Page 12 - Boca Exposure - August '20

Page 12, Boca Exposure
Book Review

Through The Lens Of Love: Robin was prescient former patients offered to show their appreciation for his
Second, because
decades of devoted care by, for example, driving him to
Facing Terminal Illness enough to have some of his treatment appointments – most of them an hour
kept so many of the away in Boston – and performed such other helpful tasks as
By Nils A. Shapiro letters, cards and shopping, or staying with him while Robin had to handle
The opening sentence of other documents both outside matters.
this book is unforgettable: medical and personal And finally, as an example of Dick’s concern that Robin
“These were the best two that filled her crowded be happy and well cared for after his death, he insisted that
years of my life,” Dick said days and nights during they search together for a new home for Robin because – with
to me. his final years. She also the children on their own – their old home was too much for
What makes these records here so many her to deal with herself. They found their perfect home in
words so remarkable – and of the treatments, a lovely community, and arranged for a beautiful courtyard
stunningly poignant – is travels and helpful garden (birds, butterflies and all) while he was still here to
that they were spoken to ideas that enabled her ensure that she would be happy ... his final gift to her.
the author by her physician to deal with Dick’s *****
husband, Dr. Richard Gross, health issues – and at Because this book has been self-published, copies of this
shortly before he died ... and the years he was referring to the same time extend paperback are available only from Amazon.com – where it
were those they had shared after he had been diagnosed his life and give him comfort. This book is an excellent guide rapidly made Amazon’s bestseller list – and from the author.
as having glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer for anyone who must serve as a caregiver for a loved one with To order from the author, contact: butterflylady144@yahoo.
that often means only months to live! He survived two years, a terminal illness, including the importance of a wonderful com. Through the Lens of Love: Facing Terminal Illness
almost to the day. support system. In her case, “LotsaHelpingHands,” a network is $14.95 in paperback. A Kindle edition is also available
This is the disease that was described by our “Medical of volunteers comprised of family, friends and Dr. Gross’s exclusively from Amazon.com for $4.99.
Matters” columnist in last month’s issue of Boca Club News,
Dr. Richard Nagler, as “one of the most lethal of all cancers
... with a two-year survival rate of less than 25 percent.” Poet’s Corner: Ode To A Poker Game
The book first came to my attention more than a year ago
when its author, Robin Gross – who, through mutual friends,
knew of my background as the editor of more than two dozen By Jerry Yass, a Broken He’s in the game and always raises.
published books – asked me, as a courtesy, to examine her Sound resident. The Howard A plays his cards, and he really can think;
manuscript and offer my comments. I had very few to suggest following was written by He does it so well he drives Vic to drink.
because I found this memoir of her final two years of life Mr. Yass on Oct. 24, 2015. Now to his left sits Morty Batt,
with her husband so extraordinarily touching … and, equally Every Thursday nite I Who is physically there, but does not know where he’s at.
important, recognized immediately how valuable it would be play in a Poker game. He always folds, but wins because he rakes the pot.
as a guide to anyone faced with such a traumatic situation. World Series of Poker “Ha Ha,” he says—he laughs a lot. But nobody is going
Since I first learned of this book, the arrival of the players would put us all to take his spot.
coronavirus and its threat of infection and rapid deaths of to shame. Next on the line is Victor P, who hates to drop any money.
victims in hospitals alone and without family for comfort has We play with nine men To lose to these guys is not really funny.
caused many to forget that there are still those who must deal who are old; Paul B sits to Vic’s left, and it seems he always draws
with the other medical issues that were with us long before Eight came to play and the dreaded Queen.
the pandemic. one likes to fold. He prays that the lousy Spade is never seen.
This is a guide for those who must prepare for the worst The players are Bobby, Mort, Howie, Paul, We have two alternatives named Murray M and Billy G.
... as well as an inspiring story of how one couple’s loving Ron, Arnie, Billy, Murray, Jerry L, Me and Vic Parker. Billy plays when he subs.
marriage conquered fear itself. We play for cash and don’t accept a marker. We all know his favorite card is the Ace of Clubs.
Dick (as he was known to family and friends) had turned The starting stack is only fifty, Murray M loves to play,
64 in April of 2012, and he and Robin had then celebrated And that, my friends, is pretty nifty. And he is available every day.
their 40th anniversary with a trip to Monet’s Garden in To my left sits a guy named Arnie. As you can see by now, I truly love this game.
Giverny, France and the Keukenhof Garden in Holland as part The way he plays, I hope he has a big account at Smith I am the only player who qualifies for the Poker Hall of
of a special tour where they indulged their mutual passions Barney. Fame.
for photography and gardens. Back home in Lakeville, Next is my buddy, Jerry L. By now you must realize that all you have heard was in
Massachusetts, the pride of their beautiful home were the When he deals the cards he is hardly able the form of a Roast.
magnificent gardens they had designed and nurtured, filled To reach the players at the end of the table. Sorry, but I did not bring a glass to make the Toast.
with butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, a fish pond and even Ronny S knows what the game is all about. I deliberately saved the comments on myself for last.
two pet peacocks at one point. After, all, he coined the term, “How did it all work out?” For no response can be cast...
With their four grown children – three daughters and a And there is player Bobby, who deserves our praises. Writing this poem has been a real blast!
son – all now on their own, and Dick only a year away from
thinking about retiring from his private medical practice, he
and Robin were looking forward to a second honeymoon
lifestyle, as much in love as they had ever been.
Then, on May 20, 2012 their lives changed forever with
that diagnosis – a tragic reminder that Dick’s brother, Sam,
had died of the very same glioblastoma at the age of 65.
Through the Lens of Love is Robin’s memoir of how this
deeply committed couple decided to face so impossible a life
challenge. While the subject matter may lead some to assume
this to be a depressing book, it is very much the opposite. Do you know a family member,
It will be, instead, an inspiring and uplifting experience for
three different kinds of readers. friend or a neighbor in need of
First, more than a “love story,” it is a story of love between
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