September 4, 2015

In December 2010 Ceil was first diagnosed with breast cancer.  I remember New Year’s Eve for the upcoming year at Sebby and Lynn’s house and hugging Ceil to reassure her that we’d share the bad news after everyone celebrated the New Year.  When the ball dropped, I told her 2011 was going to suck, but we’ll get thru it together and 2012 and further we’d be good to go.  The plan was simple, stay positive no matter what and battle.

What I didn’t know was Ceil was going to teach me, the kids, her family, friends and complete strangers the way you take on a dreaded disease and fight with every ounce of your mind, body and spirit.  Throughout her first battle and again, for the past 25 months, Ceil’s spirit and attitude never waned even when she continued to get more negative news and the disease took away her ability to move and do things for herself.  Up until the last few days, Ceil could still light up a room with her great smile and she was still more interested in seeing how a visitor was doing, than talk about herself.  It’s who she is and who she will continue to be in all of our hearts. 

It’s with a heavy heart, but with gratitude that her suffering is finally over, that I let you know Ceil passed away at home today, September  4^th.

I would like to thank everyone who has helped us along the way. 

For two years, we have not had to worry about making dinner for the kids because our Berlin community has looked out for us with meals every other day and for that type of support, I cannot thank everyone enough.  For all of the notes to Ceil and for the rides for the kids, thank you for making our tough situation a little easier.

Thank you to the teachers, the nurses and the Doctors who all touched the kids and Ceil’s lives. 

Lastly, I’d like to thank our families who have been there with love and support.

I’d like to leave you with this, we learned many things from Ceil through the last few years.  As I reflect back, probably the two I hope you carry in your life in memory of Ceil; Smile Every Day and Live Each Day With a Positive Attitude.

God Bless You Ceil.  I love you.

 

Every day may not be good, but there's something good in every day. ~Author Unknown

The day which we fear as our last is but the birthday of eternity. ~Seneca