We just got a letter from Dawn's College Roomate thanking us for the donation to her Team in Training luekemia marathon event at Disney in honor of Dawn. Esther completed the race in Dawn's honor and raised some money for fighting luekemia. Time passes as we find ourselves still struggling every time we come across a new picture or thing of Dawn's. Some things get easier with time and other things just don't. Each of us deals with grief in our own way. Our sons, Steve and Will have their own way and both have significant times where it just is too much. Becky and Matthew wrestle and struggle. We know that we have been helped greatly by a very loving God. And we know that we will need much more help. I took a month leave of absence in July and may have to take some additional time in the near future. Matters are always made worse by additional losses. We were so blessed to have Dawn in our lives for those 28 years. Mike came into Dawn's life and added a real spice that made her very happy. Mike is a very special guy and we are so thankful to still have contact with him. What do we do with grief? What do we let grief do with us? For one thing one must be careful not to let grief define who you are. One must wrestle with celebrating the best and also releasing the painful aspects. In time one must go on but that certainly does not mean forgetting or living as if this terrible tragedy never happened. Continue the fight by giving blood and blood products, register for the bone marrow registry, give financially to the cause, check out Team in Training athletes who run for the cause and pray and love. Never give up, never lose hope. One day luekemia will be defeated. One day. Pastor Steve, Dawn's Dad.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
7 Comments:
Today Mike's sister Ashley got a call from the registry that she is probable bone marrow match for a 42 year old woman. Ashley signed up because of Dawn and because of Dawn another family has hope that their loved one might have a another chance at life. Dawn's desire that her courageous struggle with the awful disease might in some way be of help to someone else is being fulfilled with every bone marrow registration, blood donation and monetary donation for research. Dawn's legacy lives on in those who reach out to another in need. I know Dawn is smiling down on us all in that beautiful smile that could light the world.
It is so good to hear that Ashley is a match for someone. Truly awesome since she got tested so long ago. It is never too late to register so you can make a difference. Blessings. Dawn's Dad...
Dear Steve & Christy,
I just wanted to let you know that I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful daughter Dawn. I lost my first-born and only son, Nickolas, to CML on August 13, 2009. I am only just behind you on this journey of loss and grief. Nickolas also had a BMT and unfortunately while it seemed at first that he was going to make it, soon, his lungs began to fail. The doctors were unaware and completely missed this complication. At the end Nick had a trach and was on a ventilator. His lungs deteriorated over a period of eight to nine months, until finally his lungs were unable to sustain his life. My heart is broken and I miss my son more than words can say.
I followed Dawn's journey via her blog and I prayed she would make it. I was so heartbroken and terrified when Dawn lost her battle, only to have my own son succumb to the devastating side effects/complications of his treatment months later. I have been struggling to understand how to go on with my life. Dawn was a bright light in this world. I did not know Dawn, but she seemed a brave and courageous young lady. The love she gave and received in her short time here on this earth is a testament to the beauty of her life.
I hope Dawn and Nickolas have made friends in the great beyond. I pray they are at peace. I struggle every day to find some kind of acceptance with what has happened to my son. I write about my son and my grief journey on my blog. Blessings to you and your family. with fond regard, Diane
Dawn's mom, i share your grief and pain, as well as your strong spirits and belief. I just lost my brother, aged 29, a few months ago, a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma which pretty much equivalent to ALL. It's terrible. What we have gone through the past 2 years and what we have witnessed were too cruel and painful. But at the same time, we are grateful for the times we were able to spend together. Right now, we are still struggling to balance the loss and our life, but life goes on...and i believe my brother and your daugther are with us whenever and wherever.
A Psalm for Dawn, Mike and Christy
Sorrow shared is not a healing.
Fragile beings is not a comfort.
Hopeful fighting with hopeless results,
Fatigues the body, soul and spirit.
Oh God your love is ever present thank you for that.
But science's knowledge is late for me.
Still I choose to fight for someone.
For their battle won - tomorrow.
With a victor's joy, not my sorrow.
Oh God your love is ever present thank you for that.
Soon we see results on earth.
Soon we see the truth in heaven.
No shame the fallen soldier,
Who fought to live and died helping others.
Oh God your love is ever present thank you for that.
Mike and Christy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I found your blog on February 14, 2009. I want to thank you for sharing a little of Dawn's life as well as her horrible tragedy with me.
Randy
I run all of my marathon races in memory of Dawn and my dad. I remember Dawn's beautiful smiling face. My dad was two doors down from her room. He passed shortly after Dawn. I am going to register to become a bone marrow donor in memory of Dawn and my father.
Almost three later and surely not all better yet. but by God's amazing grace, pressing on. We are having a Blood Drive at the church where I am assistant pastor in Dawn's honor on December 8th. We continue to miss her greatly. Her grandmother will cross over to spend eternity with Dawn very soon. We survive and move on through the grace and peace of God's love as well as the love and support of friends an dfamily in church and out of church. Our last great day with Dawn was Thanksgiving three years ago. She weent into cardiac arrest Christmas day three years ago...and then she went to where CML are just initials and memories. She is whole and we are thankful. We miss her greatly...huge understatement there...God's grace and love are sufficient and can be yours. Love those in your life fully and openly...none of us know how much time we have. Use it well. Love big, care freely and fully. Run the race that God has for you and Seek Him today. God loves you more than you can know and does not want you to go through the CML or luekemia battle by yourself. Grace and Peace. Dawn's Dad, Steve
Post a Comment