NO OTHER WAY

Eighty-four year old “Leo” suffers from lung cancer. He is blind in one eye from glaucoma and uses hearing aids to hear. His cancer has spread causing him great weakness. He is still able to ambulate slowly using a cane, but is very wobbly and needs supervision.

Leo lives with his wife, “Margo”. They have been married fifty-nine years. Margo also uses a cane to walk due to bad knees and a bad back. Leo needs assistance with most of his needs and feels guilty asking Margo for help as he knows it is hard for her.

Leo and Margo have three adult children who all live out of the area. One son died seven years ago from an accidental overdose. He had been in recovery from drug addiction when he had an accident and was put on pain medication. Leo and Margo look at their son’s death as God taking him at the time he was at his best. They feared he was possibly at the start of another relapse. The timing of his death relieved him of any further pain with his addiction.

Leo lost his right arm when he was nine years old after a fall and fracture. At the time, two doctors disagreed on the appropriate treatment and, unfortunately, a poor decision was made resulting in an infection which ultimately resulted in the loss of his right arm. He does not blame the doctors as feels it taught him to be more independent. He said his mother told him that he would have to learn to do things on his own. He is so thankful she gave him the courage to do so as that is what defines his life today.

He feels that one gains something with every loss. He has such a positive attitude no matter what comes his way. When asked how he copes with his illness, he quickly responds, “I am blessed”. “Why not me?” He is amazing and I feel honored to have met him. He laughs so easily, and with his wicked sense of humor, he is a lot of fun to be around.



NO OTHER WAY

He lost his right arm when he was nine.
Medical treatment gone bad.
He quickly learned how to manage alone.
There was no other way.

Life has not always been easy for him,
but he doesn’t see things that way.
Even when difficulties come around,
with each loss, he sees a gain.

He sees each day as a blessing
no matter what unfolds.
Not much can get him down,
not even the death of a son.

His health is declining swiftly.
He’s getting weaker with each passing day.
He hates asking for help,
but knows he can’t manage alone.

He will continue to smile.
He will continue to count his blessings.
He will always find the bright side,
“You always gain something with every loss.”
He knows of no other way.