by Ron Cooper

With cancer, survivor anniversaries are important milestones. At times, you want to shout it from the rooftops, go on 60 Minutes or address the United Nations.

Other times, it’s best to shut up.

Once I was at a family gathering, and boasted proudly that I had reached my five-year mark as a survivor.

Instantly, I realized my mistake. The listener was a widow who had lost her husband to cancer. And this happened over the holidays when hearts are most vulnerable to memories of precious ones lost.

Timing really matters. Lesson learned: Open mouth, don’t insert foot.