DAY BY DAY

“Leonard”, eighty-seven, was diagnosed with lung cancer four months ago. The cancer has already spread to his spine. In addition, he suffers from dementia. Leonard lives with “June”, his wife of sixty-four years. They had four sons. Their youngest son died forty-five years ago in a motor vehicle accident.

In addition, their eldest son, “Leonard, Jr”, suffered brain damage from a tractor accident two years before his younger brother‘s death. It was the summer before Leonard, Jr's Senior year in high school. June said that Leonard, Jr, was an amazing baseball player. The New York Yankees were scouting him. The Yankees were willing to wait until he graduated from high school. After the accident, Leonard was in a coma for months. June said there was no rehab in those days so she brought her son home. She cared for her son for years. Leonard now lives nearby in an Assisted Living Center.

Leonard, Sr. was admitted to hospice as he has been in a rapid decline since his new diagnosis of lung cancer. He is eating very little and is very weak. Fortunately for June, her son, “Lou”, lives with her and is available to help. Lou was a chef by trade. A few years ago, Lou was cooking at a charity function. While helping set up, a pallet of food fell against him causing a severe back injury. Due to pain, it is difficult for him to stand up for any length of time. He is now on disability.

In spite of all the tragedy this family has endured, both Lou and June have such positive attitudes toward life. They each look at the love and the faith that they have. While June was sharing all of these losses with me, I would ask her how does she cope with it all. Her answer was always the same, “Day by day.”

June is a prime example of a tough spirit and a soft heart. Her strong faith along with the love of her family is what keeps her going. I admire her spunk and her spirit.


DAY BY DAY

He was diagnosed four months ago.
His decline has been swift.
He’s not eating much at all now.
She knows it won’t be long.

Tragedy has hit two of their sons.
A third is disabled, but able to help.
So many losses during one lifetime.
She says she copes, “Day by day.”

She has an amazing spirit.
Her family is right by her side.
The tough times have made them stronger,
“We are closer now than ever before.”

She has such a strong faith.
She knows he will be with God.
It gives her comfort; it gives her peace;
it helps her cope,
          “Day by day.”