May 20, 2014 is the day forever laser burned in our minds. This was the day that my dad was rushed to the ER and admitted in an emergent state to Mercy Downtown to begin chemotherapy and to reverse serious internal organ damage caused by leukemic cells that were taking over his body. We had no idea how serious it was at that time, or what the road ahead would be like. For those of you who have read this blog consistently, you know what the road has been like. He is nothing short of a miracle. For Nicole and I and especially for my mom, it is hard to look back at the pictures and go back through some of these older posts - it's a stark realization of how critical he was, on several occasions. He had to overcome SO many obstacles even before addressing the leukemia and the chemotherapy. With this type of disease, not only did he have to endure the six week hell ride the first time around, he had to do it FOUR times. Four times of inpatient chemotherapy. We wanted to share all the details, were completely transparent, felt it was the best way to keep everyone who was interested informed, and to most importantly come together with the masses on this type of platform in prayer to help pull my dad through - this blog allowed us to do that. It has also served as an amazing diary if you will, and a keepsake for my parents - documented struggle, triumph, and blessings through a time where often you can't keep all of the details and information that is coming your way straight. On this blog we posted 72 times and accumulated nearly 13,000 views. I know in my heart of hearts that prayer pushed him through. We had family, friends, extended family, family by marriage, friends and co-workers of those extended family members, friends of Nicole, friends of mine, pastors, church congregations here and churches back east, co-workers of ours, teachers/faculty in several schools, nurses, Doctors, literally people all over the country praying for him. This blows me away.
SO! This post is to take a brief look back and celebrate one year of survivorship. Dad, you are tough as nails!! We are blessed to have you with us and hope you realize what a blessing you are. You aren't done with your mission here and won't be for a long time!
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| One of the first nights, about 11:30 pm, in the ICU. We were so exhausted and were waiting for Dr. Nguyen to come up. In every situation, it is always important to try to find some type of ice breaker or laughter if possible. My cousin Dylan has an effortless way of doing so and we were so grateful that he came and helped us smile as at this point we thought it wasn't possible. |
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| We pulled many strings to throw my dad a birthday surprise in an indoor garden that my dad's room overlooked. |
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| Sweet Surrender pink champagne cake to celebrate - his favorite kind! |
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| The nurses singing happy birthday to Dad, also brought him a balloon and card. |
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| Again in the ICU after one of the five or six room moves. These two knuckleheads were showing us what an "ICU high five" (without spreading germs) looks like! |
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| Kids couldn't see him, so they sent constant videos and art. Their art covered an entire wall! |
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| Well wishes! |
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| Discharge day, so excited to go home!! |
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| Seeing Abby his beloved doggy when he got home. |
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| First visit from the kids seeing Papa at home. |
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| This was the first family photo we took a few weeks after he was home and doing better. We were poolside and watching the kids swim. Oh how happy our hearts were! |
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| This is an intimate photograph that we haven't shared before. This was the second round at the City of Hope in Los Angeles. Nicole and I were cheering him on telling him he could do this. |
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| Home and enjoying his granddaughters! |
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| First trip to his beach house after being sick. I was so thankful Brooklynn and I could go! He was so happy. |
This was a letter written by one of my cousin's students. She wasn't asked to do anything but did this out of the kindness of her heart. Precious.
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| We got involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society for their Light the Night walk - with lots of help, we raised over $17,000 in just over a month. It was an INCREDIBLE night in November, celebrating my Dad. |
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| New Year's Eve |
Another beach trip - we got him to go sit near the ocean, he never goes out on the sand!
First trip with the motor home after this journey, it is a big deal to pack up and drive this thing! He looks great and my mom and dad had a great time traveling.
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Car driving in a car show at the fairgrounds with the three older grandkids!
Overall, he is happy, enjoying retirement, and LIVING LIFE!! Thank you Lord for this precious gift of a second chance at life.
And, thank you to all Bill's Journey readers and supporters for all the love you gave us over the past year.
We love you all!
Louise, Nicole, and Jen
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May 20, 2014 is the day forever laser burned in our minds. This was the day that my dad was rushed to the ER and admitted in an emergent state to Mercy Downtown to begin chemotherapy and to reverse serious internal organ damage caused by leukemic cells that were taking over his body. We had no idea how serious it was at that time, or what the road ahead would be like. For those of you who have read this blog consistently, you know what the road has been like. He is nothing short of a miracle. For Nicole and I and especially for my mom, it is hard to look back at the pictures and go back through some of these older posts - it's a stark realization of how critical he was, on several occasions. He had to overcome SO many obstacles even before addressing the leukemia and the chemotherapy. With this type of disease, not only did he have to endure the six week hell ride the first time around, he had to do it FOUR times. Four times of inpatient chemotherapy. We wanted to share all the details, were completely transparent, felt it was the best way to keep everyone who was interested informed, and to most importantly come together with the masses on this type of platform in prayer to help pull my dad through - this blog allowed us to do that. It has also served as an amazing diary if you will, and a keepsake for my parents - documented struggle, triumph, and blessings through a time where often you can't keep all of the details and information that is coming your way straight. On this blog we posted 72 times and accumulated nearly 13,000 views. I know in my heart of hearts that prayer pushed him through. We had family, friends, extended family, family by marriage, friends and co-workers of those extended family members, friends of Nicole, friends of mine, pastors, church congregations here and churches back east, co-workers of ours, teachers/faculty in several schools, nurses, Doctors, literally people all over the country praying for him. This blows me away. 
I'm so glad that Bill is doing so good after everything that he has been through! God just wasn't ready for him yet, he has a plan and part of that plan is for Bill to keep on living and to be part of all of your lives! Love to all of you! Mary Deatherage
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