Eric's Final Words Say it All

We went to a party at Mike Riley's house last night. It was for Juli's 50th birthday and a lot of my Rotarian friends and other friends from the community were there. A few of these folks, including Janet Minerich and Sharon Popa, are on my invited readers list and were very complimentary about my writing in this blog. It is nice to know so many of my family and friends are following this story and are concerned.

This morning, like every morning, I woke up and the first thing I did was go to the LCA Survivor website. http://lungcancer.clinicahealth.com/index.pl If you want to gain some insight about lung cancer and what is happening out there, take a look around this site, or better yet, join and get the daily e-mails. The posting I saw this morning brought tears to my eyes and I thought I would share it with you. Here is another community of friends that are giving each other support and comfort. Some of the stories are great and uplifting and others are so sad. The site provides loved ones and caregivers and well as cancer patients a great resource of information. I wanted to share Eric's story with you. He was only married for 8 years to Karen, who is 37 years old. They found lung cancer in Eric about 15 months ago. Karen has had a lot of friends online helping her through this.

Because it is in English I don't know that Yoko would use this website, but maybe my daughters will find it helpful. Here was the posting following Eric's death on January 7th. His last words to his wife were "I love you." Those would be mine to Yoko, my girls, family and friends as well. I love you all.

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ERIC

EricPosted by Karen54 in Family Members / Caregivers Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 07:18 AM

