A Road Called Cancer

September 2012-June 2013

Although this road has been traveled by others so dear this particular diagnoses has filled me with fear.  This one is a little TOO close to my heart what would we do if my father in law were to depart?  Chad’s best friend, a great man with such a kind gentle way—He is our Dad, our little girls Poppy and we all want him to stay.   Let’s begin our journey on this long road ahead with a positive attitude not our hearts filled with dread.  For we know we have been lucky to have this time with him. We strap ourselves in and try to grasp this experience even though it seems grim.  Lyn takes a hold of the wheel and we are along for this ride no matter how scary it feels.  You are not alone as we will travel with you trying to keep things the same and do as we always do.  Carving Pumpkins, watching the lights, and sitting around the dining room table on Christmas night.  These memories both the new and the old are now more priceless than the rarest gold.  This road has bumps, curves, and twists, hurdles, obstacles, and makes you carsick.  Some days on this road are sunny and bright and you appreciate those days the most because they give you a glimpse of hope.  Other days feel like a tornado cuts through with each Dr appointment or scan that is new. A new wave of fear enters our lives and all we can do is sit there and cry.  We go to dinner and invite you to our home because in those moments you shouldn't feel so alone. This has taken over our lives threatening to take you away at any given time. You have always been there for us--no problem too big or too small all that was needed was a simple phone call. We wish we could be with you during it all and dread when the phone would ring because it could be "the call". The pain you have endured we will never fully know but now it is gone and you my friend are watching the Cubs WIN in the first row.  We are better for knowing you and will never forget the love that we shared.  I have to say though that NO amount of time could have had us prepared. We sat by your side as you breathed your last breathe, holding your hand and kissing your head.  This heartache will remain no matter what we do, but Galen you have left your mark on us and the world too! 

Father's Day 2013

Poppy took Emmy to her first movie last Sunday she was so excited.