CNN Sportscaster Nick Charles Facing Death: Sportscaster Nick Charles, the original sports anchor at CNN and a boxing commentator, has been fighting incurable bladder cancer since August 2009 and decided to call off chemotherapy in January. Charles, 64, has a five-year-old daughter from his third marriage and several grown children whose forgiveness he sought for the pain caused by divorce. After a chance reunion in early March with Mike Tyson, the longtime friends speak several times a week. "In the 12th round, somebody is going to raise my hand," Charles said. "I'm going to be victorious. I finally got my life right."
But I also think that he means he wants to feel EVERYTHING. He does not want to lie to himself. He wonders if he has spent too much time lying to himself. He does not want to withdraw even for moment. He knows that people are watching, and they can be inspired. He knows that his wife and daughter are with him, and every moment is precious. He knows that he has so few good days left, and as he told me: "I don't have time for the BS. I just don't. I'm dying."
And if we are honest with ourselves, truly and devastatingly honest, maybe we should ask: Is it really so different for any of us?
posted by justgary at 05:48 PM on April 08, 2011
... I need to build these memories for her, so that I'm not a blur.
Good father. Good read.
Thanks for posting rcade.
posted by roberts at 05:44 PM on April 08, 2011