Tuesday, May 16, 2006

finally we have some clarity

Later this morning, my mom, sister and I will meet with Maurice and his doctors to talk about my father's condition.

It seems clear that there is nothing further the doctors can do to help dad. Unfortunately, his cancer was just too pervasive and even a hero like my father couldn't withstand this latest challenge.

We are hopeful that dad will agree with us that he should no longer undergo dialysis treatment. He never did like dialysis, no one does. By stopping the treatment, the process will accelerate and we are hopeful that dad will pass peacefully and without pain.

Dad, we wish you nothing but peace and rest. We love you very much.

9 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is Lauren and David.

Uncle Maurice you have been truly courageous through these past few years and have always been an inspiration to us all. We are so fortunate to have so many memories of our times together, probably the most vivid is the one of you mastering the grill in the beautiful backyard of one of your favorite spots in the world -- East Hampton. We love you and now it is time to rest.

To Aunt Herma, Alan, Jane, Beth and Joe -- Your tireless love and support for Uncle Maurice has also been truly remarkable. You have been so brave through these past years. Your constant efforts to make sure that Uncle Maurice received the best care will never be forgotten. You are true heroes.
Now you must be strong in the difficult times ahead. We love you and are always here for you because we know, now more than ever, that this is what family is all about.

4:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

My dear Maurice, It makes me very sad to write this final tribute to you. The words do not flow as I would like. You have been a brother to me over the past 50 plus years and I have been one to you. We have been through a lot over that time.Looking back, most of those years were very good. The past five years have not been too kind to you and you certainly didn't deserve this outcome.You were supposed to live well into your nineties and go in your sleep.I would have hoped for that. We love you and will miss your spirit,your positive outlook on life and your companionship and the many attributes you gallantly displayed. Sleep well and rest in peace. Save me a spot on the tennis court when the time comes for me. We were a pretty good team. With tears in our eyes and heavy hearts, we say goodby. To Herma, Alan, Jane, Beth and Joe, It was you who kept Maurice alive. You were an inspiration to Maurice as he was to you and he was the bravest human being we ever had the pleasure of knowing. Words are difficult at this time. We know that all of you will get through this sad time and the memories you have will help to lessen the pain. We are family. Love Shelly and Randy

9:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dear Uncle Maurice,

We love you very much and always have. Thank you for being our Uncle. We are lucky to have such a caring and loving man in our lives. You have touched us all in so many ways and for that, we will always be grateful. A true hero in every sense of the word. An angel who will watch over us when the time is right and be in our hearts and minds always.

Rest easy with little worry knowing that we love you and we are all very proud of you. You are our inspiration - our soul. And, your strength and goodness will guide us through this difficult time.

Much love now and always,
Shelly and your entire family

12:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Uncle Maurice,
This last visit truly saddens me. It may be the final postng, but you will live on in all of us - FOREVER. You are truly a fighter, an inspiration. I know you will be at peace and without pain. We love you. Aunt Herma, Alan, Jane, Beth and Joe - my thoughts and love are with all of you - you have been couragous.
Love Andrew & Robin

1:53 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I arrived to NY late on Thursday night hoping to say goodbye. I awoke this morning and things with Uncle Maurice were looking pretty bad, and Alan and Beth asked me not to come, so this will have to do.

It is difficult to figure out how to say goodbye and also show my support to my family at this time.

I am sad, so sad about what is happening. Yet I also know that my Uncle is ready. I said to Alan that I look forward to sharing some stories and memories, and being together.

Growing up a few towns away from Aunt Herma, Uncle Maurice, Alan, and Beth made me a lucky nephew and cousin. I remember watching game 6 of the 1986 World Series in Seaford with Uncle Maurice when the Mets beat the Red Sox as the ball rolled under Bill Buckner's legs. We were jumping, screaming, and laughing that whole evening. I also remember being carried into the ocean on Uncle Maurice's shoulders on hot summer days at Jones Beach. I have many wonderful memories.

When Uncle Maurice got sick, I was amazed at how he viewed life. He cherished every moment, tried to experience life in ways that he had not done before, at least that is what he told me and what I saw. So, the name of this blog site is apropos, because I am inspired.

I am sorry that Maia did not get to know you well as I believe she would have been as inspired as everyone who has read and posted to this blog.

Herma, Alan, Jane, Beth, and Joe, my thoughts are with you.

With love,
Russell

12:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The pain in my heart just wont'go away. I cannot even imagine your pain. Alan and Beth, I am so very sorry you had to go through this terrible ordeal. Your devotion and bravery, love and determination to help your dad through the past five years are a testimonial to the person Maurice was as a parent, devoted husband and one incredible human being. You are better people for having had him as your father. I love you both very much and am proud and extremly grateful for having you as my niece and nephew. To my wonderful sister Herma, who has been a devoted wife and best friend to Maurice and has sacrificed so much for him and the family,I can only say thank you for being you. We have always been there for each other and will continue to be there for as long as it takes. Herma , I love and admire you. We all will get through this .Love Randy

1:06 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is for you Maurice, this is the first time I have ever been on the computer. I have been inspired by you through the last five years. No one I will ever know has faced this illness with more grace and dignity. You will always be an inspiration to me. You fought a brave battle. Now you will be at peace, with no more pain which you so dearly deserve. My dear Maurice, rest in peace. To my dear Herma, Beth and Joe, Alan and Jane---Your love and devotion and support to Maurice was remarkable. He will be missed dearly, but never forgotten. I hope we will be together with family to remember only good times. Much love to all of you. Aunt
Shelly

1:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

i was just told of this site,,,,, blurry from the tears in my eyes after these last few difficult days,, i read all that has been written. i am so sad,,,this just should never have been.
uncle maurice, your strength is something i wish i had! so many time i have wished for your outlook and enthusiasm,,,,i cannot find the words to express my heart.
every word on here speaks my thaughts. i have so many memories of the whole levy, hirschler gang that not one specific comes to mind,,this day has been surreal.
you shall suffer no more! you will feel the love in our hearts for you every day that you are not with us. i say rest in peace knowing that you will!
aunt herma, beth , alan,, you to are incredible, the world could learn alot from you all. you are a special bond and you have made uncle maurices horrific experience easier and have allowed him to move on,,,
i cry now and i must stop,,

nothing but love to everyone,
barrie

1:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mo- your friendship has meant so much to me over the years. You are and always will be an inspiration to me. For that I thank you.

I am so glad that I had a chance to visit you yesterday. The conversation we had is something that I will truly cherish.

Herma, Alan, Jane, Beth and Joe- My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

With Love- Brett

2:35 PM  

Post a Comment

<< Home