It is normal to see people adoring the ‘college sweethearts’ and ‘teenage romance’ stories, but the beauty of falling in love at 40 was beautiful for Alex. When she met Lee for the first time, it felt like finding her long-lost love. Lee had all the qualities Alex had always wished for her partner to have; the perfect mix of a kind and strong man with a touch of humour.
A little example of how beautiful the bond was is that it felt like ‘beautiful’ was Alex’s actual name, as it was what Lee called her all the time. Life felt like a fairytale, and the couple made memories in every possible way together to cherish them for the life ahead. Despite having no extended family or friends in Tennessee, the couple decided to move from Arizona as the presence of each other in life was all they needed. It felt like escaping from all the chaos.
They did not know that fate wouldn’t be on their side for long, as in October 2017, Lee developed a weird rash. It could be due to any allergy, or as they had recently shifted to a new place, the couple wasn’t worried and continued the medication and creams the doctor recommended. However, even after months of wholly and regularly implementing what the doctor told them, it did not improve. Thus, on 2 January ’2018, the couple decided to visit the doctor they were referred to.
The visit was a nightmare as the doctor, without any detailed scans or tests, was sure that it was cancer. Lee was diagnosed with anal cancer, and the treatment could not be delayed any further as his life was at risk. The doctor made it clear that for six weeks, Lee would be going through radiation five days a week, and then would proceed to chemotherapy.
It was tough for a couple to suddenly accept that Lee’s condition could get worse at any moment, but Alex decided to stick with him through it all. The radiation gave Lee nothing but pain and agony; however, he fought bravely with the love of his life by his side. While the radiation was nearly complete, the next step was to start the chemotherapy sessions, before which doctors discovered that fluid was building up around Lee’s lungs. It had to be tested!
The procedure required the doctors to drain approximately 2 litres of the fluid to test if there was cancer present, and all of it had to be done without any anesthesia. Despite enduring so much pain, the procedure was completed, and the results further added to the couple’s grief. It felt like the world was torn apart when the doctor told how Lee had metastatic lung cancer and that it was stage 4. The couple only had eight more months together.
However, despite knowing all this, Alex insisted on not giving up, so both flew to Arizona for the finest treatment. The doctors suggested removing a part of Lee’s lungs, and the couple had to catch multiple flights regularly for the treatment, but for them, there was nothing that mattered except for Lee to live.
Although the couple had previously lived, their fun life had changed. It was all about having simple meals and sleeping early due to physical exhaustion. Still, the only thing that was left unaffected was their love. They held tight the entire time they were able to be there.
On 1 July, unexpectedly, Lee collapsed and his oxygen level dropped to a fatal level. Seeing 20 percent oxygen levels, he was rushed to the hospital, and Alex was told that Lee would only be here for five more days, and although he was brought home with hospice, his condition kept getting worse.
From the oxygen tank failing due to being under sedation and ventilation for five whole days, Alex had the hardest time of her life, as it was too early for him to leave when life felt so beautiful.
On 1 July 14 2018, Lee passed away holding Alex’s hand while sleeping, but gladly, they were able to create more memories in his last week after he woke up. The couple recalled their favorite memories, cuddling and holding each other and their daughter, Alex, tight. Alex remembers Lee as the most amazing partner, father, and man she has ever encountered, and states that she will always be Mrs. Robert Lee no matter what happens.
