Sid and Nancy Gersh

December 21, 2011

This piece is part of the original Kindsight® series from 2004. Last week my Mom and sister Leslie ran into Nancy, who told them that Sid has been very sick, in the hospital for nearly six weeks. (continued below) I arrive in Miami last night and stop by the hospital today. I get Sid’s room number and go there, but the door is closed with a handwritten sign “No Visitors.” I go to the central desk and ask the nurse to let Sid know I stopped by. “Let me go and see if you can visit.” I really don’t want to bother Sid if he’s resting, but she goes into the room. A moment later, Nancy comes out. Her eyes say it all. “Hi Robert. Sid’s not doing well at all. He just had his second Bone Marrow Transplant and it’s not taking.” “I’m so sorry, Nancy.” “It seemed for a moment he was rallying, but now he’s doing bad. He can’t have any visitors, he won’t even know if I tell him you were here.” I gently squeeze her arm and she hugs me, letting go her tears and sobs. What can you say to someone in such a moment? So I just hug her. “I don’t know what I’d do without him” she softly cries. “My family and I are praying for you and sending love. If there’s anything we can do for you, PLEASE call, any time, day or night.” “Thank you Robert.” And she goes back in the room. Walking away, I flash back on the times Sid has attended my photo exhibit openings, full of enthusiasm and eager to promote my events. As recently as a few months ago, he showed up, dapper and smiling.

Please join me in praying for Sid and Nancy (the originals) tonight, and for anyone else you may know who needs prayers.