I’m not sure what led me there, but something took hold of my fingers on the keyboard and away I went to an old website where I found vintage Leroy Sievers commentaries and a conversation about cancer with his old friend Ted Koppel.
He was sitting in that big easy chair in the chemo room at Johns Hopkins telling Ted how HE wasn’t there yet, but he certainly could understand how cancer patients would get to the point of just saying “Enough is enough,” “No more chemo.”
Another click of the computer and I was listening to him talk about how he wasn’t angry that this had happened to him. He of course had gone to that place most cancer patients go to at some point in their disease. The “why me” place, but he had quickly exited that room in search of the “fighting” room. He was up for the battle for his life against this disease and always said he didn’t have time for the “why me” place.
I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised about finding Leroy all over the Web. His blogs are archived here too.
His face, his voice, his wisdom about cancer and life was really very soothing. I must have needed a “Leroy fix.” I must have been looking for a little guidance, knowing I couldn’t ask him face to face, just hearing his voice and seeing him again gave me some of the answers I was looking for.
It’s nice to know I can find him again…any time the need presents itself.
February 12, 2014 @ 9:08 am
So glad you found the site and to know that someone else who is in the fight may have also found Leroy’s humor, candor and wisdom to be of help to them. I’ve always said that Leroy’s conversations could easily be put into a series of books. These books could be advertised at every major cancer institution as available and maybe even provide them to patients. His words would be such a comfort for many because we all go through the highs and lows of the fight.
Seeing, hearing and reading Leroy and his words is sorta like going through an old photo album. The pictures bring smiles, joy and remembrances and perhaps some sadness but it is well worth turning the pages to see pictures long forgotten. Thx for sharing Laurie.
February 11, 2014 @ 9:54 pm
This may be one of the best things about today’s technology, being able to find posts and recordings left behind, which can help in those tender moments when loss attends.
I read that Tom Brokaw has cancer (multiple myeloma). Apparently, he’s known since last summer but has kept the news private.
February 11, 2014 @ 10:17 pm
Send healing thoughts his way Mo…He’s a good man.
L
February 11, 2014 @ 9:40 pm
On my way to work, second infusion done the day before, pump attached, Morning Addition was on, I heard Leroy for the first time, I was stunned, I was awed, I was not dying, it was my life and it was worth living.
I remain awed and enthralled by his ability to put to voice the current of emotions one runs while dealing with the disease.
I am glad you can find, listen and hear what you need from him still.
February 11, 2014 @ 10:16 pm
So am I, Brady, so am I.
L