On January 1, 2020, I lost the greatest man I've ever known. My Dad passed away a little over a week after we learned Dad's cancer had returned.
The last few weeks seemed to be a bit of a blur, but I wanted to share with everyone the final chapter in Dad's cancer story- as you've all been on this journey with us from the start, so it's only fair I share the ending.
Dad's MRI that was done in November showed a spot near his brain stem- with his oncologist and neurosurgeon both not sure what exactly it was, but both not concerned. Dad wasn't showing any signs of tumor at that time.
Then, Dad suffered a TIA on Monday, December 16th, with the MRI showing another small spot near his brain stem. Again, both his oncologist and neurosurgeon were not sure what it was- but both not concerned. By Saturday, December 21st, things had progressed with Dad's ability to walk, talk and we all knew something wasn't right. We had an MRI done on December 23rd, and were told the cancer had returned, and there was significant growth on Dad's brain stem. The tumor was inoperable, and Dad made the decision that he did not want any treatment.
We called in hospice, and Dad came home on Christmas Eve. Eight days later, Dad took his final breath.
His eight days at home were filled with some really hard days- there were days where Dad was very aware and awake, and times where he slept almost all day. We sat with him many of times, telling old stories, reminding Dad how proud we are of him and how much we love him, and constantly telling him that we would take care of Mutz after he was gone. We wanted him to go home, we reminded him constantly that we wanted him to go when he was ready.
We surrounded Dad constantly and his final breath was taken while the hospice aid came to see him- we all felt like Dad did this so purposefully, as he didn't want any of us to be there for his last breath. It was peaceful, just as we had prayed for over and over again.
The day of Dad's visitation was filled with so much love- and so many people! We spent over 3 hours hugging countless friends and family- some that only knew Dad, some that only knew Mom, and some that only knew one of us girls- they stood in line for an hour just to see us. I know Dad was looking down overwhelmed with joy and so proud.
And the day of Dad's funeral, my devotional was unbelievably perfect-
"Find joy in Me, for I am your strength. It is vital to keep your Joy alive, especially when you're in the throes of adversity. Whenever you are struggling with difficulties, you need to guard your thoughts and spoken words carefully...Turn to Me, asking Me to help you with all your struggles...Remember that your problems are temporary but I am eternal- and so is your relationship with Me...This is the Joy of the Lord, which is yours for all time and throughout eternity!"
Both Pastor Glen and Pastor Darrin did an unbelievable job celebrating Dad's life. The service was so Dad, and I know he was looking down so proudly at everyone that was part of it, and was in awe of the number of people that attended.
I will miss Dad every minute of every day- and the pain continues to come in waves- some moments I feel overwhelmed with sadness, and other times I feel so joyful that his pain and suffering is done- his chains are gone.
Selfishly I want him here with me- but I hope his 6 year cancer journey showed others that statistics are just that, statistics, and that you can beat the odds that are placed against you- it takes a little bit of luck, a great medical team, and a whole lot of faith.
There is a lot of sadness in my heart- but there is no anger- God has used our family these last six years in a way that I will never fully understand or comprehend, but what I do know is that Dad's story has impacted so many, and my heart can't help but be filled with joy because of that.
After blogging for years, the hardest thing I ever wrote was Dad's obituary. I hope you read this and you get a sense of the kind of man, father, husband, and friend Dad was to many- he was the best.
Love your family and friends a little bit harder- take those family pictures your parents beg you to take, and remember that life can change so quickly, make this journey filled with love, hope, and, above all, joy.
Here is Dad's obituary for those that would like to read. We have appreciated you all on this journey with us, and although Dad's cancer chapter has come to an end, our fight to BTHO Brain Cancer continues on.
https://www.memorialoakschapel.com/obituary/larry-glenz
