Monday, February 4
I arrive in Cairns just before noon and am met by my brother-in-law, Bob Foot. Bob is part of the marine community in Cairns, a boat master who used to race sailing skiffs like those in the America’s Cup. As comfortable piloting commercial cruise ships as he is running cargo vessels throughout the region, Bob is a wonderful husband who for more than a year has devoted himself to caring for my sister, Jean. Over the next two days, he will model unconditional love for Jean and a commitment “’til death do us part” without complaint. Indeed, Jean is blessed to have him.
We head straight for Holloway’s Beach where we enjoy a seafood basket in a little dive right on the water. The palms are swaying, a gentle breeze is blowing and the waves roll into a near empty of people beach. It is an ambiance straight out of a Jimmy Buffet tune. Here we will wait for Jean to awake before heading home around 2:00 p.m.
Bob and Jean live in a very large duplex not far from the beach. When we arrive, Jean greets us at the door. She smiles and we embrace warmly, but Jean is clearly in pain. That aside, she is adamant – our shoes must come off! I guess some things never change.
For the next few hours, she will sit in her chair, eyes closed, while the three of us enjoy reconnecting and a break in the routine. Jean has a most amazing will, one Bob believes has kept her alive when others would have long ago succumbed to the cancer. Beyond this, Jean has always eaten right and taken meticulous care of herself, a fact that has extended her life perhaps as much as five years.
Around 5:00 p.m., Doris arrives for her evening visit and glass of wine. Their neighbor and one who has occupied the other side of the duplex for the past twenty years, Bob refers to her as his second wife. Doris greets me with a hug and I am amazed that an 87 year-old woman can be so strong! Over the next couple of days, her rich life and personality will reveal itself to be much the same as the older woman, Rose, in the movie, Titanic. It is in Doris’ spare room that I will spend the next two nights. Following a wonderful meal prepared by Bob, Jean grows tired and we head to bed.
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