There are few things as painful as not being able to be with a loved one when they are undergoing health problems. But that’s exactly what the Cockrell family is facing right now as mom, Diana, is undergoing chemo treatments at the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center in Greenville.
Diana Cockrell, 46, has to go to these appointments alone because of visitor restrictions that are in place because of COVID-19. As anyone who has faced chemo or knows someone who has gone through it, it’s brutal. Having family there with you is important. But right now, it’s not possible.
Diana’s husband, Dennis, drives her to the appointments and has to drop her off. They have three children together, ages 15, 17, and 20 and the kids came up with a way to show their mom that they were supporting her.
The kids and their dad made huge signs that read: “I’m here and I love you” and snuck them into the car before Diana had to leave for her appointment today. When she went inside, Dennis grabbed the signs and a lawn chair and headed to the back of the Cancer Center where he had full view of the window to her room.
Then he laid out the signs so she could see from her window. And she did! The gesture put a smile on her face – and those of the staff – and she made her own sign to stick in the window and let her husband and kids know how much it meant that they showed quite literal signs of support.
And get this: Dennis and Diana are high school sweethearts. They’ve been married for 23 years.
Thank you to all the Bon Secours St. Francis Cancer Center staff, who are not only doing their jobs taking care of people who are sick, but also providing the emotional support to patients who are there alone. They are all living examples of love.