Caryn is an angel now

[eric]

After a long and courageous battle Caryn passed away yesterday. She was the best friend I've ever had, the love of my life and an amazing mother to my children. My hope was that she would be around long enough to benefit from the "miracle" drug that would help us avoid this day until she reached a ripe old age. Unfortunately, it did not happen but I believe that the day of radically changing this fight is not far off. I could not have gotten through all of this without hope and YOU!!!!. You and this site were an incredible blessing. You provide love, compassion, support and amazing strength. What an amazing group of people. I will be eternally grateful. I will continue to pray for all of you and I want to continue to watch and post as much as I can while I take care of my children. Please know that you made an amazing impact on me. During a time of my life when I felt incredibly scared and helpless you helped me feel less so. I can never thank you enough. God Bless each and all of you.
Eric

[DonnaD]

Eric,
My heart is breaking. I am so sorry. Please know you and your children will continue to be surrounded in prayers.

You and Caryn are our heroes. We will never forget how Caryn fought this terrible dragon and in doing that has helped many others. You have been by her side every step of the way. Your devotion to your best friend, the love of your life and mother of your children has made an huge impact on our lives that we will never forget.

We now have another angel watching over us.
Donna

[Pam P]

Eric my sincere sympathy to you and your children. I am so sorry Caryn's life was cut so short by this terrible disease. A terrible loss for you all - for us all. I wish you all strength, courage and peace as you continue on; and I hope through your tears and grief you'll feel Caryn's presence and love surrounding you.

[Kim in DC]

Eric,
You were a devoted husband. You have not only supported Caryn but everyone on this site. Please find comfort in knowing that you did everything you could do to your wife. I am praying for you and the kids
Kim

[Mary Jo]

Dear Eric,

Sincere and heartfelt compassion I feel for you and your children today. I'm sorry for your loss.

We are here for you. May God's peace surround you and your children and may you be comforted in your grief.

Love and prayers surround you.

Mary Jo

[Sheila]

Eric
Please know you and your children are in our hearts and prayers at this difficult time....you were such a rock for Caryn and your children....you shared the deep love and caring for her to the very end....what a role model.
Please continue to let us now how you and the children are doing...you have helped so many of us on your own personal journey, and your presence on this board is needed.

[Yorkiegirl]

Eric my heart is just breaking right now for you and your children. What a courageous battle Caryn fought.

Your love for Caryn was shown so much for thru your post's.

May God wrap his arms around you and your children during this most difficult time.

My heart is with you and your children. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Just we are all here for you and your children.

[Lori R]

Eric,
I am so sorry to hear of Caryn's passing. I hope that you and the kids can take comfort that Caryn is now an Angel and will continue to surround you with love.

You and Caryn are such an inspiration and example for us all on the site and we have all benefited greatly by your outpouring of love and generosity.

I am praying for continued strength, peace and confidence in your comittment to emotionally support your children and family.

You are an amazing person!!!

Love....Lori

[Mary Anne in TX]

Oh, Eric, I'm so, so sorry about Caryn's going way too early. It feels like so little to only pray for you and your family, but I do send my prayers and love. What a blessing you and Caryn have been to us. ma

[jhandley]

Dear Eric
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jackie (down under)

[sassy]

Eric,

Please know that I will keep you, your children, and your entire family in my thoughts and prayers. You and Caryn have fought the good fight; she will remain with you all in your hearts.

[BonnieR]

Eric, you were Caryn's world through all of this. I honor you for that. God bless you and the children.

[Hopeful]

Eric,

I have no words. You and your children are in my thoughts.

Hopeful

[caya]

Eric,

I am so sorry to hear of your beloved Caryn's passing. She certainly was a true warrior, with you her stalwart supporter by her side.
I send my love and prayers to you, your children and Caryn's extended family.

all the best
caya

[notamrnpsn]

Eric, I am praying for all of you, Caryn fought the good fight with grace and dignity. May she be at peace in the arms of the Lord. , Jeanette

[Diane H]

Dear Eric, this is such sad news, my heart goes out to you and your family. May strength and comfort be with you always.

Diane

[Christine and Joe]

We hate this damned disease. It has taken so many good people.

Our most heartfelt condolences for both you and your children. They will need you now more than ever.

Hugs, Love and Light
Christine and Joe

[Shobha]

Eric,

I am so very sorry to hear about Caryn. From everything you posted about her, her strength and grace amzed me. You had written so many times that she never complained and fought as hard as she could and now I pray that she will rest in peace.

