Lori and Jon's Story: Love, Loss, and Legacy

Lori and Jon were in Cape Cod in 2017.

Jon was away when Lori found their dream home. She loved it and made the highest bid in 2005.

The apartment had dark wooden floors. Lori, an interior designer, made it special. They bought the next apartment and made one big home.

They moved into a three-bedroom apartment. Jon says, 'It was just her. You felt her all around.'

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Together, Lori and Jon built a life. They traveled and skied thanks to Jon's law firm job.

Lori kept a secret: she had brain cancer since her 20s.

Jon met Lori at Indiana University. He said, 'You don't want to do that. You want to talk to me!'

Lori and Jon were friends, then romance started. Jon says, 'She had a smile that lit up a room.'

Two years after marriage, Lori had head rushes and eye flutters. She was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Jon and Lori

After diagnosis, they had 20 minutes to decide on treatment. It would make Lori infertile.

Lori had MRIs and recurrences. She kept her illness hidden from friends and clients.

Lori started her business, learned French, and traveled despite her worsening eyesight.

Lori was very determined. She skied, jumped off rocks, and golfed despite her paralysis.

Lori lived fully until the disease took over. Jon worked and cared for her during Covid.

In her last 18 months, Lori couldn't swallow, speak, or blink. Jon cared for her 24/7.

Jon fed, bathed, and repositioned Lori. He got hurt but kept going.

Jon had to be there to move Lori quickly if she vomited. He had some help but did most of it himself.

Jon worked and cared for Lori. He needed health insurance and couldn't afford to stop working.

Jon juggled work and care. He heard Lori scream while on calls and cleaned her up while on the phone.

Lori passed away in Jon's arms on April 3, 2021. Jon doesn't remember the days after.

Jon's first memory is returning home and sitting in the doorway, weeping.

The apartment felt cold and quiet without Lori. Jon sat in the doorway, overcome with grief.

A neighbor put a hand on Jon's shoulder and asked if he needed anything. Jon realized he had no home.

Lori was Jon's life. Without her, he felt lost and disconnected from life.

Lori's presence remained in the apartment through her writing and notes.

Jon's new apartment

Jon searched for hidden messages from Lori. He couldn't move on or clear out her things.

Jon couldn't throw away things with hidden messages from Lori.

Jon shut the bathroom door where he cared for Lori. He informed people of her death, many unaware of her illness.

Jon had debilitating headaches. He couldn't do anything but sit and wait for the agony to subside.

Jon avoided home, staying with friends or in hotels. The apartment felt cold and unbearable.

The apartment had horrific memories. Jon was paralyzed by grief.

Jon's sister guided him to move on. He searched for a new home, viewing 70 apartments.

Jon found a new home and felt stress lift from his shoulders. He smiled for the first time.

After moving, Jon's migraines stopped. He put Lori's diaries away and displayed one photo.

Jon is doing well. He is dating and has new friends.

Jon has new travels and has given himself permission to be happy. He is living his life again, which he stopped doing after Lori died. He knows she would be pleased.

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