Home from the Hospital

~ slfuchs

Well, not really home! We will stay in Tampa at a Residence Inn for several days to give Vickie further time to recover from her lung cancer surgery.

We cannot say enough good things about the care she is receiving through the Moffitt Cancer Center. The brand new McKinley Avenue hospital is beautiful, and the staff members— from the parking attendants to the top surgeons and everyone in between — have been skillful, patient and extremely kind.

We must still wait for pathology test results before mapping next steps, but we shall take it one day at a time. I am happy, meanwhile, to be her Errand Boy as she is not yet allowed to shop.

Vickie drawing strength from FT with our children and grandchildren.

The words of Psalm 23, one of the first prayers I learned as a young child reverberate in my head and strengthen me

גם כי אלך בגיא צלמות

לא אירא רע כי אתה עמדי…

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me…“

I also draw great strength from Vickie herself! I am in awe of her courage and resolve. I still envision her as she rang the bell in triumph after her last (of six) chemo treatments for lymphoma one year ago tomorrow. Her once beautiful straight hair had been replaced by an attractive wig.

Now her hair is back — curly, thick— and stronger than ever. To me that strong, thick, curly head of hair symbolizes her great strength, the strength that I trust will carry her through whatever may lie ahead.

We also are beyond grateful for the many messages of encouragement and support that people from all walks of our lives and from all corners of the world are sending. We are grateful for each and every one!

Right now, we are physically and emotionally exhausted, but we are glad to be out of the hospital, eager to rest up tonight and continue our cancer journey with renewed vigor tomorrow.

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Published by slfuchs

Loving husband, father, grandfather and rabbi. Author of, "What's in It for Me? Finding Ourselves in Biblical Narratives,” "ToraHighlights,” “Why the Kof?,” “Why Triple Chai?,” "Who Created God?," and "...And Often the First Jew." On October 17, 2017, Rabbi Fuchs was selected as the recipient of the Vanderbilt Divinity School's Distinguished Alumnus Award. To be considered for this award, one must demonstrate excellence and distinction in justice-making through their efforts in congregational ministry, religious institutions, non-denominational/all-inclusive organizations, community–based organizations, government, or other social institutions. Spent last four falls serving in Milan, Italy, (2013) and Germany (2014-2016). Otherwise, he enjoy writing and speaking after serving three congregations and as President of the World Union for Progressive Judaism. He is currently serving as Rabbi of Bat Yam Temple of the Islands, Sanibel, Florida.

13 thoughts on “Home from the Hospital”

  1. I missed that Debbie had lung cancer surgery! She is looking well and hopefully she will continue to get stronger (with your help) and soon you both can face a New Year with gratitude, strength, hope and great love. Think of you so often, Stephen, especially with the terror that continues in the Holy Land. It breaks my heart to see it all…especially since I was there in 2001 studying and meeting people from both sides…Israel and Palestine…and those working for peace and unity for all people there. ~~ Here’s to renewed VIGOR!!! Love and Shalom, Mary Louise

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  3. You both have been through so much but are always there for each other—in sickness and in health. The prayers of so many will help lift your spirits. Ellen Goldberg

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  4. Wonderful seeing Vickie FTing with your children !! And Whatta smile ! 👍 take some time to relax and “just be” — Just Know So So many are thinking about you both and are sending LOVE ❤️❤️

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  8. I am so so sorry to hear about Vickie’s lung cancer diagnosis , surgery and hospitalization. Psalm 23 will be part of my prayers for Vickie . Both you and Vickie are in my thoughts and prayers and I have hope in my heart for the eradication of the cancer.
    Deborah MacKelcan

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