BOOKENDS

"Russ", sixty, was diagnosed with cancer five months ago. He found out last week that his cancer has now spread to his bones. In the past few weeks, he has become much weaker and needing more help. Russ spends a lot of time in bed because of his weakness. He has had a poor appetite and is focused on eating better and getting stronger in order to be able to sit outside in the sun.

Russ has been a successful painter and singer throughout his career. His art gives him much joy. His face lights up when talking about his art or sharing photos of his paintings.

Russ's life has changed dramatically since this recent diagnosis, but nothing gets him down. He has a very positive outlook on his life. He spoke of many past achievements and future goals. His goals are simple, but important to him. He has no regrets or unfinished business. He left us all smiling as we walked out to the car after the visit. What an honor to have met such an amazing individual.


BOOKENDS
　
His gift is his creativity.
Watercolors, opera, paint and song.
He's made a long career doing what he loves;
living a life, joyfully, his way.

He just found out his cancer is terminal.
The doctors told him just three months.
He wants to get strong to sit outside.
His goals are small; but important to him.

He has no fears about dying.
His spirituality is his art.
Egyptian beliefs, centuries old.
Death is energy; nothing more.

He sang in an opera at age ten.
A highlight in his young life.
Three months ago singing again
in a much larger operatic production.

His last hurrah.
Going out with a bang.
"My life has been opera bookends
          at the beginning
                   and at the end."