A Flickering Light
The Light of My Life is dimming, but only on the human side of eternal life. In the last four months, Cathy has deteriorated from being able to travel cross country to a struggling, in-home existence, that includes a recliner, a bed, and a wheelchair that transfers her between them. Purple feet, incontinence, fewer words, more fatigue, severe pains, advancing left-sided weakness, the inability to stand without assistance, increased steroids and morphine, are all telltale signs of a fading light. And through it all, my saintly lover continues to inspire with her faith and humor. After each daily communion, she thanks God for the gift of her tumor, petitioning that she may move closer to suffering Jesus on the Cross, and that her suffering will help dear family and friends return to His Church. A few days ago, she sluggishly offered “I’m sorry I’m not speaking very much. So, I want to sing to you.” Slowly she began a soft, slightly slurred melody: “My baloney has a first name, its O-S-C-A-R, my baloney has a second name …” Laughing and crying are strange dance partners.
Happily, joyfully, visitations support our spirits. Last week, Cathy’s sisters, Chris and Barbara, along with brother-in-law Gaddis, traveled up from Texas for a few days. Barb and Pat Caesar from Memphis, spent this weekend with us and several of our children will be here in time for Mother’s Day. All visitors are welcome. If our vehicle is in the driveway, you are invited to stop by and share a hug.
By the end of this month, six USA eye surgeons will begin their trek to our mission village of Serabu, Sierra Leone, to continue Cathy’s passion of helping the underserved of our world. How blessed we are, in so many ways. Thank you, God. Alleluia!!!
Next Update, no later than June 1, 2025
Three Sisters & a Beau
Prayers for your journey to heaven. Peace be with all of you.
Our prayers for you and Cathy will continue. God bless you.
Continued prayers, love and hugs to you both!
😭🙏🏼🙏🏼
Continuing Prayers PRAYERS PRAYERS ❗️❗️❗️❗️❗️
OFFERING A SPIRITUAL BOUQUET
FOR YOU AND TOM
AND YOUR FAMILY
Our thoughts and prayers 🙏🏼.
From Serabu.
Many prayers and hugs my O’C classmate. You are a beautiful person Cathy💚💚
Know that we prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet for Kathy today. We’ll continue to pray for both of you.
Continued prayers for both of you!
Many prayers and hugs my O’C classmate. You are a beautiful person Cathy💚💚
Terry is on oxygen with his COPD; some behavioral dementia…cognitive tho as sharp as it ever was….so, Tom, it is our privilege to be caregivers to our loving spouses
You and Cathy are in my prayers always. And I know earthly bodies give out; but not people, personalities, their essence
God loves you both!!
Prayers continue as always for you both. Our love Ted and Kellie
😭😭🙏🙏🙏
You are all in my prayers every single day. I personally know what a difficult journey this is, but I also know the reward is the ultimate gift.
Lovingly
Trisha
I am a grateful cataract patient of Dr. Schanzer’s. She has left her mark across the globe as well as locally. The dignity with which she’s facing physical adversity is humbling. Her strength, and that of you and your family, are inspirational.
I continue with my daily rosary for you and Cathy before the 6:15 morning mass. Keep the faith both of you. Love you both.
Many prayers for my favorite doctor/boss. She has been such an inspiration to me. Love to you both!
What an amazing partner in life Tom. Thank you. I love you Cathy. Blessed to know you. May your journey take you safely home.
Cathy has certainly taught us the joy in suffering ❤️🙏
Continued daily prayers for you both. Sending big hugs as well.
My prayers have been daily since the first news of cancer. I love you and miss you. I grieve for your suffering, but at the same time, knowing you are offering that suffering up to our Savior puts tears in my eyes. When you offer pain & suffering to Him it brings you so much closer. I am sad & overjoyed at the same time.
God bless you & thank you for the example you have presented to all of us.
Love Rob
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️
My prayers have been daily since the first news of cancer. I love you and miss you. I grieve for your suffering, but at the same time, knowing you are offering that suffering up to our Savior puts tears in my eyes. When you offer pain & suffering to Him it brings you so much closer. I am sad & overjoyed at the same time.
God bless you & thank you for the example you have presented to all of us.
Love Rob
🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽❤️❤️
What a lesson for us all.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing her story and her beautiful strength in accepting her suffering.
Prayers continue each day for both of you.
What a beautiful witness and a beautiful soul you are, Cathy. Your example to suffering brings tears to my eyes. ❤️🙏🏻
Peace be with you both. Big hugs and kisses. Love Tim and Anna
Tom, you always have such beautiful words about Cathy,even when she is suffering so much.She is such a beautiful person inside and out.You are both in my daily prayers. Many blessings
My dear sweet friend praying for God’s peace and comfort. You are truly an instrument of the Lord. Much love & prayers always❤️🙏