Saturday, September 2, 2023

HER BIGGEST NEED

“Annie”, was diagnosed with lung cancer four years ago.  She underwent chemotherapy, and over time, her cancer did spread to her liver and bones.  Her three sisters live nearby and are very involved and supportive.  Annie has become so weak that she spends most of her days in bed. 

Annie was widowed about two years ago.  Her only son still lives in Russia with his wife and three children.  He wants to visit one last time with his mother, but two applications for a Visa have been denied.  Annie’s sister, “Olga”, has temporarily moved in with Annie to help out as needed. 

Olga shared that they have recently applied again, for the third time, to get a Visa for Annie’s son.   Annie wants no extraordinary measures, but wants to stay on the chemotherapy in order to hopefully live long enough to see her son one last time.  

It seems so simple; approve the Visa for her son to come and see his mother one last time.  It feels so cruel to not allow this last visit to happen.  I wish them all the best.


HER BIGGEST NEED 

 

She emigrated here from Russia

just about twenty years ago.

Three of her sisters already lived here,

and she so wanted to be nearby.

 

She found work as a manicurist. 

She loved all of the colors one could use.

But then, four years ago, she heard, “Lung Cancer”.

That’s when her world did suddenly change.

 

She underwent chemotherapy to no avail.

Her cancer continued to spread.

In the midst of all of this crisis and drama,

her husband suddenly died.

 

She was well supported by her sisters,

but she so needed for her son to come.

He still lived in St. Petersburg,

and needed to see her as well.

 

Her sisters have applied for a Visa,

but twice have been denied.

They have tried again for the third time,

while she is trying so hard to hang on.

 

The chemotherapy is making her ill

as her cancer continues to grow.

She’ll hold on for as long as she can,

as her biggest need is, for one last time,

to say “Hello” and then “Goodbye”

                     to her dearest and only son.

 


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