Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sometimes Life is Hard

The day before our daughters wedding last November, our dear friend collapsed at work.  My husband was there with him.  We took him to the emergency room, where they found a sizable brain tumor.  (Our friend had been sick for the previous three weeks.  He had been to the doctor multiple times, where they had found nothing.)

In the following days, surgery was preformed to remove the tumor and to biopsy the tissue.  It was discovered that he had a grade 4 glioblastoma, a aggressive [and virtually] lethal form of cancer.  Treatments were given to extend his life, but after all that could be done for him, last week he passed away into eternity with his family by his side.  He was 51 years old.  Seven children (plus three spouses).  Four grand children. ..and a devoted and loving wife... parents, brothers and sisters, nieces & nephews, aunts and uncles, cousins and countless friends.

The past six months have been extremely hard.  Our hearts are broken for them and for ourselves.

His wife has written several uplifting posts about her feelings and thoughts.  Here is one of the poems she shared.

Feel no guilt in laughter, he'd know how much you care.
Feel no sorrow in a smile that he is not here to share.
You cannot grieve forever; he would not want you to.
He'd hope that you could carry on the way you always do.
So, talk about the good times and the way you showed you cared,
The days you spent together, all the happiness you shared.
Let memories surround you, a word someone may say
Will suddenly recapture a time, an hour, a day,
That brings him back as clearly as though he were still here,
And fills you with the feeling that he is always near.
For if you keep those moments, you will never be apart
And he will live forever locked safely within your heart.

Unknown

At times like this, I am so grateful to know that through the resurrection & atonement of Jesus Christ, we will live again and can be reunited as families.  That is the Good News the Savior brought with him.  It brings me peace and gives me hope, even in the darkest of times.

I love the words to this Hymn.

3. "Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed, 
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand. 

7. "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose,
I will not, I cannot, desert to his foes; 
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I’ll never, no never, I’ll never forsake!"

How Firm a Foundation,
LDS Hymn #85

6 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear about your friend, Marion. I'm glad his family had time to say goodbye, but I know that an extended terminal illness has additional stresses and sadness. I hope his friends and family will know peace and support in the coming months and years.

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  2. I feel for you and your friend. My brother passed away last week after a long illness, also. I will be going to Nevada tomorrow for his funeral. His wife has had to deal with a lot. He was 74, so he was older than your friend. I know he is happier now, but it is hard for his wife and family. My prayers are with both of us. You are really a good friend and neighbor. Love to you both.

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  3. :( I pray your friend's loved ones will be strengthened and comforted in the days ahead. It sounds like they have a great community of support, from what you've told me. That will help.

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  4. I'm so sorry about this loss. My mother was taken at a similar age, and it never seems right one bit for a life to be cut so short. My prayers go out to his family for comfort and finding their way.

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  5. Oh wow, I am so sorry to hear that. I had wondered how he was doing. Life can sure throw some amazing punches. I will continue to pray for that sweet family.

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