Page 9 - Jupiter West - August '20

Jupiter West, Page 9
Book Review

Through The Lens Of Love: that often means only months to live! He survived two years, of victims in hospitals

Facing Terminal Illness almost to the day. alone and without
family for comfort has
This is the disease that was described by our “Medical
Matters” columnist in last month’s issue of Boca Club caused many to forget
By Nils A. Shapiro News, Dr. Richard Nagler, as “one of the most lethal of that there are still those
The opening sentence of all cancers ... with a two-year survival rate of less than who must deal with the
this book is unforgettable: 25 percent.” other medical issues
“These were the best two The book first came to my attention more than a that were with us long
years of my life,” Dick said year ago when its author, Robin Gross – who, through before the pandemic.
to me. mutual friends, knew of my background as the editor This is a guide for
What makes these of more than two dozen published books – asked me, those who must prepare
words so remarkable – and as a courtesy, to examine her manuscript and offer my for the worst ... as well
stunningly poignant – is comments. I had very few to suggest because I found this as an inspiring story of
that they were spoken to memoir of her final two years of life with her husband how one couple’s loving
the author by her physician so extraordinarily touching … and, equally important, marriage conquered
husband, Dr. Richard Gross, recognized immediately how valuable it would be as a fear itself.
shortly before he died ... and the years he was referring to guide to anyone faced with such a traumatic situation. Dick (as he was known to family and friends) had
were those they had shared after he had been diagnosed Since I first learned of this book, the arrival of the turned 64 in April of 2012, and he and Robin had then
as having glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer coronavirus and its threat of infection and rapid deaths celebrated their 40th anniversary with a trip to Monet’s
Garden in Giverny, France and the Keukenhof Garden in
Holland as part of a special tour where they indulged their
mutual passions for photography and gardens. Back home
in Lakeville, Massachusetts, the pride of their beautiful
home were the magnificent gardens they had designed and
nurtured, filled with butterflies, hummingbirds, frogs, a
fish pond and even two pet peacocks at one point.
With their four grown children – three daughters and a
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
TIGER SPIRIT TaE Kwon Do 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
Tiger Spirit Tae Kwon Do has exciting classes for the whole family. Get deeply committed couple decided to face so impossible
in shape and lose that extra “quarantine” weight by kicking it with us at a life challenge. While the subject matter may lead some
to assume this to be a depressing book, it is very much
Tiger Spirit. Learn a traditional martial art, modern combat, self-defense, the opposite. It will be, instead, an inspiring and uplifting
and earn a World Recognized Black Belt from Jupiter’s only Tae Kwon experience for three different kinds of readers.
Do school that teaches Kukkiwon standards and techniques. We have First, more than a “love story,” it is a story of love
convenient class times for children, teens, adults and family classes so between two souls – a love so full, so complete, so deep
that it also expressed itself as friendship, where such
everyone can experience their Black Belt journey together. common interests as photography and gardens were shared
and enjoyed as passions.
Call 561 229 0253 or Email mytigerspirit@gmail.com Second, because Robin was prescient enough to have
kept so many of the letters, cards and other documents
to have all your questions answered both medical and personal that filled her crowded days
and nights during his final years. She also records here
so many of the treatments, travels and helpful ideas that
enabled her to deal with Dick’s health issues – and at
the same time extend his life and give him comfort. This
book is an excellent guide for anyone who must serve as a
caregiver for a loved one with a terminal illness, including
the importance of a wonderful support system. In her case,
“LotsaHelpingHands,” a network of volunteers comprised
of family, friends and Dr. Gross’s former patients offered
to show their appreciation for his decades of devoted care
by, for example, driving him to some of his treatment
appointments – most of them an hour away in Boston – and
performed such other helpful tasks as shopping, or staying
with him while Robin had to handle outside matters.
And finally, as an example of Dick’s concern that Robin
be happy and well cared for after his death, he insisted that
they search together for a new home for Robin because –
with the children on their own – their old home was too
much for her to deal with herself. They found their perfect
home in a lovely community, and arranged for a beautiful
courtyard garden (birds, butterflies and all) while he was
still here to ensure that she would be happy ... his final
gift to her.
*****
Because this book has been self-published, copies of this
paperback are available only from Amazon.com – where it
rapidly made Amazon’s bestseller list – and from the author.
To order from the author, contact: butterflylady144@yahoo.
com. Through the Lens of Love: Facing Terminal Illness
is $14.95 in paperback. A Kindle edition is also available
exclusively from Amazon.com for $4.99.

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