- J
- D
The Lauzon family has been a part of my life since I was a toddler. I remember the hilarity of Dennis and my father, Joe, looking high and low for the 'any key' button when their 1980's computer prompted them to literally hit ANY key. I remember playing with his children, Steven and Christina. I remember his wife Martha and my mother Cathy sitting at the kitchen table, nervously awaiting the next outrageous thing us three kids would come up with. Wearing underwear on our head was probably one of the more memorable, silly things we did. As an adult I can't help but hope they were always clean.
Dennis and my Dad were best friends. Not in that ‘it's nice to see you, let's make plans soon’ then touch base after a 3-month gap sort of way. They were best friends in more of a ‘this was great, can't wait to see you again next weekend, I'll call you later tonight’ way. Realistically I suppose they were more brothers than they were friends. At the very least I know for certain that’s how they’ve always seen one another.
Since my Dad's passing in 2007, I've continuously put efforts towards remaining close with the Lauzon family. We've always been excited to hear from each other. Dennis and Martha have kind of been the Aunt and Uncle I never really had, and I've always enjoyed their company.
Late last year I got a phone call from Dennis. He called to tell me that he had a stroke, was at the hospital, and that he wanted me to touch base with Martha so that I could go see him. Apparently, this was shocking news to everyone, as up until that moment he’d been unable to do practically anything on his own.
After we sat and spoke for a while, Dennis and Martha informed me that Dennis was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
Life hasn’t really been the same since.
Following the chemotherapy attempts and so forth, it was determined that the cancer had spread to his liver. More painfully, Dennis and his family were told that his cancer would be terminal. All medication and treatment ceased. Dennis and his wife were ready to go home.
It’s a blessing that Dennis can be surrounded by the comforts of his own home and the company of his wife. Martha has been by his side night and day. The love they have for one another has been a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.
Martha has gone through many lengths to ensure that her husband is comfortable and receiving all the care and attention that is necessary and then some (i.e., cookies for breakfast and Twisted Tea aperitifs). She’s worked with hospice to rearrange her home to accommodate for the mental and physical destruction cancer has caused. I know she will deny this until she’s blue in the face, but the amount of courage and strength this woman possesses has left me speechless. It’s been an honor to help as much as I can.
Every day proves to be different. Some days are better, some not. It’s hard to appreciate the good days when the ending can’t be rewritten and always remains the same. When you must stop, tear yourself away and forcibly acknowledge the bills that are piling up.
It was hard to FaceTime Dennis and Martha while I (gladly) did them the favor of walking around the cemetery to help choose a burial plot as they were unable to attend. It was hard to hand over a handwritten check Martha had given me beforehand, allowing the reality of the cost of everything to finally hit.
No matter what though, I must say, it hasn’t been too difficult to get a nice smile or laugh out of Dennis. One of the things I will always be grateful for; he’s still in there and he still wants to feel and be happy.
I’ve thought about creating this page but haven’t, considering this isn’t something most people ever want to do. The Lauzon’s haven’t asked anything of anyone. In fact, most of you might just be learning of the family’s situation right now as you read this. If that is the case, I am very, very sorry. I also ask that you please refrain from reaching out to them as much as possible. Right now, all they really need is some rest and small miracles in between.
All funds received will be going directly to Dennis’ wife, Martha. Yes, if deemed necessary I will physically force her to accept every penny. This will hopefully help to cover some medical expenses and funeral costs. I hate to sound cliché, but every amount really does count.
Thank you for taking the time to read my longwinded story.
Thank you for your help and for supporting the Lauzon family.
Dennis and my Dad were best friends. Not in that ‘it's nice to see you, let's make plans soon’ then touch base after a 3-month gap sort of way. They were best friends in more of a ‘this was great, can't wait to see you again next weekend, I'll call you later tonight’ way. Realistically I suppose they were more brothers than they were friends. At the very least I know for certain that’s how they’ve always seen one another.
Since my Dad's passing in 2007, I've continuously put efforts towards remaining close with the Lauzon family. We've always been excited to hear from each other. Dennis and Martha have kind of been the Aunt and Uncle I never really had, and I've always enjoyed their company.
Late last year I got a phone call from Dennis. He called to tell me that he had a stroke, was at the hospital, and that he wanted me to touch base with Martha so that I could go see him. Apparently, this was shocking news to everyone, as up until that moment he’d been unable to do practically anything on his own.
After we sat and spoke for a while, Dennis and Martha informed me that Dennis was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
Life hasn’t really been the same since.
Following the chemotherapy attempts and so forth, it was determined that the cancer had spread to his liver. More painfully, Dennis and his family were told that his cancer would be terminal. All medication and treatment ceased. Dennis and his wife were ready to go home.
It’s a blessing that Dennis can be surrounded by the comforts of his own home and the company of his wife. Martha has been by his side night and day. The love they have for one another has been a beautiful thing to witness and be a part of.
Martha has gone through many lengths to ensure that her husband is comfortable and receiving all the care and attention that is necessary and then some (i.e., cookies for breakfast and Twisted Tea aperitifs). She’s worked with hospice to rearrange her home to accommodate for the mental and physical destruction cancer has caused. I know she will deny this until she’s blue in the face, but the amount of courage and strength this woman possesses has left me speechless. It’s been an honor to help as much as I can.
Every day proves to be different. Some days are better, some not. It’s hard to appreciate the good days when the ending can’t be rewritten and always remains the same. When you must stop, tear yourself away and forcibly acknowledge the bills that are piling up.
It was hard to FaceTime Dennis and Martha while I (gladly) did them the favor of walking around the cemetery to help choose a burial plot as they were unable to attend. It was hard to hand over a handwritten check Martha had given me beforehand, allowing the reality of the cost of everything to finally hit.
No matter what though, I must say, it hasn’t been too difficult to get a nice smile or laugh out of Dennis. One of the things I will always be grateful for; he’s still in there and he still wants to feel and be happy.
I’ve thought about creating this page but haven’t, considering this isn’t something most people ever want to do. The Lauzon’s haven’t asked anything of anyone. In fact, most of you might just be learning of the family’s situation right now as you read this. If that is the case, I am very, very sorry. I also ask that you please refrain from reaching out to them as much as possible. Right now, all they really need is some rest and small miracles in between.
All funds received will be going directly to Dennis’ wife, Martha. Yes, if deemed necessary I will physically force her to accept every penny. This will hopefully help to cover some medical expenses and funeral costs. I hate to sound cliché, but every amount really does count.
Thank you for taking the time to read my longwinded story.
Thank you for your help and for supporting the Lauzon family.