The tears started coming again as I typed in "Grandpa Bruce". Tyler's dad passed away last Tuesday morning. They say that it isn't the cancer that will kill you but the treatments, and in Bruce's case it was true. Bruce was diagnosed in February with Bile Duct cancer which is very rare. We received the horrible news that 6 months is about the longest anyone with this type of cancer survives. Bruce outlived the statistics, 7 months. We have had a rough 3 weeks in and out of the hospital with a few "dooms day" moments in the family waiting room at the University Hospital. Due to radiation, Bruce's stomach was comparable to tissue paper. He began bleeding internally in his stomach. The doctors said that his whole stomach was oozing and that there was no way to stop the bleeding. Learning of this news, Bruce told us that he wanted to go home. Bruce returned home on Thursday, September 25th. He had a hospital bed set up in the living room so he could look out the front window (probably so he could check up on his pumpkins growing across the street). We spent every day at the house. He remained about the same through Sunday. He was tired and weak, but was able to talk to us. Monday was a totally different day. Bruce could barely open his eyes, and he was so weak and tired that he couldn't move. We thought maybe it was a bad day, or at the least he was in the next stage and would stay like this for a few days. At 7:30 AM Tuesday morning, Ronda called with the terrible news. We left right away.
We had a wonderful funeral service Friday and the weather was perfect for the graveside dedication. We are absolutely amazed at the support so many have shown our family. We have no regrets or "should haves", just that we wished we had another 20-30 years with Bruce.
Although it has been the saddest thing we have had to go through so far in our lives, we have had some great spiritual experiences and know that the Lord is with us always. We are certainly in His hands. We are so grateful for eternal families and know that we will be with Bruce again.
Here is the link to Bruce's obituary:
2 comments:
Hi Jenna, I was so sorry to hear about your father in law. It is always difficult to lose a parent, but especially when you think they should have another 30 years. I always feel like my mom went about 20 years too early also. Life is sometimes difficult, but it is those times when families pull together and learn the great lessons of life. Your daughters are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rhonda
Hi Jenna, I was so sorry to hear about your father in law. It is always difficult to lose a parent, but especially when you think they should have another 30 years. I always feel like my mom went about 20 years too early also. Life is sometimes difficult, but it is those times when families pull together and learn the great lessons of life. Your daughters are absolutely beautiful! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rhonda
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