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Listeners to the show are familiar with the Truslow family. Last year, through a family friend, I learned that doctors at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center had diagnosed Robert Truslow, a teacher at Campbell City Schools, with complete cirrhosis of the liver, along with liver cancer.
It has been long and VERY difficult battle for the Truslows.
Just a couple of weeks ago, on Sunday 01 February, Robert was called to go to Pittsburgh for a liver transplant, this was the third time they had gone....Justine said to me "well, they say the 3rd times is the charm.....it was not. They were sent home, disappointed, again. Robert's health continues to decline...the Truslows hold on to faith.
I received a text message from, Justine, last Thursday in the 10a hour....Robert and Justine ,again, had 'the call' - they were to come to Pittsburgh to be prepped for THE liver transplant ! Justine was updating me via text. Thursday 5:41p, I received this text:
" We talked to doctors and they are waiting to test the new organ,but, it's not even here yet! It's going to be a long night!" Later, this:
" ...this is the longest day ever. I used to think it was conference night!" (Justine is also a school teacher)
Friday morning, 7:16a: " still no word on the donor liver" At 12:10 I texted Justine and asked if she'd do a live call - on the show.
Justine was upbeat, optimistic.
...but this trip, this 4th time they were called to come for the transplant, this time,again, it was not to be -
Sadly, after 8pm, Justine told me that the liver was "too fatty" for transplant . They were coming home.
I had been thinking - what a WONDERFUL Valentines day gift. A new liver for this husband and father of a 3 and 4 year old ! WHAT a gift - if only....
I thought about what Valentines Day/eve, SHOULD have been like for the Truslows. Maybe pizza and getting the kids off to bed...then a romantic evening...maybe roses,wine and lingerie...maybe tea and snuggling... maybe a game of naked twister....maybe falling asleep in each others arms...maybe 'spooning' to sleep.... not this Valentines Day.
Justine and Robert continue to wait.
Cousin Jackie's ready on a moment's notice to come care for the kids, when that next call comes from Pittsburgh or Cleveland. That call needs to be SOON, as Robert's health continues to decline.
I don't know how Justine maintains. She does a phenomenal job of putting on a happy face. I've never heard her complain...never a "why me/why us". She's ALWAYS so appreciative. I posted this brief notice on FaceBook last Saturday:
Sadly, things did not work out this time (number 4) for https://www.facebook.com/justine.truslow" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Justine Truslow and her husband. The liver that we all had hoped would be the one for Justine's husband, is not....not this time. Please keep the Truslow family in your positive thoughts and prayers. ....the good liver is coming, Justine, just not today .
Justine was so taken by the 'likes' and comments. She said to me: "Louie, I don't even know these people and they are so caring and kind!" ...Yes,Justine, they are kind and concerned...and me, I am blown away by YOU. I'm certain you have your moments...times when the smile fades from your face...times when tears wet saturate your pillow, times when you cry out to God for help...but we don't see those tears, we don't hear those cries, you,Justine, keep smiling for Robert, for your kids and for us, the strangers who so wish we could help carry your burden....to somehow lighten your overwhelming load.
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