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Heavy Hearts and Buying Time

There are many things in my life that has made my heart hurt. Being hit by news a few months ago has made it so heavy sometimes it's not real. My entire family is affected by the news. Everyone is dealing with it in their own way. 


My dear father has cancer. He was first diagnosed with stage 3 esophageal cancer. Until after he had a pet scan, than it was raised to stage 4.
The non- curable terminal stage.... 
Dad had a stent put into his esophagus to make eating bearable and so he can have as many calories as possible. He began chemo treatments to gain time and so far he is doing okay with his treatments. He is still active and doing house work and having fun on the weekends with people who visit him. He has times where he is tired or has a hard time swallowing certain foods. But dad is being strong not only for himself but for the rest of us. 
These last few years I have watched as a handful of close friends parents pass away. I couldn't imagine what they were going through. I now know and I can't believe it is happening to my family. All I ever wanted was for dad to make it to retirement and enjoy the rest of his life. I am so proud of my dad. He has always been a strong person with many obstacles in life. He is probably the most stubborn person I know and I get that from him.
He has been a constant in my life. Especially as an adult. He was the only one who truly accepted David as my other half. His heart is huge and he is the most giving person I know. He loves his family and his close friends. He adores all his grandchildren and loves seeing them and can't believe how fast they grow. He has been their for everyone's hardships and celebrations in their lives. He has made time for all of us the best he can.  

Everyone has been going to Wyoming to spend time with dad and his wife. He bought a huge house a few years ago to entice everyone to go up their more. Rock Springs Wyoming is a small coal miners town. Just three hours away. Feels more like a century away whenever we make the drive. With the time we have with dad he just wants company and even though there are times it's incredibly hard and know his fate, we all just need to be more positive as much as possible. As much as I have cried and thought about it the situation isn't going to change. I am trying to be brave through the situation and there are times it is incredibly hard because I don't want it to be real and I just want this to be a dream. I know my cousins, aunt and uncle feel the same way. 


I love my family and you have all been amazing these past few weeks. I enjoy our time together and I consider my cousins more like my brothers. I love you all and thank you for just being their. You all have a special place in my heart. 

If you want to see dad or get a hold of him please message me on facebook. 



Dad is our  Marine. We will see him fight the biggest battle. We will be there for the entire fight and we will all gain better relationships because of dad. He has always brought family back together and this time he is putting a lock on it and taking the key with with him. 

Thanks dad

-Chantel 

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