In memory of Roger McIntire my neighbor, my friend.
Roger was 62 when diagnosed with Crohns. The last time my husband and I saw him, he was loading up the last of his belongings. He could not work because Crohns made him so sick and forced him into retirement.
He was so frail and lost so much weight. In talking with his wife Sharon during their move, last year she told us they lost their business, home, and were in bankruptcy. The stress alone had to have been too much without adding the horrible complications of Crohns.
Roger was the most caring, sweet man I ever met. We loved him so much and missed him and Sharon everyday. Their house remains empty but our memories and thoughts remind us of their good nature on a constant basis.
They gave us a nice touch lamp years ago. Yesterday it went on by itself. It never did that before. It also went off by itself. Sharon called me today to tell me Roger passed away. She said he really loved us and I know and believe he said goodbye personally. The light he gave us has now been dimmed but his light will remain in our hearts forever.
The most devastating thoughts I have are the "way" he had to spend his last days. We all know the horrible hospital ordeal when we have our visits. You are stripped of any dignity you have unlike other illnesses. The pain, not able to eat, drink or have control is no way to leave this earth.
Roger is in a better place free of the relentless hold of Crohns Disease. I pray for a cure and we all need to raise awareness now.
Rest in peace my dear friend.
