Letter from Louise

Hi All,

My mom hand wrote a message for me to post on the blog, a feel from her perspective on her life together with my dad, and this life changing diagnosis.  The first hospital stay, and all hospital stays, my mother sat next to my dad's side literally the entire time, and only left to shower.  If my mom was gone longer than an hour, my dad couldn't stop asking us when she was coming back.  Brace yourself, I'm going to get sentimental and possibly a bit cheesy - but seriously, this type of commitment is really something special.  For those of you that have taken care of a very sick person, and especially for a length of time, you know how taxing it is on the caregiver, and the need for respite.  However, my mom hasn't really taken any respite time.  She has also stepped into a new role and is very involved in dad's business transactions during this time as well.  That is one TOUGH lady.  I have included one of my dad's favorite songs by Alan Jackson about living a life with the love of your life - I remember them dancing to this song at their 25 wedding anniversary 13 years ago.  I also posted one of my favorite pictures of them, dancing their little hearts out at my cousin Dylan's wedding.  He still loves this song to this day.  Below is a letter directly from her:

I know this is about Bill's journey but Bill and I have pretty much been together on every journey since we met when we were 16 years old.  Meeting Bill changed my life.  I knew from the moment I saw Bill (wow - how handsome this guy is!) and that he was the guy for me.  We went together for 5 years and then married in a very modest ceremony.  As with everyone, we have had good times and bad, but love prevails and we were blessed with two beautiful daughters.  We also now have four wonderful granddaughters.  Bill has always worked hard and provided a great life for the girls and me.  We started in a little duplex in Oildale, and have come a long way since then.  We have been blessed but I know it was the work ethic and determination of Bill that got us where we are today.  We have been a team for 38 years now, and are facing the hardest challenge of our lives.  But I know that with all the prayers and our faith, Bill is going to get well, beat this cancer and resume living the life as the loving husband, father, Papa, son, brother, and friend that he is.  For those who have not had such a journey as this to endure, I want to let you know that it is extremely hard to see someone you love have to go through such pain and suffering.  I don't know why Bill had this burden placed upon him, but all we know to do is face it together as we have with most of life's other challenges.  I love my husband and will do anything I can for him.  He needs me now and I will do my best for him.  If some of you are wondering about what to say or do (I have been there too) I have learned through this to make your voice heard:  a card or "post" in these modern days of technology, or a phone call too would mean so much to us.  Support is such a spirit lifter and thus far has kept him going, it all helps - we truly appreciate all the prayer warriors and the love you have shown to Bill.

Thank you so much,

Louise