Greetings on a rainy Saturday. Harriet and I attended the memorial service for Denise Robbins this morning. As I noted last week, Denise succumbed to breast cancer about 10 days ago. David, his family and friends were joined at the service by many members of his Georgetown family. The service was filled with the ache of loss, the warmth of remembrance and the closeness of a caring community.
There is something special about Georgetown Lombardi. Several attendees noted that this level of community, compassion and care is regrettably unusual in the academic world. Just think of it: David and Denise moved to D.C. in the middle of the pandemic, when most people worked from home. Even now, the campus has not fully recovered the buzz that comes from human contact and not through screens. Despite these challenges, David and Denise became treasured members of our Georgetown Lombardi family and forged bonds that helped to sustain them during unimaginable difficulties. There is nothing like actual contact and real friendships to add important, life-affirming depth to the work that we do.
Make no mistake, that work is important. I frequently crow about the progress we have made in the war on cancer. Denise’s tragic loss is a harsh reminder that we don’t have the answers for all of our patients, despite that progress. So, today I am wrestling with a complex brew of sadness, the warmth that comes from a sense of belonging, and determination to use the time left to me to make a difference by contributing to our shared mission.
May Denise rest in peace, and may David be comforted by our caring community.
Stay safe and be well.
Lou
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