SMILE

Fifty-nine year old, “Stu” suffers from liver cancer. Stu suffered a stroke three years ago which left him paralyzed on his left side. He uses a can to ambulate, although it is a struggle and he needs help to do so. Stu’s primary support is his ex-wife, “Carol”. They were married for fifteen years until their divorce several years ago.

Carol lives nearby, although stays with Stu overnight and on weekends. While she is at work, Stu has a caregiver with him as he cannot be left alone. Carol is Stu’s biggest supporter and he so appreciates her friendship.

The first thing one notices is how easily Stu smiles. He has a very positive attitude toward life. He was addicted to drugs and alcohol for years. He became clean and sober fifteen years ago. Since then he has been a counselor for other addicts. With his passion for life and his strong faith, he is a joy to be around.

I visited Stu today and witnessed him struggling to get up off his bed in order to walk the short distance to his recliner in the living room. It took a lot of patience and time for him to maneuver into the other room. Carol was by his side holding on in order that he wouldn’t take a fall. Throughout the ordeal, Stu continued to have a positive attitude using humor to keep the situation light.

Even at the end of his life, no matter what the outcome, I have no doubt he will do it all with a smile.


SMILE


The first thing one notices
is his amazing, contagious smile.
His eyes light up when he sees you.
It’s like you have made his day.

He struggles with his cane.
He’s wobbly and needs help.
The stroke has paralyzed his left side.
The cancer is taking a toll.

Through it all he continues to smile.
You will never hear him complain.
He has a strong faith in God.
His faith guides him through each day.

He reads the bible daily.
It’s what gives him strength.
He has many life regrets,
but forgives himself as he
easily forgives others.

When asked what keeps him going;
what helps him through each day?
He easily replies that with each step he takes,
the Lord will always take two.

He patiently faces each new day
knowing the Lord won’t let him down;
aware that he is never alone
and til the end, I have no doubt
he will do it all
with his amazing, contagious smile.