I am praying for you and your children.

hugs,
shoha

[WomanofSteel]

Eric, I am so very sorry to hear of Caryn's passing. Both of you were very brave in your fight. You were there for each other. I send my prayers and condolences to you and your children. I know it is a difficult time for you, but you must be strong for them. God bless you.

[Believe51]

Sweet Eric and Family, my heart simply breaks for you and your loss of this rather incredible woman. We have been so blessed to have her in our lives for what short time we shared together. I write knowing that mere words cannot take your pain away, but with the knowledge that our Angel Caryn no longer feels pain, she is free from all fear, the personal battle over. Caryn embraces comfort and peace and her fight was never lost; the cancer got bigger than her. Her valiant battle against this monster was heroic and that of a total Warrior.

Eric, as I face the same fate with my husband I can only say that I hope I can be as brave and have as much unselfish grace as you. Your love for her shined through without a doubt and you have made me proud of knowing you, you are quite a special person too. I will paste Caryn's name on my 'In Rememberance' shirt and wear it proudly as her memory shall burn bright for me during my lifetime. Caryn shall live on through the people whom loved her forever. May you be comforted during this hardship of grief and know that continued prayers for your family will be encompassed through each of my days. I am so sorry Eric.>>Peace.....Marie & Ed

[Faith in Him]

Eric,

My heart is breaking for you and the children. You can be very proud of the way that you and Caryn fought this.
I pray that God comforts you during this difficult time.

Tonya

[Ellie F]

Eric
My heart goes out to you and your children. I echo Joe and Christine that this damn disease has robbed too many families of their wives, partners and mothers.
You both fought so hard and with tremendous courage and grace.
You and your children are in my prayers and your lovely wife at peace.
Love Ellie

[Margerie]

I am so sorry Eric. You are such a wonderful husband. Heartbreaking. Wishing you and the kids peace and stength.

[christie]

Dear Eric,

Caryn is in a place where there is no more pain and suffering. She was a brave and courageous lady and with such a loving family, i am sure she was really blessed,
We must celebrate her life and i am sure she would like to see you all happy. So please take courage and thank God for all the wonderful things she brought into your life.

[lexigirl]

Dear Eric,

I am so sorry. Please know that Caryn was inspirational to all of us. What a terrific husband and friend you were to her. I pray that you and your children will somehow be able to find comfort during this very sad time.

Hugs and Prayers,
Lexi

[RhondaH]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers and with you and your family. Take care and God bless.

[ammebarb]

I send my deepest sympathy.

Barb A.

[Ceesun]

Dear Eric, I have tears in my eyes and an ache in my heart as I tell you how sorry I am. May God hold you, your children, and family and friends close. Sincerely, Ceesun

[Terri B]

Eric,

I cannot pretend to know your anguish right now. You both fought so hard. Hugs for those beautiful children that you and Caryn so lovingly created. She lives on through them.

[Vi Schorpp]

to you, your children, and Caryn's family. I know how it feels to lose a spouse and it's indescribable. It is the most intimate relationship you can have with another person and it feels very raw. There's a vulnerability component to it because no one knows you quite like Caryn did. The blessing of your marriage to Caryn is the children you have. It's hard to see your children mourn, when you're hurting too. You could not have done more for Caryn than you did. You were amazing!

[GemmaG]

My heart goes out to you and your children. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Caryn is at peace now with our Creator. God Bless you and your children.
Love,
Gemma

[alicem]

For Eric:

Praying God will comfort you as you grieve the loss of your special angel, Caryn. At a time when words fall short, may God answer each prayer spoken for you with strength of heart, peace of mind, and comfort in the midst of your sorrow.

For your children:

You were such a special part of your mom's life, and she was so proud of you. Remember always that you brought much joy to her life. May God help you when you are feeling sad, and remind you of just how much you will always be loved.

My sympathy and prayers to all of you, and to your extended family.

Alice

[Marlys]

Eric,
Someday God will see fit to help us understand why these tragedies must occur. In the meantime you and the children are in my prayers.
Love & hugs,
Marlys

[Lien]

I am so sorry, for her, for you and for your children, that she didn't get more time to wait for the "wonder drug".

I hope you will be supporting your children the way you have Caryn. And that you will find the support you need to get through this terrible loss.

My heart goes out to all of you. And to all of us, for we will miss Caryn too. She is one of us. She allways will be.

Hugs

Jacqueline

[freyja]

You and your family seem to have faced your challenges with honor. You were always positive, and were very admirable with your ability to avoid the natural responses of anger and resentment, and you helped her make the journey to the other side with love and confidence, hope and generosity on her side. Her spirit must be at peace knowing there is so much love for her. We will all miss her, and we're all here for you to share any feelings you want to share. The doctors and scientists who are searching for those new discoveries are learning from people like her. She made a big impact on the world in many ways.

