Have you ever “sung someone’s praises”? You probably have, but may not be familiar with the phrase. Singing someone’s praises means to, “express enthusiastic approval or admiration of someone or something.” It does not require actual singing.
Unless you are Ron Reische of Mount Sterling. Then singing is most definitely involved.
“I’ve been in music all my life,” said the 72-year-old retired educator. “I started learning to play the guitar when I was 10 years old. Since I was a teenager I’ve sung in church and wrote my own songs.”
“When I was in college I played in a bluegrass band for a while,” Ron continued. “We were all school teachers in the band. We started our families and our lives, so the band didn’t last very long.”
But Ron’s love for music did last. After retirement he had time to attend songwriting workshops. And that brings us to the point of this story. Ron is a prostate cancer survivor and recently received follow-up care from the Blessing Hospital Radiation Oncology team and wanted to sing their praises.
“I wanted to do something for the group here because they became what I consider to be close friends. I really appreciate people who have a zest for life for themselves, but want to give to others. That was obvious here,” he said.
"What I really appreciated was that they made me feel comfortable. It was obvious they cared about me. We would joke and cut up. It was a great environment.”
Ron put those sentiments into a song called, “Only 35 Days,” the number of days his follow-up radiation therapy treatments lasted. The song pays homage – with a sense of humor mixed in - to all involved in Ron’s care, from Blessing Health urologist, Dr. David Lieber; to radiation oncologist Dr. Rob Johnson and the rest of the radiation oncology team, including nurse Tracy Fuqua.
“We have never had a patient write a song about their cancer treatments,” she said. “We all felt truly grateful that someone had put that much effort into making us feel good in doing what we love to do. He always came in with a smile, and polite and kind soul with every treatment. We were the ones truly blessed to be able to take care of this spiritual man.”
Ron is also a humble man when it comes to songwriting.
“The only thing it will ever amount to, probably, is my enjoyment,” he said. “I would like to see a song of mine professionally published and sung at some point.” While Blessing Hospital cannot help with that, we can proudly share with you Ron Reische’s song, “Only 35 Days.” Enjoy.
"Only 35 Days", by Ron Reische
I knew Dr. Lieber had my best in mind
When he told me that he thought it was now the time
For him to send me where he knew I didn’t want to go
Cause Radiation Oncology might set me aglow
(Only 35 days…uh huh)
With a smile, Barb checked me in, and said I’d be just fine
Little did she and Deanna know, I was hard to keep in line
Dr. Johnson was just great and put my mind at ease
Then Tracy, from my hometown, walked in and spilled the beans
(Only 35 days…uh huh)
Haley and Wendy led me through my simulation
They made a mold, marked my skin, and put me in position
Lorena checked my vitals; blood pressure was a little high
I’ll bet the staff’s is higher, taking care of this old guy
(Only 35 days…uh huh)
I found it unsettling to moon the techs each day
Getting on and off the table, there was no other way
The Bladder Patrol marched in, and I was recognized
For my beautifully full bladder, much to my surprise
(Only 35 days…uh huh)
The Techs really knew their stuff, didn’t cut me any slack
When I asked for a doughnut, a rubber one was handed back
Megan rolled her eyes back every time I told a joke
One day it was so bad; I was sure she’d had a stroke
(Only 35 days…uh huh)
Val and Haley sang along with the music that they played
When the time came for my treatment, they never did delay
Getting me in and out was their top priority
Each day got so much better once they saw the last of me
(Only 35 days…uh huh)