Second half of March

Ryan & India wanted to bring gifts from Appalachia for their SKE classmates. We went to Jeff’s and made strawberry jam, harvested honey from his hives, and packed mini bottles of moonshine.

At their final meeting before leaving for Florida, they read a beautiful card and even brought dessert to share

While I was cleaning out my dad’s apartment, I found a copy of one of the letters he wrote for witnessing to our neighbors ☺️

I especially like, “then our life will be filled with peace, and we will feel the love from Him.”

Looking forward to plenty of evenings together in the future in our rocking chairs 

First half of March 2025

One last procedure at UVA

Thoughtful gifts in the door when we arrived home

Joey & Victoria were able to come stay for a couple weeks

My Uncle James traveled back and forth from Pennsylvania so my Aunt Theresa could be here full time and help take care of things. Having her stay was comforting, and such a relief. We couldn’t have done it without her.

One last trip to the Cancer Center in Norton.

With his absolute favorite chemo nurse, Melissa.

We were so encouraged by the friends coming and going every day, bringing food or just hugs and support.

Laughing with Bri & Jaqwan

Julian visited a lot

Marcello, Diana & the kids were able to get an Airbnb right across the street from my dad’s apartment

Playing with them on those long days was such a bright spot

Messing with him

My dad passed away peacefully in his sleep, thankfully after only a few rough days. 

The Memorial service for him was really special. Ryan gave a beautiful talk, and our congregation family put a reception together with just a couple days’ notice. Diana’s family brought tons of delicious food from her sister’s restaurant in New Jersey, which was incredibly generous.

It was a difficult couple of years, but he endured the available treatment options, and settled graciously when the options ran out. When we would get sad, or the conversation would get heavy, he’d always say, “Don’t worry, we got the pah-radise,” and I still smile when I think of him saying that.

February 2025

My Aunt Theresa spent so much time here, caring for my dad

Greed!

And Taboo, which was actually really funny to play with my dad

Sharing ministry experiences

My brother and his family surprised my dad with a visit. It meant so much to him. He was especially glad to spend time with his grandkids.

Sweetheart Amelia

Mystery sip game…

Rocco and my dad had the funniest reactions

It was a tough visit, but a good one. We tried to keep the kids occupied; they did so well in that little apartment in a stressful environment.

An assortment of ice cream with the Blicharzes 

Radiation complete!

I made him hold his certificate up for a picture. 

He always humored me.

Hospitality

Our service group

February 28th.

I remember this as my dad’s last really good day.

I’m not sure why he was in the hospital that time, but it was only in Tennessee, so that was less stressful.

Julian and Cherie were visiting, he was joking around and laughing so much, and Addison was messing with him.

This is the last day I remember him really being himself. 🩷