[Adamsville, April 2008: Cancer wouldn't slow him]
Thursday, February 19, 2009
8 comments:
Jim says: "Proceed with caution; this is a free-for-all comment zone. I try to correct or clarify incorrect information. But I can't catch everything. Please keep your posts focused on Gannett and media-related subjects. Note that I occasionally review comments in advance, to reject inappropriate ones. And I ignore hostile posters, and recommend you do, too."
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Last fall, my sister and brother-in-law learned that his throat cancer had entered end stage. Three days later, Sarah was told she was getting laid off from her job as a page designer at The Providence (R.I.) Journal, where my mother and I also once worked. We have been grieving on separate coasts ever since.
ReplyDeleteWhen my father called today, telling me that Peter had died this morning, the first words out of my mouth were: "Good for Peter!" That might shock you. But I said that because he was able to die as he wanted: at home, surrounded by his beloved vegetable garden, the blueberry bushes -- all still asleep for the winter -- and his wife, my sister, Sarah.
We will miss him.
"Nothing intimidated him,'' my mother wrote earlier today, in a note to friends:
ReplyDeleteHe was fearless, never used goggles, or wore gloves, had a marvelous vegetable garden, kept gooseberry bushes, (for awhile red and black currant ones too), raspberries, the 47 blueberry bushes, and until the last half dozen years when he mellowed too much, would hunt deer.
Built so many of our stonewalls, the big barn, (post and beam) and in a sense, his house since he gutted it after having it hauled it up onto the rise that became their parcel.
He was ebullient, kept his Brit accent along with his Brit citizenship. And yes, in his younger days, had dashing good looks. Sarah's crashing a bit; he died still under her care, in the big room with the wood stove. There was no mercy. It was inch by inch, Peter's indomitable way, defying Dana Farber's best guesses.
I feel confident that you shared sentiments similar to these posts with your family and Peter before he died.
ReplyDeleteMy best wishes to your sister, who too carried on a brave fight.
There is little comfort in the loss of one who was loved so much and so well except to have been so fortunate to have been in his company.
so sorry to hear of your family's loss.
ReplyDeletetake care
Jim,
ReplyDeletePeter sounded like a brave, valiant gentleman. I know the toll of cancer... it took my mother and father and grandmother over the past 20 yrs. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sending condolences---and hug to your sister--- out your way, Jim.
ReplyDeleteSorry to learn of your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
ReplyDeleteCancer is the bitch. I know firsthand watching my strong, intelligent, humorous, loving 42 year old husband felled by kidney cancer almost a year and a half ago. Its ripples are felt by many and take time to smooth out. Peter is not in pain anymore and that is what counts. My thoughts are with your sister and your entire family. RIP.
ReplyDelete