked.
I remember my father speaking to me in his mellifluous voice, and how he always smelled like tobacco.
At the end, his voice was no longer mellifluent.
And now there is no voice at all. It was stilled much too early.
But at least I have his pipes and the last pouch of tobacco that he didn't finish.