Rosalie C. carries an iPad with a message that she sees every time he wakes up, helping to inspire through good times and bad: "life is not waiting for the storm to pass, it is learning to dance in the rain.."
She does not know what his future ?? it is in the hands of God ?? but it can tell you with confidence now his immediate plans: Dancing in the rain every day
Rosalie and her husband, Larry, will soon leave Florida to return to their farm outside Ft Wayne .. , Ind., to start planting spring crops, fully expecting to return again in the Sunshine State after harvest late fall.
The diagnosis of malignant pleural mesothelioma in 2011 may have altered their retirement strategy, but it did not stop them from living life on their terms.
"You know that song by Tim McGraw," Live Like You Were Dying? "She asked of their new winter home on the west coast of Florida." Well, we decided to live as you live. And I think that's a very good way to be. "
Once lovers infancy, the famous couple their 50th wedding anniversary this fall. Rosalie and Larry, whose name was not granted because of privacy are always inseparable and still so in love, determined to fight against this disease together, hand in hand, and encourage each other as they always have. She was 16 when they met and 17 when they married. She turns 67 in April.
"We have been together forever," she said.
Driving Cross Country to See Sugarbaker
A few days after his initial diagnosis ?? in the middle of the autumn harvest ?? he suddenly left the farm and drove her 850 miles to Boston to see a reputable mesothelioma specialist David Sugarbaker, MD, the timing was a last minute opening.
They returned to Boston three weeks later for extrapleural pneumonectomy aggressive surgery that left her with only one lung, chest cavity rebuilt, and a long road to recovery ?? Larry needed more than ever.
Larry became his primary caregiver, learn to do things he never thought he could do. There was a nurse, housekeeper and cook in one. He has not missed many chemotherapy sessions, either.
It grows emotional when talking about her illness. It takes the phone and finishes. She worried more about him, she worried herself. They both know the odds are long. But after 50 years together, anything is possible.
"I really believe that if we had stayed in Indiana, where they really did not know how to treat the disease, not go to Boston, I would not be here today," Rosalie said. "I'm so lucky this way. We had incredible support, friends, family and church. I've never really been afraid, because I know that it is in God's hands. and I know where I am going if something happens. "
They see a future in Florida
They bought their winter villa in Florida last summer after have rented for years, deciding the time was right because she felt much better. The last few months have been wonderful, adding memories to life they shared.
Although Indiana their home was buried in the snow, they bathed in the Florida sun and ?? 1,100 miles.
They walk on the beach. They walk the dog together. She weaves her baskets that will become Christmas gifts this winter. shops. She They speak regularly by telephone for children and grandchildren at home.
"We're having a great time now. Everything looks good. You never know when the bubble will burst, but you can not live to be pessimistic," she said. "I am so happy as ways. "
She is grateful for nurse Karen Selby mesothelioma Centre. Selby initially recommended they call Sugarbaker, who helped them early in the process.
Rosalie raves about how she was treated at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, Sugarbaker surgery and the doctor who brought his Halloween candy, the nurse who soaked to assist in the shower and the way others treated his family.
Life Is Good Again
While the first year and a half after the diagnosis was a struggle? ? follow-up surgery was necessary, traces back cancer, chemotherapy was hard ?? Last year was much better.
"Things are going so well now that I feel almost guilty, but I also know it can change at any time," she said. "I remember saying I was Dr. Sugarbaker be one of its long-term survivors. And I still feel that way. I know now that you can live with one lung. When I sit on a chair, I do not feel any different than I never. I am a bit limited, but I'm fine. "
She looks forward to the spring in Indiana, saw the corn and soybean growing again on the family farm . It will be seen from a distance, watching the grandchildren swimming in the pond at the back, enjoying the day.
"There's a year I do not think I'm ever back to see the Gulf ever, but I turned the corner," she said. "I've never had this "why me feel. I've always said," why not me? "this kind of thing happens to many people. I'm not worried"
She looked at her and saw iPad a Bible passage from Matthew 6:34 she keeps near his heart. "so do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will care for itself each day as it comes.."
"I do not worry about what might happen in the future," she said. "We have fun today."