Today I wear black and my HER2support pin for her.

Bless you and your children Eric, Love Celeste

[StephN]

Dear Eric -
You know how we rally our energy around those in need on this board. In the past you have been one of those sending sympathy and love. Now receive our heartfelt support for strength in the coming days and weeks.

We know you did everything humanly possible to keep Caryn in the fight. Thank you for the expression of appreciation for Joe, Chris and this site.

The ache in my heart is a mix of feelings - all of which have been expressed above.

[Jackie07]

Eric,

You are an amazing spouse. I am sorry for Caryn's passing and I hope and pray that you and the children will be consoled by the beautiful memory she had left with you.

Joe and Christine had expressed what we really felt at heart. I am glad to know that you will continue to help us out on the board.

Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.

[hutchibk]

Oh Eric, my heart is broken in pieces for you and your children. I am so sorry. We love you and Caryn deeply. Thank you for sharing her with us. You both fought so valiantly and courageously. She was lucky (and very proud I suspect) to have you fighting for her and looking out for her. God has a beautiful new angel who will be looking out for you and your children now. Deepest love and prayers to you at this time.

[nitewind]

Eric, I am so heartbroken to hear this news. We have all had Caryn on our minds and have been praying constantly.
You were so fantastic, she was blessed to have you at her side.
May God bless you and your children.

[chrisy]

Eric,
I'm not even going to read anyone's response here, I expect I will say much the same thing.

I am so saddened by this news, and wrap you and your family in loving prayers.

I think Caryn was always an angel, she has just moved on - whole and complete in God's embrace.

You are also an angel. I've learned and gained so much strength from you and Caryn's example. Caryn fought so hard, with you beside her. I can't imagine what you are going through - although I do imagine it all the time just with different faces (my family's faces).

What I would hope for myself and my family (aside from, as you called, radical changes in the fight) is that they would stand with me, fight for me and love me with even half the grace and passion that you have held in your fight.

I would hope to be as courageous and determined as Caryn was. I would hope that my husband, sister and niece would never feel they failed, would never let themselves be without love, and would find sunshine and joy again soon. And that they would know I would never leave them, I would always be as close as a memory and if they ever needed my advice, they could just ask "what would aunt chris say?" then listen to their hearts.

With much sorrow and love,
Chris

[IRENE FROM TAMPA]

This news breaks my heart to hear and like so many on this site - I send you and your family my prayers.

I hate this disease

[Barbara H.]

Dear Eric,
From the very first time I read your posts I was so impressed with your compassionate care and willingness to give everything in your power to Caryn and to help her in her recovery. Caryn will still continue to be a part of you and your children. All that she gave to you will stay with you.

Nevertheless, my heart just breaks for you, and I was so sad to open this forum and read your message. Thank you for thinking of us during such a difficult time, because all of our thoughts have been with you, Caryn and your children.

Yes, you will worry about your children, but the care you will give them, and the memories and stories you will tell them will help them the rest of their lives. I have had students in my class who have lost parents. Of course it's hard, but with you as their father, and with the support from friends and family they will make it and become strong and caring individuals.

Still, my thoughts remain with you and your family, and it is impossible for me to really comprehend how hard it must be for you.

With heartfelt thoughts,
Barbara H.

[Chelee]

Eric, My heart breaks for you & your childern. Caryn fought so hard, and was so blessed to have such a loving & dedicated husband by her side.

My deepest condolences to you & your family.

Chelee

[chrisy]

Eric,

I just wanted to add, I hope you do find it within you to continue to be part of this forum - it is such a gift to us. Please lean on us as much as you want or need to because we love you and would do anything we can to support you.

Your first priority is yourself and your kids; you must of course focus on what is most important to your own needs. Post here as you feel you can, but mainly do whatever is necessary to care for yourself, including taking time away from "this" family if that serves you best. We'll be here if you need us.

We love you.
Chris

[michka]

Dear Eric. I am so sad and you are so brave. I will always remember Caryn's fight and the way you were besides her. My heart is with you and the children. Michka

[Julie2]

Eric,

I just prayed that this day should not come. I feel so much pain in my heart. Please take care of yourself and the kids.

Julie

[Andrea Barnett Budin]

Oh dearest Eric,

My heart is with. You and Caryn have fought so very bravely and with such grace, we all stand in awe. It is a true honor to know such remarkable people. Even in the midst of your most challenging trials, we can see that your love has somehow carried you. The love you share with Caryn has been so obviously radiant, I believe you will keep her in your heart forever. Surely, though she has passed on to another realm of being, her Soul endures, and is full of her love for you and for your children. It will be so eternally...

