The last few years have been tricky for Patricia and Rick Earl, a Magna, Utah, couple who married 52 years ago when both were 16. Until recently, they were very self-sufficient. But Rick has pancreatic cancer. She beat colon cancer, but has seizures that keep her from working or driving. And while their four adult kids help when they can, money’s tight and without regular visits from Salt Lake County’s Meals on Wheels program, Patricia doesn’t know what they would do.
They own a single-wide trailer, rent the land on which it is parked, and pay for the utilities, but on a fixed income and with medical costs, the food budget is very slim.
“We both worked and we saved money,” she said, noting how much their trajectory changed with their cancers. Rick also needs dialysis three times a week and drives himself, which creates some social interaction but uses precious resources to meet rising gas prices.
When he comes home, their dog Copper stands by the front door and howls with joy — heartwarming, but not much of a social life. They get lonely, so occasionally they go to a nearby senior center to visit with people, which raises their spirits, she said…