Home for Hospice

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes, 53 seconds

Visiting Jan 

Dr. Saksena, it’s so nice to see you,” I said as I stood by Jan’s bed, holding her hand. We had been waiting for the doctor as we both had many questions.

Jan’s smile was one of the weakest I had ever seen.

“I am sorry you are back in the hospital, but the stent has made a difference,” she said. “How are you feeling today?”

Jan shook her head up, down, and sideways. 

I am OK, just very tired of being in the hospital and worried about the lymphoma returning.

“We are in touch with Dr. Strair and his team and constantly monitor it.”

 “How aggressive is it?”

“It’s not where we would like it to be, but we are looking at various treatment options.”

She asked Jan a few more questions before leaving. 

“Thanks, Dr. Saksena!”

I kissed Jan and reminded her how much I loved her. 

“We will find a way to get thru this, my dear!”

“The lymphoma is active again; how can you be so positive?”

“Because we have an excellent medical team and….”

She napped for a few minutes, and I texted Dr. Strair.

Dr. Strair, how are you? I am at the hospital with Jan. Dr. Saksena stopped by and spoke about how aggressive the lymphoma is. Jan asked if she would survive. Saksena was realistic in her response. 

Do you know when we can speak tonight? The sooner I know, the easier it will be to connect my sons to the call.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:26 pm

He responded quickly. 

How is 7:30?

Tuesday, April 6, 2021, 6:32 pm

I agreed and texted Jon and Mike.


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Daughter: A Novel

Read: September 2023

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Daughter: A Novel

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Read: April 2023

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A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness

by Jai Chakrabarti

I recently discovered an excellent short story collection called A Small Sacrifice for an Enormous Happiness: Stories by Jai Chakrabarti. This author won the National Jewish Book Award for debut fiction with his novel A Play for the End of the World, and it is clear that his talent extends to the short story form as well.

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The Goodreads summary provides an overview,

In the fourteen masterful stories of this collection, Jai Chakrabarti crosses continents and cultures to explore what it means to cultivate a family across borders, religions, and races today.

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Read: October 2024

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My Friends: A Novel

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Read: January 2024

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Borscht Belt Boy

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I started reading Borscht Belt Boy: Recollections of a Hotel Brat by Mark Kramer today. The book is the story of a young man who grew up in the heyday of the Borscht Belt. The author sent me a copy when I shared my 2023 reading accomplishments. I found joy in reading his memoir as the author, and I are almost the same age.

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The Jan Lilien Education Fund sponsors ongoing sustainability and environmental awareness programs. Regarding gifts made this month, I will match dollar for dollar. All donations are tax-deductible.

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Read: December 2024

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Time of the Child

by Niall Williams

Today, I dove into “Time of the Child” by Niall Williams, and I can already tell it will be a journey worth taking. This beautifully crafted novel, penned by the same author who brought us “This Is Happiness,” unfolds during a magical Christmas in the quaint Irish town of Faha. At its heart is a touching story about a father and daughter that beautifully explores the idea that miracles can touch our lives, no matter our beliefs.

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Read: June 2023

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All the Sinners Bleed: A Novel

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