Your strength of character will continue to guide you through this most difficult and unwanted time. I know you will be there for your children, as you are a man who is brimming with an angelic determination and devotion. I so admire you, Eric.

We each need such a hero in our lives, especially as we face this life-threatening disease. Your best friend and the love of your life is at peace now. No more pain. No more struggle. Now watching over you as there is no other place she would rather be. I believe she can hear you, and if you listen very quietly, you will hear her. Feel her presence. Let it comfort it.

Your love kept Caryn fighting on to the very end. It surrounded her and buoyed her. It caressed her and coddled her. You gifted her with that. Good for you.

I am sending you prayers to help console you and know how much your family means to all of us here. Our thoughts are with you. I wish you could feel the hug I am giving you, a token of my solidarity with you. I can feel how heavy this burden has been and I am so very sorry. I deeply want you to know this.

I know you will rally the fortitude to be there for your beautiful children, as they grieve and throughout their lives. Deep inside you, I haven't a doubt that you know how important you are to them, now more than ever. Caryn is counting on you to carry on, for her, and for them.

It is much too soon. I wish, as we all do, that Caryn's life could have been spared, that she could have grown old and gray by your side. I do believe though that this is not the end of Caryn's story. She lives on, albeit in another plane, and will patiently wait for you. She will be there for you with open in arms -- in time. It is not time yet. I so wish it could have different, but we must accept the unacceptable at times. I am shaking my head, wishing I could make it all go away yet aware how helpless I am to do this.

Eric, please trust that you are significantly needed to carry on here, in her name, in her honor...

With much love, Eric,
Andi

[Tom]

Dear Eric,

There is nothing for me to say other than I am profoundly sorry that you and your children have lost your sweet Caryn. May God rest His loving hand on your shoulder as you work through this. You are all in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Tom

[AbbyDawg]

Eric ~

I know you understand that we are all at a loss of words and so wish we could be there to comfort you and your families.

Starting many years ago, my friends and families have all included, "On Eagles' Wings" as tradition in funerals. It seems to bond us in understanding as we all can remember the joy and heartbreak of times before. If you post the time of Caryn's funeral, I will play it here.

God bless you all ... dearly.


On Eagles' Wings
(Michael Joncas)

You who dwell in the shelter of the Lord,
Who abide in His shadow for life,
Say to the Lord: "My refuge,
My rock in whom I trust!"

Chorus: And he will raise you up on eagle's wings,
Bear you on the breath of dawn,
Make you to shine like the sun,
And hold you in the palm of His hand.


The snare of the fowler will never capture you,
And famine will bring you no fear:
Under His wings your refuge,
His faithfulness your shield.


You need not fear the terror of the night,
Nor the arrow that flies by day;
Though thousands fall about you,
Near you it shall not come.


For to His angels He's given a command
To guard you in all of your ways;
Upon their hands they will bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.


Adaptation of Psalm 91

[Patb]

I am so very sorry. I will be praying for your family
in the coming days to give you strength to carry on.
I am so very sad today. Take care and know we care,
patb

[ElaineM]

I am so sorry to read your news Eric. Caryn is a special person to all of us. She is watching over you, the children and all of us now. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts with us. Please feel free to drop by for a visit whenever you can.
Peace,
ElaineM

[Bill]

I'm so very sorry, Eric. You and yours will be in my thoughts and prayers. She will be watching over you and your children. Please take some comfort in knowing that you both did the very best that you could possibly do. Please keep in touch and drop by whenever you want to. Love to you and yours, Bill

[sally]

Eric, I am very sad to hear of Caryns' passing. You are a fighter and you will get through this tough time. Your posts tell me that you will be O.K. and you will be there for your kids. Stay strong and hang in there. Sally

[flynny]

Eric, your devotion to Caryn is such a wonderful gift. Losing someone so special is never easy. Your children are very lucky to have such a caring and loving father. I am so sorry for your loss and sending out lots of cyber hugs. I pray that time will heal you and that your children, friends and family will comfort you continuously! Thank you!

[Gerri]

Eric,

May your love for Caryn and the life you shared carry you through this time of grief. Keep her memory alive with your children - it will mean so much to them as they grow.

You are an amazing man.

['lizbeth]

Eric,

It is hard to find the words to tell you how badly I feel that you didn't get a miracle so you could have a long and happy and healthy life with Caryn. I will include you and your children in my prayers.

'lizbeth

[Patty F]

Eric, I am so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your children in my prayers.