Eric passed away Monday evening at the hospital, he was brought in by ambulance for pain control and to be put on a pump, the dilaudid drip helped some, then early Monday morning he had a seziure and then 10 more and then he said I LOVE YOU and took his last breath... thank you all for all of the support you have given me over the last 15 months of our battle with this disease, I don't know what I would have done some days if I had not found this site and all of you. Karen
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I'm so sorryPosted by pattyp Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 08:23 AM ESTThis is comment #27509.
dear Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss. I lack words. It makes me pause that in the midst of his final struggle, Eric was able to respond to your love for him - bless him for that and many other things. Pat
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Karen, Please Accept My CondolencesPosted by BarbaraEllen Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 08:44 AM ESTThis is comment #27514.
Dear Karen, When I saw your post this morning, my heart became very heavy. The screen blurred from eyes tearing. It always hits hard when reading of the loss of one of our community. That was a beautiful image where Eric told you of his love. Please know that I am here if you need. Barbara
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Re: Karen, Please Accept My CondolencesPosted by 2mmama Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 09:28 AM ESTThis is comment #27518. It was posted in reply to comment #27514.
Karen, I do not know you or what youve been through but I wanted to express my sadness for your loss. What a beautiful, lasting gift that he thought of you in his last moments. Hold tight to that. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Christi
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I am sorry for your loss Posted by peyz33 Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 09:59 AM ESTThis is comment #27521.
This is very sad news. I always try and look for good news on this site and am so heartbroken to see your post. Only good thing is that he is at peace and pain free now. May God bless you Karen and see you thru the pain of this loss. Karen
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I'm so sadPosted by laban Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 12:26 PM ESTThis is comment #27530.
Karen, I am so sad that you have lost your beloved Eric. You have been the strongest and bravest woman through his struggle. Please accept my most sincere condolences. Please allow God to hold you in his arms and keep you up........and please take some time for yourself. Laurie
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So sorryPosted by StacieK Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 12:48 PM ESTThis is comment #27531.
Oh Karen I am so sorry and I know there are no words that can take away the pain, but I hope it will bring comfort knowing so many are thinking of you and praying for you. Your love and memories of Eric will help get you through this and knowing he is no longer in any pain. May God bless you and your family and give you strength. Sincerely, Stacie
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Your LossPosted by njguy Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 04:34 PM ESTThis is comment #27537.
Hi Karen. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Please know, you are not alone. You always have a family here to turn to whenever you need one. Also know, Eric is now safe and without pain. It was his time to cross and it sounds like he knew that by turning to you and telling you that he Loved you. As time goes by, this will become easier to deal with. And please know, Eric will always be around you. Have an open mind and open heart and you'll see signs that he is there. Below is a quote I always liked. It helped me get through losing my Mom 1 year ago. I hope it has some meaning to you as well. All my best. Ray Each of us on the Earth has work to do. That is why we are still here. We should be grieving for ourselves that so much is left to learn. There are so many lessons that need to be experienced before we can walk through that portal to a world where no tears live. Instead, we grieve for the very people who have finished their work and dropped the heavy burden that is life of Earth. They have been rewarded for their lives, whether long and tortured or short and confusing.
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so sorryPosted by Kerstin Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 07:06 PM ESTThis is comment #27545.
Hi Karen, I have been following you guys for a while and I am so very sorry for your loss and there is nothing anybody can say to make you feel better. knowing, that you knew a wonderful man that loved you and spending time together, no matter how much will always be with you. God bless you, Kerstin
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To KarenPosted by Bette_Tx Wednesday January 9, 2008 at 07:13 PM ESTThis is comment #27547.
Dear Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you. You have been through alot these past 15 months and I pray you will find some peace and solice in the coming days. I'm glad Eric was able to express his love to you before he passed away. Take care, Bette
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Your husbandPosted by Bren Thursday January 10, 2008 at 09:07 AM ESTThis is comment #27568.
Karen: I am so sorry for your loss. I am a caregiver also of a mom that has stage 4 lung cancer and we dont know what the future holds either....but I am sure that through all of this you both fought a good fight. Just think... no more suffering for him...you'll be the one now that needs all of our prayers and we will have to all pray that God will give you the strength in the coming days. You know that he is our strength and he provides us to gain strength from different sources. God bless you and your family. Brenda
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Peace at lastPosted by Lucky Thursday January 10, 2008 at 10:07 AM ESTThis is comment #27576.
Dear Karen, I have read your comments about Eric over the past year. I understand too well what you must be feeling. How wonderful for you that your heard Eric tell you that he loves you. I' so sorry that this has all happened. I am happy that your Eric is at peace and without this terrible disease. My best wishes for you and your family at this time that you come through this with your wonderful memories of Eric. Robin W.
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sorrowPosted by jean Thursday January 10, 2008 at 10:22 AM ESTThis is comment #27578.
Karen, So very sorrow for your loss. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers during the coming days. May you find comfort and peace during this time. Jean
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Re: EricPosted by Pelley Thursday January 10, 2008 at 10:50 AM ESTThis is comment #27581.
Karen, Just wanted to say that my heart feels so heavy for you and your family right now. If you ever need to talk, please come here knowing that we are here for you always. Take care, Carrie
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EricPosted by meadowbreeze Thursday January 10, 2008 at 10:53 AM ESTThis is comment #27583.
Dear Karen, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. God Bless you Fondly, Linda
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CondolencesPosted by robinwd Thursday January 10, 2008 at 03:34 PM ESTThis is comment #27601.
Karen, My deepest sympathy on your loss. Eric put up such a brave fight, and you were with him every step of the way. Please take care of yourself. Know that Eric will always be with you and our Lord will be by your side as you go forward. God bless you and your family. Lynn
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So sorry, Karen...Posted by jmichelle Thursday January 10, 2008 at 03:40 PM ESTThis is comment #27602.
Dear Karen, I was sobbing as I read your email. I have been following your story about Eric's battle for some time now. I feel terribly sad for your loss and am so sorry for what you have had to endure. How beautiful that his last thoughts and words were for you. Hold on to that love and let it help you through this difficult time. He will always be with you and I know he will want you to be happy. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. There are so many wonderful people who will help you through this difficult time. Take Care and God Bless, Jodi
