Leslie lost the love of her life

It's with a heavy heart that we share this story. 

Leslie Rivers,  the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry's Country Music Queen has lost her husband to a year and a half battle with cancer. 

If you remember, Leslie went on the air and shared the news with Bob 106.9's listeners and many of us broke down listening to the story.  There was optimism and faith and as they moved back to Florida for treatment, the battle became real.  Leslie worked tirelessly searching for natural medicine solutions to the cancer while Steve went through rounds and rounds of chemotherapy and treatment.   His cancer moved from oral to bones and bones to organs.  The pain he was in was unimaginable.   I could not imagine being either of them and the experience they endured together is nothing I would wish on anyone. 

A full 18 months of fighting together, married, in love, challenged and feeling betrayed...they never let each other go or gave up.   Near the end, the doctors told Leslie that Steve only had a short time to live.  She wouldn't accept that answer.  She decided to pack up and use every last dime on saving the love of her life.  They were on their way to Mexico. 

Before I go any further, I want to share a few stories.  I was lucky enough to catch up by phone with one of their closest friends...Beth.  She spoke with so much love, passion, and sadness that I myself broke down in tears.   So let me share some things with you:

From the words of Beth...

They made, and will continue to make, an enormous impact on all that have known them.  They set a standard of gratitude for life and one another that most people can't comprehend.  "Retain the Appreciation".  Three words they most often said but only as three letters.  This is what Beth had to say..."Whether they were experiencing a great meal, watching the sunset with suntanned smiles, giggling with friends or sharing quiet moments.... you could hear their shared words.  R.T.A...Their example of love for each other will forever make me mindful of acknowledging gratitude for people and experiences.  Can you imagine if we all took a little time each day to "R.T.A.".... expressions of gratefulness?!?.  Let's all live a little bit LARGER in their honor."

She then went on to say that Steve would leave "I Love You" and "Thank You" notes addressed to "My Bride" on tables.  I joked with Leslie that she was the hippest 50's wife I've ever known.  If we were out and Steve was going to join us, about 10 minutes before his anticipated arrival she would excuse herself to go pretty herself for him.  They simply adored each other, true soulmates.  Leslie will tell you they packed 50 years of love into the 10 they were together.  

And then...

Leslie, ever the research queen, probably knows more about this miserable disease than most.  She read tirelessly about every possible treatment and never gave up.  She would have spent every last dime, and nearly did, to give him 6 more good months.  The day before they were leaving for Mexico I was laying in bed next to Steve.  He wasn't always the most cooperative with various treatment.  I said to him, "Stevie... I don't care what those Doctors in Mexico tell you you need to do, I expect you to cooperate fully.  I need you to return stronger and healthier so whatever it takes, just go with it... do you understand?"  He shook his head in agreement.  I repeated, " I mean ANYTHING!!  If they strip you naked, put you in a tub of pudding and bring in a herd of goats to lick it off because it will kill cancer cells.... I expect you to lay there and smile".  He laughed, shook his head and told me I was a MESS!

And lastly...

Steve had written a note to his 20-year old son, Zach.  It says, "Keep the dream alive.  Don't ever give up.  Love U".  Zach had that note, in his Dad's handwriting, tattooed on his wrist.  Simply Perfect!

The love that surrounded this family will be etched in time.  Steve and Leslie looked at each other like most imagine being looked at by the love of their life.  We should all strive to have the love and passion that that these two had and never stop looking for it because when you do find it, you find the perfect place in life as the stresses of the world then fade away.  

In his final hours Leslie laid in the hospital bed with him, head and hand on his heart.  She played their wedding song, "Into the Mystic" .  Beth said that she personally love's the song but there were lines of lyric that squeezed my heart as tears rolled down both Beth and Leslie's faces.  Let your soul and spirit fly into the Mystic.... I want to rock your gypsy soul.... And when that fog horn blows I will be coming home, I wanna hear it, I don't have to fear it.

Leslie never gave up and spent their life savings trying to heal her beloved Steve.  Now, here at DBC, we have decided to go outside of our team and organization to get the communities help in getting Leslie back on her feet.  

Our team and company will help her along the way, but it's you all, the people of our communities that will be the ones to really help dig her out of the financial burden she is currently in.

If you feel it in your heart to donate, please do.  Every penny will help.  She needs you as you at times need her.  

Share your love and prayers and let's do this together.

The bills have piled up and we need your help now. 

Thank you!

Sincerely,

Your DBC Radio Family