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Location: Athens, Ga, United States

Our son Ryan was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma in 2004. In 2007, my wife Missy was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. On July 8th, 2009, Missy lost her battle to this horrible disease. 2 days later, on July 10th, Ryan also lost his. Together forever, they both watch over our family now from the heavens above. Below is our families journey through Ryan's treatments, along with the joy and laughter we tried to instill into our daily lives. Those days helped us all cope with the pain and suffering that comes with cancer and it's deadly treatments. Both Missy and Ryan endured high doses of chemo, radiation and surgeries. Over 150 nights spent in the hospital and many, many more days. More transfusions than I could count. Yet both Missy and Ryan took on each day with a positive attitude and warm smile for all their friends. We miss them terribly. They will always be a shining light in our lives.

Wednesday, July 07, 2010

 

It's never really goodbye...

Our family and friends have viewed a portion of our lives that was, and has, been very emotionally and even physically demanding over the last 6 years. It is hard to fathom that Missy and Ryan had to endure such a devastating disease during what was supposed to be a long, fun and loving life. Heidi, Will and I have stepped very carefully along our new path, grieving our loss...remembering their beautiful lives...yet always moving forward. Missy and I had long discussions together about life and death. What to do if one of us went on before the other. Our children's health and well being during the years of their treatment and of course now, are always the most important consideration. We worked very hard even during the most difficult times, to keep injecting lots of family time, love, and fun. I am no Dr Phil, I don't have all the answers, just trying to be a good person, a good dad, and hold the memories of Missy and Ryan close to my heart. We all miss them, we all know they had so much to offer to everyone, even in this cruel world we live in where there is not always a cure to keep our loved ones with us.
A year has come and gone, their memory will not fade. They are together in a safe place, watching over us and smiling as we continue to celebrate the short time we were given with them. I am thankful for that every moment.
Recognizing the anniversary of our loss, I have chosen to say Good Bye and write this one last post.
I appreciate the thousands of new friends, some whom I have never met, that followed our journey through Ryan's site. We felt your presence, prayers, and at times reached out to you for help. Our family has received hundreds of cards and letters, and many generous donations to charities near and dear to our hearts. Words of compassion spoken so eloquently in a letter just today, a very kind follower reflected on all he had felt that Ryan and Missy changed for the positive in his life. That makes me very happy ...

Take care and with lots of love,

Les, Heidi and Will

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