Hello from Paul & Eileen

Greetings from Nurse Eileensita, and Saint Paul…..

Pardon us for being facetious by using the above titles, but, hey, you’ve got to keep a sense of humor in time(s) of crisis.

Mima has now entered into “hospice” mode and we are mostly quietly sitting with him as the bell tolls, albeit not deafeningly so far. He is aware of the situation and tries to communicate with us, not always lucidly, but we know that his heart still beats in sync with ours.

When Mima started this section of the blog in December of 2006 his motivation was to keep friends and family informed of his diagnosis of lung cancer and its treatment. As we all know his battle has been epic, having suffered through major (and sometimes innovative) surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation and steroid treatments. He never gave up hope or, astonishingly, his sense of humor as over the subsequent two-plus years he continued to travel, enjoy theater, read, knit and just generally be the wonderful contankerous soul he always was. If you scroll back to the beginning of this blog and read forward you will see the incredible journey he has taken in dealing with this dreadful disease.

Last week at the hospital, Mima decided to be on many cruises and visit many cities throughout the world. The power of his imagination and memories had him providing the Doctors with the following answers:
Dr.: Mima, do you know where you are?
Mima: Korea
Dr.: Mima, do you know where you are?
Mima: Ho Chi Minh City
Dr.: Mima, do you know where you are?
Mima: France today!
The fools kept asking, and Mima kept traveling……

At his job, from what Mima would say, (and from what I observed), he was a great boss and loved the family that he worked with. We do know he was a fine friend to a great variety of people of all (to coin a cliché’ maybe) ethnicities, cultures (both high and low) and he could compare the merits of fine food and the occasional cosmopolitan and Vive Cliqout champagne with the best of them. After 18 years of being partners, we were legally married in January of 2007, and he proved to be a devoted husband. Now, after almost 21 years, who would have thought we would end up and old married couple? Thank you Massachusetts!

Throughout this illness Mima has shown us how to love life intensely and transform. Even the most difficult moments turned into joyful events full of elegance, dignity, and some very serious fun.

So, what better time than right now, to pick your favorite spot in the world and travel with Mima. He wants to toast you…for making these past two years so tolerable. To his family, his friends, his co-workers and medical staff…. raise a glass of good wine, and enjoy the sights and company…...

Ching Ching
We’ll keep you posted.
Paul & Eileen