This Sunday is Father’s Day. A day that is so hard for many of us. The date on the calendar stares back at me, as I recall fond memories of an amazing man- my father, Lance S. Ruble.
My father was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in August 2007. His life, our life as a family would be severely altered from that date forward. My dad embodied the meaning of “LIFE” and getting better for his family was now his only mission.
Facing the disease head on, he bravely chose to undergo all possible treatments available. He had chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation all in just 10 months. My dad was a fighter, like so many dads out there who have also courageously battled the disease. Sadly, one year later, my dad, my mentor, my hero, my friend, was gone. The man who I looked up to, the man I sought out advice from, the man who told me that everything would be all right, the man who was always there, was there no more.
I know many of you can relate to my words because you have lived them too. Though Father’s Day and really every day without my dad is difficult, I am often reminded how lucky I was, how fortunate I still am to have had this type of relationship and man in my life.
Even five years later, when I am making a major life decision, I am thinking “What would dad do?” When my son scores a goal at soccer, I can hear him say “Way to go!” When I am sad and missing him, I can see him putting his arms around me.
Very few people in our lives will make such a profound impact like our fathers have. So, as we remember and celebrate these incredible men be thankful that they have touched our lives in such a way that time will never alter.
Happy Father’s Day Dad. Love, your little girl.
Erica Leigh Ruble is the fundraising coordinator at the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. She is an estate planning lawyer from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Erica, received her JD from Nova Southeastern University Law School and her MA and BA in Communication from the University of Central Florida.
Erica’s life was forever changed when her dad, Lance, was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma on August 7, 2007. Lance owned a successful construction company, coached collegiate roller hockey, and gave back to the community. But the greatest talent he shared was making his family feel loved and safe. Determined to get well, he had chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation in 10 months. He passed away shortly after treatment, on August 16, 2008.
Watching her dad lose his life to such a painful disease ignited a fire inside of her to search for better treatments for mesothelioma patients. Though her dad was gone, he embodied the meaning of LIFE. It is his spirit that lives on in her to help others. Erica is committed to a life-long contribution to fighting mesothelioma. She and her family fund the Lance S. Ruble Memorial Grant which contributes donations yearly to mesothelioma research. By promoting advocacy, awareness, and research, Erica has found a way to channel her pain to help others. It is her life’s mission to eradicate the vicious effects of this orphan disease.
