Donna Landis

The end of 2017 was the beginning of Richard Landis' battle with cancer along with complications from intussusception of his intestines and an unrelenting bout of shingles. In order to survive and keep up with the mortgage Donna Landis cashed out her mutual fund as Richard (at 70 years old) tried his best to work at least one or two days a week throughout the winter up until March when Donna suffered a stroke. albeit the chaos, Scott, their eldest son, devised a business plan along with two fellow military friends. They would obtain a loan to purchase historic 965 Main Street in Hanson and turn the land into a space for condos. The saving grace for Richard and Donna Landis was that they could remain living on the 1st floor of the house until the first two condo units were built and sold. From there the sale would provide them with the remainder of what they would have acquired had they gone ahead and sold the house on their own without Scott or the partners. The deal meant that they had no stress of where to live for the coming year during construction and an eventual profit for their eldest son and his family along with the partners. Richard and Donna  Landis would be able to fulfill their dream of moving to Maine in a smaller house to live out the rest of their days. Surely they knew that the development could span more than a year but Richard's prognosis was that he could expect to live 3-5 more years. Just like that he was given an expiration date but Donna and Richard held onto the mystical faith that so many others gain amidst a grim reality.  As Richard's health took a turn for the worse, Scott was able to get emergency military leave at the end of July 2018. He knew he was coming home to be with his sick Father but he quickly realized he was actually coming home to say goodbye. Scott made a promise to his Father on his death bed that he would take care of Mom. Richard hung on for a week after Scott had arrived. He took his last breath August 7th 2018 in the early afternoon of a beautiful but stifling summer day. The next two weeks were full of planning. "Get it in writing" is a classic adage we've all heard and know to live by. Donna and Scott compiled all that they needed in regards to paperwork for the sale of the house just short of the official contract for the total owed to Donna. Scott's assurance was enough for Donna. They all understood the plans and the reason for their existence in the first place; take care of Scotty's Mom. Who would have been able to guess that the holder of the key to Donna's future was going to die tragically just 17 days after her husband? Scott and his brother Patrick took flight to spread Richard's ashes on August 24th 2018 and crash landed just after take off. Donna's unimaginable time for grieving began with a heart attack in September of 2018, caring for her newly paralyzed son and pleading with the business partners to officially write up the contract for her share of the house. The contract was never created but an honorable promise was made by the remaining partners to abide by the original plans and fulfill Scott's wishes to care for his parents. Fast forward to today. The house and building plans were scrapped eventually after months of stringing Donna along and the property was sold at a steal. All that Donna has been left with was an offhand explanation that "plans change". Tragedy turned travesty. It would be nearly impossible to render any more appalling torture and despair to Donna Landis. What becomes of the 62 year old faced with starting all over again with nothing? If you have any extra in your heart to share, please, let's show this woman the glimmer of hope she needs in what she has come to know as an ever-darkening world. RIP Richard Landis 08/07/18 RIP Scott Landis 08/24/18 RIP Betty Landis 09/11/18