“I was in a fraternity when I was in college. We’d always try...

“I was in a fraternity when I was in college. We’d always try to be funny and shoot each other down. And I never really stopped being that way. I’ve been sarcastic my whole life. I always had something witty to say. I didn’t care whose feelings got hurt as long as I got a good laugh. I didn’t care much about maintaining relationships. It was ‘take it or leave it.’ But I got lung cancer recently, and nobody came to visit me when I was in the hospital. That really got me thinking. I don’t take my relationships for granted anymore. I’m much more careful with my words now. I don’t want to upset anybody. I listen a lot more. I try to appreciate everyone who takes the time to speak to me.”