In July, opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer. Although reported to have come through the operation well, all 2006 concerts were cancelled. At the time, he remained positive that he would return to performing.However, less than a month later, cancer seems to be taking a terrible toll on Pavarotti's spirit. Recently, in an interview with an Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, he is quoted as saying he believes cancer was punishment for his good fortune. In the interview, he goes on to say he cannot stand to hear his own singing voice.
"I don't want to hear myself. If you invite me to dinner, and to please me, you put on one of my own recordings, I would walk out on you," Pavarotti said.
Who can pass judgment on another for what they believe or how they choose to handle the struggle with cancer? No one. Too, we cannot be certain these are actual statements he made without speaking to him directly -- the press has been known to exaggerate information.
Cancer is not a punishment. Throughout history, both saints and sinners have been victims of cancer. Although Pavarotti states he will remain optimistic until his death, it seems in direct conflict to the other statements he makes in the same interview, and I hope that those close to Pavarotti can intervene to bring more clarity to his thoughts about cancer and the fortunes of life.
1. He is wheelchair-bound, most likely has abnormal lab values, and very well could be on narcotics. There comes a point where we need to give a person a break. I have lived with those within days to months of death.
They are and yet are no longer the person we loved. Intervention is not required. Love and touch are.
Posted at 5:04PM on Aug 15th 2006 by Michelle