In 2021, Southside Sentinel reporter Tom Chillemi asked retired psychologist Paul Malone, then living in Urbanna, how being diagnosed with brain and lung cancer had affected him. Three years later, Dr. Malone has a message of hope and peace. Here, in his words (courtesy of the Southside Sentinel), is key insight into dealing with loss.
by Paul Malone
Being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer three years ago and then within months losing my soulmate wife to Alzheimer’s are now only markers for the most peaceful and satisfying years of my entire 84-year life.These sentences previously would have been extremely difficult to accept. Yet, today I know that they are true for me.Before my cancer diagnosis, I had lived a long, healthy and satisfying life. I married Gaylee—my soulmate from childhood—and experienced unconditional true love.
I had a career as a psychologist which I thoroughly enjoyed for 53 years. I had achieved some recognition for my personal and professional contributions to t...