I just wanted to let those who have lent an ear, advice and prayers during this past year to know my brother, David passed this morning. He had entered an in-house hospice facility last week when the facial swelling had finally taken his eyesight. That is the devestation of this disease. First he lost his ability to eat, then his speech, his sense of taste and smell, then finally his eyesight. He never complained, but desperately wanted to see as he could not write notes to us without his vision. The hospice was able to reduce the swelling in one eye and that helped David alot.
His passing was so peaceful - he just stopped breathing - no movement or gasp. A high school friend who is now a preacher stopped by before he passed and our family gathered in a circle around David, holding his hand and each others as our friend prayed. David either passed during the prayer or the in the seconds following. We were all right here and I had just changed seats with my sister so she could set beside him and hold his hand for a while when she said, "He's gone." I was truly amazing and so gentle. For that I am so grateful. As my 6 year-old niece said, "That was our miracle, that Uncle Boo went so peaceful." And she is so right. Thank you God, thank you friends on this website. David is no longer suffering. He is no longer bound by this disease. We are sad at our loss, but David is still alive in our hearts and will forever be. He is always with us.
Are prayers are with each and everyone of you.
Tonya

1 Corinthians 2:9 " But as it is written, Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."

May you and your family find comfort in the love of Christ our Lord.

Bless you,
Barbara~

Tonya, What a blessing that he passed so peacefully with all his loved ones around him.This is a dreadful disease but you all gave him a truly beautiful ending despite it all. I hope you hang onto that in the days to come and remember him when he was healthy and happy.

Marcee & I send our condolances to you and your family over the passing of David. It was a very touching post. I take solace in knowing David suffers no more.
I hope thinking about all the good times you shared with David will help aeae the pain you are feeling now.

God Bless, Danny Boy

Tonya,

Your post was a beautiful tribute to David. I know he endured so much in the past several months, and it's been so sad for you to see what he went through, but I'm glad he was able to go peacefully.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Cathy

Tonya
Peace to you and your family. Thank you so much for the generous gift of sharing David's journey and the peace he experienced that hopefully waits for us all someday when we are free from this disease and all the fear. Out of the mouths of babes. Bless a new angel Boo.... Denise

Dear Tonya

Thankyou for sharing your experience and for your very touching post. I send condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts - it is heartbreaking that David was so young.

Love and light from Helen

Thank you all. I just returned from visiting with his wife and I didn't realize how difficult it would be to walk into the house and see the recliner, where he had spent so many sick days this past year, empty. Denise, thank you so much for your message, for I do believe Boo is a new angel and he will watch over his little girl from above as she grows and as we share with her the great love her father had and still has for her.
Bless you all and goodnight,
Tonya

Tonya,

With tears in my eyes I am writing this. You are a truly amazing sister. My two year old daughter Keeley I will keep you and your beautiful family in our nightly prayers.

Hugs,
Dani

I was thinking about you and your brother just yesterday and I wanted to email.

My heart is with you and your family!

Cindy