The pool was really busy this morning. I think Thursday morning masters swimmers were there because of Thanksgiving. There must have been ten or twelve people in the six lane pool. I don't think I've seen more than four before at 6 AM. I swam 1300 yards total. I take a 30 second break every 100 to 200 yards. I'm getting better. I'll try to bump up to 300 yards continuous soon. The VP of my department just sent an email that his wife has a terminal cancer diagnosis. I've only met her once, but I've known him for ten years through two different departments. He's a wonderful person and a leader I respect both professionally and personally. He's a life long swimmer and has given me tips and things to practice. He's sought me out to ask how I'm doing and sketch out another exercise. While we're a somewhat small company (about 600 employees, I think), that's so far above and beyond what someone four management levels above me would be expected to do. He deserves a happy life.
I understand the feelings for your VP. My VP of marketing ($150m company, 350 employees) was at home one weekend, her husband was up on a ladder replacing a light bulb, fell, and died on the spot. The company stepped up and let her do whatever she wanted/needed for as long as she needed. A friend of mine who worked here before I did, was diagnosed with terminal Stage 4 cancer and 6 months to live, when he went in for a dental appointment. The company paid him his full salary, up until the day he died. No questions asked, no expectations on work. Health issues like this are hard enough to cope with alone. But when the company has a heart about it, at least it frees you up from wondering if you are going to be fired for not performing while mourning/dying. Companies can be so heartless. It shouldn't be notable when they are not.
My company is humorless, but we aren't heartless. I'm fairly confident he'll be treated well along the way. The company will largely be by the book, but I think the people will do what we can to help. That includes his boss who I regard as the finest executive we've had as well as all the little individual people like me.