Hello to all of dad's fellow gladiator's…I wanted to extend the very sad news of my dad's passing to those who he has befriended over the years…
Hello to all of dad's fellow gladiator's…I wanted to extend the very sad news of my dad's passing to those who he has befriended over the years…
Firstly, I would like to say my father passed away melanoma free – so please do not be discouraged by this news. Dad was diagnosed with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (an extremely rare different form of skin cancer) last year and passed away February 16, 2012 – nine months later just shy of his 60th birthday. Also know that you were his inspiration – others who fought the battle along side him – so my family thanks you and you will remain in our prayers.
I wanted to share something that I wrote for my dad's service…
We have so much to celebrate today and be thankful for. There was that moment when my wedding had started and it was just dad and I waiting in the bridal suite to walk down the aisle – honestly I don’t know who was more nervous. When we got to the door of the church as they opened it he started making small talk, either to stop from crying or to stop from passing out. After my first dance with my husband, and it was my dad’s turn he proclaimed to everyone that there would be no crazy spinning – but then he had everyone laughing as he successfully completed a spin or two of his own. At the end of our wedding he drove with us over to the port were we were taking off for our honeymoon in the back of the car laughing and talking about how great the weeding was. None of this would have been possible had he not won his major melanoma battle five years earlier. God answered so many prayers for us. Even in his final hours God was answering prayers – getting my mother and me out to him so the three of us could be there with him – holding his hand, surrounding him with love.
He was an avid fighter for cancer patients. When his battle first began with melanoma ten years ago, he signed into a melanoma community on-line bulletin board where he met many people over the years. After his major battle with Stage 4 melanoma 5 years ago he was inspired by others fighting to write the story of his battle and exactly how he got to the point of “cured” or “NED” cancer lingo for No Evidence of Disease.
He loved life so much…he loved his family so much and that’s what he fought for until the very end.
My father’s story ended with these words…
"In closing I would like to quote the very courageous Jimmy Valvano from his speech during the 1993 ESPN ESPY Awards. He was pleading to his audience to give money for cancer research saying, “it may not save my life, but it may save your children’s life”. Stricken with tumors everywhere he struggled to stand before a huge crowd and the national television audience. As he focused in on the camera he said……
“Don’t ever give up. Don’t ever give up.” “Cancer can take away all my physical abilities. It can not take away my mind, it can not take away my heart, and it can not take away my soul”.
Anything is still possible in my future. I have a good prospective on reality. One thing is for sure. I will never give up. I hope you never do either."
If we could all take away a part of my father to hold on to it forever, take this – don’t ever give up – when struggles come, keep fighting because the greatest things in life are worth the battle. Family is the most important thing. Take the time to be with your family – make the memories that will carry you through hard times. And love life – find God’s blessings in the little things and be forever grateful for those moments.
I am so thankful for the time I had with my dad – I will carry him with me forever – and until I see him again in heaven I know he's enjoying his permanent state of NED.
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