Douglas (Dougie) de Lisle January 29, 1946 to February 1, 2008Forever loved - Forever in our hearts
The Troy Record and the Times Union wrote a lovely column on Doug today. However, I would like to add to the comments in the column, first and foremost Doug did not have Hepititis C - he did have a bout of Hepitiitis A as a young man in his 20's, and the tests at Mt. Sinai confirmed that Hepititis C was not present. This is what was so puzzling about his liver disease, and what made him a good candidate for a transplant, prior to his heart damage.
The next thing I would like to address is Doug's wonderful friend Jean Foss. I dearly want her to have the recognition that belongs to her and her alone. She was (and is) Doug's beloved friend and companion. It was with her by his side that Doug fought his battle against this dreadful disease.
For the last months of Doug's life Jean dedicated her every waking minute to his hoped for recovery. She traveled with him to Mt. Sinai in NY, and the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. She fought to keep Doug in all of our lives. Her dedication and care is what enabled Doug to live as long as he was able. The obstacles she overcame were enormous, yet she took them on and fought for Doug's life as if it was her own.
What I will remember about Doug's passing is that he did not go alone. He was holding the hand of "his sweetie" - Jeanie. The hand that held his almost daily for the last three months of his battle.
Jean gave joy to Doug's life for seven years and she helped him slip gently from this life to the next, in the peace and comfort she provided.
It grieved me a bit that no article could capture the love, dedication and selflessness Jean gifted to Doug in the last days he was here. While Doug is my brother, our friend - to Jean he was connected on a much more spiritual plane - deeper then I will ever understand.
What I will cherish about Doug's last moments is the feeling of comfort and peace that surrounded us, as Jean's loving hand, placed gently in his, guided my brother to his final rest.
In the end my dearest brother, you were given the perfect gift of true love.
