"The Times They Are

So often when it happens, there is a jolt when you are transported back in time without warning.

It happened again last night as I watched the current film about Bob Dylan and listened to "The Times They Are A Changin" sung by the renowned folk singer.

I had just learned the shocking news of President Biden's sad diagnosis.

Then suddenly it was 1955 when my beloved dad, Bill Donlon, received a grim prognosis of lung cancer. Almost at the same instant Arthur Godfrey, a popular TV personality, was given the same dismal news.

Both men had surgery in different medical facilities and that was where all similarity ended.

Arthur Godfrey lived until March 1983.

Bill Donlon died in September 1955, six months after surgery.

There were obvious and distinct differences as well as similarities between both men.

Both were red heads, close to the same age, and smokers. However, only Bill Donlon could be accurately described as a "chain" smoker.

And far more importantly, Arthur Godfrey was destined to become a cancer survivor. Bill Donlon became a cancer victim,

While Arthur Godfrey's illness and surgery was on the front pages of most NY newspapers, Dad's illness was hidden at a time when many considered cancer to be a "stigma."

Obituaries did not list the illness as a cause of death. Sadly many victims were never informed or allowed the dignity of being aware that they were embraced in the deadly grasp of a malignancy.

Such was my Dad's case when only my Mother, younger Sister and I knew how ill he was. As his lifetime partner and devoted wife, my Mother chose to accept the prevalent code of silence that soon destroyed trust between a significant number of family members.

Bob Dylan's memorable voice continues chanting as it returns me to the present where

I realize with gratitude that many amazing changes have been made, notably significant improvements in cancer treatment that lesson the emotional impact on both victims and their families.

All because "The Times They Are A Changin."