my husband is nearing the end of his long fight

[Reijel's Mom]

Honey, you need to write a book. This is one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever heard. I ache for you both that you aren't getting the time together that we all wish you could, but I'm so very awed by this love you have shared.

Renee in Iowa (with 2 new corgi foster girls that I'll share pictures of with you someday - you & Gary were some of the first people I thought of when I brought them home - 2 little lollipop girls on their way to a much better life).

 

[dreammountainminis]

Charlene,

We are praying for gary and you everyday..I have followed this story from the begining along with many others ,You show the love and understanding and devotion that every relationship should have...May peace be with you all at this time .

I can just picture him and his toolbelt in heaven , the things he will do....Take care of your self and remember we are all here for you ..

 

[anoki]

Yep, I'm another....I check first thing in the morning...as soon as I get back from doing chores, and periodically throughout the day!

I know one of these posts are eventually going to be 'the' post....but I am soo glad for your sake that you did share and continue to share the process....

I am also glad that you and Gary's Mother have been able to lean on each other for support. You are BOTH very strong and very special people!

I hope Gary doesn't run into many people that are the type 'cut it off twice and it was still too short' OH!

Might slow him down a little bit with what he is building! LOL

Take care and more ((((hugs))))

~kathryn

 

[Charlene]

Honey, you need to write a book. This is one of the most beautiful love stories I've ever heard. I ache for you both that you aren't getting the time together that we all wish you could, but I'm so very awed by this love you have shared.

Renee in Iowa (with 2 new corgi foster girls that I'll share pictures of with you someday - you & Gary were some of the first people I thought of when I brought them home - 2 little lollipop girls on their way to a much better life).

LOL renee! sometimes i feel like i AM writing a book. i wish you could know how much it helps me to come here and put things down in black and white. when i am feeling i can't possibly put one foot in front of the other, i come here and read this thread. it gives me the boost i need to get my butt in gear!

sandy, don't sell yourself short. i truly believe that every person has it within themselves to rally 'round a loved one in their time of need. for 11 years, gary has been at my side through thick and thin. i cannot imagine being anywhere else other than at HIS side during this fight.

i'm not sure i ever mentioned this, probably not, but 7 years ago i had to have both hips replaced. during month after endless month of my recovery from two surgeries, gary did it all. besides his construction business, he kept the housework up, he kept the dogs fat and sassy and he did my horse chores without so much as a single complaint about having to slog through feet and feet of snow and bitter winter temps. he did it all with a smile and he always made sure the blinds were open so i could watch him from our bed through the window. he would wave to me occasionally and grin from ear to ear. i know it was miserable for him but he did it with a smile every single day until i could once again take over. the least i can do for him is to be at his side now.

aww kathy, i know the feeling. for a long time, especially over recent weeks, i have looked at things gary and i did together and i felt a sadness that there will be no more projects for us. but now, i can look out at everything he did and i marvel at his skill. i have reminders of him all over and there is comfort there.

thank you, once again, for being here for me!

charlene

EDIT EDIT EDIT!!! renee, pleeeeease post pics of the new lollipop girls first chance you get!!!!

 

[Denise]

I don't even know you and Gary but I come here every day to look for your posts, I read them and cry. The love you have for each other is amazing! Your strength is amazing! You are one very special person. I think of you and Gary often and pray for you both and your families.

 

[AppyLover2]

Well Charlene tell Gary he'll have to add Bill to his heavenly crew; but tell him in advance nobody but Bill can do anything right. Bill was my stepdad who raised me from age 2 and who was much more of a father to me than my Dad was. When he died we talked about what he would build up there and how he would argue with God himself about how it should be done. (((((hugs to you all))))))

 

[maplegum]

You are an inspiration, you beautiful lady.

 

[Charlene]

ok, appylover2, i'll tell gary what you said but don't think for a minute that bill won't have his hands full! gary always used to say "stand back and lemme show ya how it's done!" when he became too ill to do it himself, he would sit on the deck in the glider and supervise me from a distance. i think it drove him crazy to see me using his favorite drill. when i would finish a project that, by all rights, we should have been doing together, he would say to me "you DID it! great job!" i always told him of course, i learned from the best!

things seem to be winding down. gary has been in what seems to be almost a comatose state most of today. he lays with his eyes open but unseeing. at least, to us they are unseeing. i believe he is making his peace and letting God prepare him for his upcoming journey. yesterday, he whispered to his brother "i saw joey". joey is his brother's son who died 9 years ago at the tender age of 19 of a brain aneurysm. gary has so many loved ones who have preceded him in death and i am sure they are all waiting with open arms. in a strange sort of way, it gives me comfort to know that. i have been reading a lot about end-of-life experiences and each one of the stories i have read have been so beautiful. they have greatly helped me understand what is in store not only for gary but for me. i really think i can let him go knowing he will be happy. in time, i will be happy even though i will miss his physical presence. he will always be with me. i have also prepared my heart for this journey, gary will take it with him.

 

[Brandi*]

"i have also prepared my heart for this journey, gary will take it with him. "

Charlene this was such a beautiful thing to think about for me. Thank you for putting it into words

 

[Barbie]

[SIZE=12pt]Charlene - your strength amazes me daily. My prayers continue to be with you and Gary - not to mention his mom as well.[/SIZE]

Barbie

 

[MInx]

Well, my turn again..can't stay away

Wishing you peace and warmth for the evening.

Maxine

 

[MeadowRidge Farm]

Charlene, Just letting you know that I am thinking and praying for Gary and you. You just seem to amaze me with your incrediable strength through this all. I sure hope if this ever happens to me, I can be half as strong and courageous as you are. (((hugs))) and you have yourself a good night. Corinne

 

[hhpminis]

Gosh Charlene, I wish I could meet you face to face, you are such an incredible person. You amaze me, Gary is a very lucky man, and it sounds like you are a very lucky woman too.

Hugs to you tonight and always

 

[Reijel's Mom]

Any chance we get to see pictures of the 2 of you kids together?

 

[ChrystalPaths]

Still with you, my heart is so full reading your love.

 

[MountainMeadows]

Charlene, Gary, Mom & family,

You are surrounded by love - our hearts are breaking along with yours, may peace be with you,

Stacy

 

[Connie P]

My continued thoughts and prayers are with you and Gary tonight. What a wonderful wonderful woman you are.

 

[maplegum]

* gulp *

Big lump in my throat.

 

[_minihorses4ever_]

Just doing my daily check-in too. You are truly an amazing woman.. Your strength continues to amaze me.

My prayers are with you and Gary tonight.

 

[twister]

My thoughts and prayers are with you too, your love is wonderful to see

Yvonne