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So SorryPosted by myrtle Thursday January 10, 2008 at 05:08 PM ESTThis is comment #27607.
Karen, I have followed your story and read about your struggle for many months. I am so sorry to learn of Eric's passing and my thoughts and prayers are with you. Myrtle
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Eric's DeathPosted by Faith Thursday January 10, 2008 at 05:09 PM ESTThis is comment #27608.
Dear Karen, I can not tell you how sorry I am. I have been looking for updates about Eric for what seems to be a long time, and now this. Please accept my sincere sympathy. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I just don't have the words. Sincerely, Joanne
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concolencesPosted by Don_M Thursday January 10, 2008 at 05:19 PM ESTThis is comment #27609.
Karen, please accept my condolences for your loss. If my last words were "I love you", that would be a good death indeed. don M
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EricPosted by Toddy Thursday January 10, 2008 at 05:35 PM ESTThis is comment #27610.
Dear Karen, Please forgive my being slow to respond, my heart breaks a little with each loss and words always fail me. Please accept my deepest condolences. May God bless you and all the care givers for it's you who when all is said and done continue to suffer the most. Wishing you strength at this time, Toddy
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God's lovePosted by spirit1125 Thursday January 10, 2008 at 07:16 PM ESTThis is comment #27614.
Hello Karen.... just to tell you how sorry I am. May God keep you in his arms....through your time of sorrow... Maryanne
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Dear KarenPosted by irmaly Thursday January 10, 2008 at 07:27 PM ESTThis is comment #27617.
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Eric are an inspiration to all of us here. This walk through life can be a hard one, and nothing is harder than what you and Eric have been through. But how lucky he was to have you by his side and you to have him by yours. Eric will always be with you, and so will all of us here. Pam
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My Deepest CondolancesPosted by Jolene Thursday January 10, 2008 at 10:46 PM ESTThis is comment #27634.
Karen: I am so very, very sorry that Eric did not win his battle with lung cancer. How perfect that the last words on his lips were words of love and caring to you. You are so very young to have to go through the loss of a spouse. You are strong and that strength will help you in many difficult days ahead. May God give you comfort as your broken heart heals and beautiful memories that can sustain you until you meet again on Heaven's shores. Jolene
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So SorryPosted by HrtOfGold Thursday January 10, 2008 at 11:13 PM ESTThis is comment #27636.
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss. I have followed your post since May when my B/F of 7 yrs was diagnosis. I sit here and cry not knowing his fate, and yet feel your loss as well. Bless you and your family at this time Lynn
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Your LossPosted by janetrn Friday January 11, 2008 at 06:49 AM ESTThis is comment #27640.
Dear Karen, Although we never chatted before and I do not know your journey I am so sorry to hear about your husband. It always makes me sad when I read this and each time it gets more difficult for me. I hope you had some happy times and that you have friends and family to support you. No words can make it better for you but know that you have many people, including me, that never met you but feel your loss. I wish you well. Regard Janet
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EricPosted by nyka Friday January 11, 2008 at 06:56 AM ESTThis is comment #27641.
Karen, I am so very sorry for your loss. Your devotion and advocacy were an inspiration. May Eric rest peacefully. And I wish for peace for you and your family during this difficult time.
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So SorryPosted by dadsgirl Friday January 11, 2008 at 10:57 AM ESTThis is comment #27654.
Karen I am so sorry to hear Eric has passed away. I pray you find peace . You were an amazing caregiver to Eric nobody could have done more that you did. Be gentle with yourself in these coming months.I lost my Dad 2 months ago so I know there arent any words so I ll just send you love and prayers Lisa
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To KarenPosted by jeanluc Friday January 11, 2008 at 07:33 PM ESTThis is comment #27669.
Karen, I have followed your posts about Eric's and your journey. I was so sad to read of Eric's passing. I am currently travelling the same path with my own husband. I know this has been an incredibly difficult time for you. You have shown so much strength, courage, compassion and love. I have learned so much from you and Eric and I am in awe of your devotion and care for him. You and Eric were blessed to have each other. You are an amazing women. Surround yourself with love. It is time to take care of yourself. You deserve the best that life has to offer. jean
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My sympathiesPosted by arlene Friday January 11, 2008 at 08:14 PM ESTThis is comment #27671.
Dear Karen- i wish you the strength to get through what the next weeks will bring to you and your family and I hope and pray that you can find peace. I am so sorry for your loss of Eric. Hold fast to all of your happy memories and I believe you will be together again someday. Arlene
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God bless youPosted by lisadean Sunday January 13, 2008 at 01:29 PM ESTThis is comment #27730.
My heart is with you and your family... God Bless You.. Lisa
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BlessingsPosted by Sharon Monday January 14, 2008 at 01:29 PM ESTThis is comment #27806.
Blessings to you and yours. My heart is with you. Please know that you are lifted up by this community. SharonS
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EricPosted by greccogirl Monday January 14, 2008 at 05:18 PM ESTThis is comment #27817.
I am so very, very sorry. There are no words at a time like this. Eric is in a better place now, although at times I know that isn't much comfort. I am praying for you and him. Hang in there. Deb
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My Deepest Sympathy to YouPosted by WendyG Thursday January 17, 2008 at 08:44 AM ESTThis is comment #27947.
Karen- I am sorry to hear of Eric's passing. You and he led such an inspiring battle and I can only strive to be as excellent a caregiver to my mom as you have been for Eric. God Bless Eric. God comfort you. Wendy
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Re: EricPosted by Ray Monday February 4, 2008 at 09:50 AM ESTThis is comment #28951.
Dear Karen Please accept my belated condolances. I don't check here as often as I used to. I am trying to jump start my life. This disease is terrible and I just don't know what to tell you. Someday someone will be sent to correct this injustice. Ray
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Re: EricPosted by smiths-cindy Monday February 4, 2008 at 01:14 PM ESTThis is comment #28964. It was posted in reply to comment #28951.
I am so sorrry about the death of your dearly beloved husband, Eric. And, sorry this message is so late. My health complications since last Oct. have made typing almost impossible. I love you all, Cindy
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EricPosted by SabineTawni Friday February 15, 2008 at 09:11 PM ESTThis is comment #29621.
Dear Karen: I am so terribly sorry about Eric. I just found out as I have been away quite frequently over the last month or so. I have followed your battle for many months now, and it is just heartbreaking to see someone so young lose the battle. I am so very touched that his last words were I LOVE YOU. Again, I am so very sorry. Love, SabineTawni
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