Today is my sister Nancy’s birthday. If you are old enough to remember, Frank Sinatra sang a song about his daughter Nancy. It was called “Nancy, with the laughing face.” That was my sister. She was always smiling and making jokes – and she had little reason to laugh.
Nancy was born with a lung disease called Cystic Fibrosis, but at that time the disease was not yet named. My parents were told that she had asthma and that’s what we all believed to be true. Nancy’s breathing at times was labored and when she became upset, she could become sick. I was actually jealous of Nancy when we were told that we could not leave the table until we finished (whatever it was) and then she would begin to gag and toss up whatever we were being “forced” to eat. “Gee” I wondered, “How do you do that?” because I always had to stay at the table and eat, while Nancy was excused.
We did not know that Nancy had CF until she was about 15. Until that time, her ENT (ear, nose and throat) doc was treating her for sinus problems! For the record, he never spoke to us after Nancy was tested for, and diagnosed with, CF. I really never forgave him for that.
Back to Nancy. She was not supposed to have children because it was too much of a risk. But for Nancy, not having kids was a much greater risk. I am sure that she wanted to leave a legacy because she knew that her time here was limited. She raised two boys, Jimmy and Wayne, and they were her reason for living. She was so proud of them… and I think now I know that she knew she would live on through them.
The last time I talked to my sister she told me a joke: A woman goes to the doctor and says,”Every time I sneeze I have an orgasm.” And the doctor replies, “And what are you taking for this?” and the woman replies “Pepper.” It was so like her to make me laugh at a difficult time – for Nancy was getting ready for a blood transfusion. And, unfortunately, it was too much for her ravaged body to handle. At the young age of 34, we lost Nancy.
One of her doctors asked my sister and me if we would consider donating Nancy’s eyes – for they were not damaged by her disease- and could help someone see. One solace in losing Nancy, is knowing that someone has gained their sight. And if they also had Nancy’s eyes, they would be beautiful.
Today, in honor of my sister Nancy, I brought an Apple Pie to the Pulmonary Consultants of Medford, for they help people who have Cystic Fibrosis. I wanted to thank them for helping their patients who are suffering. It is my fervent wish that this disease be eliminated.
My sisters Janice, Nancy and Me
Pie a Day Give Away 
That was beautiful!!! I remember Nancy, she was a photographer too if I remember right. Karen that truly was very touching to say the least.xoxoxo
Yes Jodi, Nancy was a photographer. And thanks for your comment…
Hey Ka, that was a special piece on Nancy and much appreciated. “APPLES” as I used to call her was very special as she always had a smile and a laugh even though it was hard to do with her health problems. She could light up a room from the time she was born until she left us. She fought hard and long, a real trouper. Unfortunately medical science wasn’t up to par at that time, or things may have been different, we’ll never know. We were blessed with her beauty and charm and grace and that great laugh, would make us all follow suit.Thanks for sharing this with us. There’s so many stories and memories re. Nancy that we’ll cherish. She has been missed but will live on in our hearts. Thanks again Ka. Oh one other thing, she also liked baseball, and she hit a grand slam, with us all. Love uncle Booey
this was very nice to my daughter, iwas always around with mom ,to go to the hundreds od dr.s. i remenber june in 1960 when she waa born , we,mom and i had just returned from maine
after saying goodbye to my dad who passed in may
god gave us nancy for her short time,god bess good night