05/17/2019 By Ellis Emerson

There are worse things than dying.

Like grudges so old that you don’t even

remember why you’re angry.

There are worse things than dying. 

Like well-meaning people who tell you that

at least you have the good cancer.

There are worse things than dying. 

Like middle school lunchrooms and nowhere to sit. 

Or maybe just all of middle school.

There are worse things than dying.

Like hospital waiting rooms an hour after 

your appointment was supposed to start 

and no WiFi.

There are worse things than dying.

Like someone eating the leftovers that

you’ve been looking forward to all day.

There are worse things than dying.

Like people who tell you to look on the 

bright side and everything happens for a reason.

There are worse things than dying.

Like regretting not taking that trip to San

Juan when you had the chance.

There are worse things than dying. 

Like Netflix asking if you’re still watching 4

hours into a Breaking Bad marathon. Again.

There are worse things than dying.

Like taking yourself so seriously that you

forgot how to laugh. At the world and at yourself.

There are worse things than dying.

Like not really living.

Editor’s Note:

You can hear Ellis read this live at CancerCon from the link below.
https://youtu.be/qP95PTXn4rw

Ellis Emerson (1985-2022) transitioned on April 29, 2022, at age 36 after facing Stage IV Melanoma for four years. Her zest for life was contagious, admired, and shared with all who knew her, but especially by her daughter, Andie, and her husband, Dave Craig. Ellis had a love for words, writing, running, diversity, inclusion, and equality. She embraced life and those who shared in her life. She is missed by all who knew and loved her as well as the entire Gryt Health team.