[CindyE]

Eric,
My thoughts and prayers continue for you and your family. I am deeply sadden by the news of Caryn's passing but I know that she is now free. Free from this earth's diseases, pains, and struggles. Those of us left behind have to try and deal with the loss of our loved ones. I know first hand that it is never easy. We can only draw upon our faith in our loving Lord to help us through these times. May God bless you and your children. We are all here for you and continue to support you through this difficult time. Please stay in touch and know that Caryn is waiting for you when the time is right for you all to be reunited in her loving arms.

[vickie h]

Dearest Eric and family,
It is through tears that I write this tonight. You held each other so close and have been a shining example of love, compassion and faith to all of us. Please know that we are still praying for you and the children as you go through the days ahead...we love you and thank you for always being there...for your kindness and support.
I am at a loss for words, nothing can come close to understanding what you are going through right now. May you find comfort in the love that surrounds you today and all days.
Much love,
Vickie

[hermiracles]

Dear Eric - blessings and prayers for you and your family.
Hermiracles

[Audrey]

(((Eric))), I am so very sorry to read of Caryn's passing. You and your children have my sympathy and wishes for peace and strength in the days ahead.

[Becky]

Dear Eric

My heart is breaking for you. Caryn was a courgeous fighter with you at her side. I am so sorry. You and the children are in my heart and in my prayers.

[Unregistered]

So sorry. It's been awhile since I've checked in. Thanks for all your posts. Bev

[harrie]

Oh Eric, my heart goes out to you and your family. What a battle she and you fought! Her body may have passed but her spirit must be as strong and free as ever. May her love continue to grow within you forever and ever.
I am so glad you are here with us. You are one of us and we are part of you!
Much aloha,
Maryanne (HarrieCanarie)

[karenann]

I am so sorry Eric. Prayers being sent to you and your family.
Karen

[MJo]

Caryn was blessed with a good husband. Your children are blessed with a caring father. I am so sad that Caryn couldn't "make old bones." Please take care of yourself during this difficult time.

[Colleens_Husband]

Eric:

Your courage through all of this tremendous difficulty has been just amazing. You inspire all of us. I am so sorry for your loss.

Please know that Caryn, your children, your family, and you are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.

Lee

[lkc Gumby]

Eric, I am so sorry fo the loss of your precious Caryn. I will keep you and your children in my prayers. I pray that the happier memories of Caryn will comfort you through these difficult days.
There is a blessing in that Caryn had you and your love and knew her children would be cherished by their loving father in her absence.
God Bless.

[juanita]

i am so sorry to hear this. i am sending lots of prayers for you and your family and hugs for them kids. god bless all of you!

[suzan w]

Oh, Eric, my heart breaks again for another of our dear "family" and her family. Every day that we manage to eke our once the dreaded cancer word enters our lives is indeed a miracle. Your lives were filled with many miracles. Caryn, and your whole family, are troopers in this long war. Thank you for sharing your lives with us. I hope you will keep in touch through this next difficult phase of things. Much love, Suzan

[schoolteacher]

Eric,

I am so sorry to read this. I will be praying for you and your family.

Amelia

[Cal-Gal]

Eric,

My heart breaks for you and your family. I send loving thoughts and prayers out to all of you, and to Caryn that she enjoys love and peace as a true Angel watching over all of you.

[Jean]

Dear Eric,
Your devotion and love for Caryn was a special gift.
May you and your children find peace and comfort during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.


Sadly,
Jean

[Montana]

I'm very sorry to hear about Caryn.

[janieR]

Eric,

I just do not know what to say except I am so sad for you and your lovely family losing Caryn.

I wished I had known her .

Janie

[mmoons]

Eric-

My heart just broke to read your news. Please know how sorry I am. How very tragic and I am so sorry. Really, words escape me.

I am praying for you and your children...and weeping for your loss of Caryn.

Maureen

[duga35]

Eric,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Please hang in there. Better days are ahead...

Doug

[jones7676]

Eric,

So sorry for you and your family for your loss. Many people have shared many special words with you and I support what they have said and hope you recover.

[Ruth]

Eric,

I was so saddened to read this news. You were a wonderful loving support to Caryn and so many people here. Your children will help you make it through as you will help them. They are fortunate to have such a loving daddy. Thinking about you.
Ruth

[Gabrielle]

Eric,

God bless you both -- you have been inspiring for us. I'm so sorry.

-Gabrielle

[Jaimieh]

Eric,
I am so sorry to hear about Caryn becoming an angel. I will continue to pray for your family.

~Jaimie

[Kavy]

Eric,
I am so sad to read about Caryn's passing. She was a fighter, and so were you. You were a loving and devoted husband who never gave up. You were both blessed to have each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children in this difficult time.
KarlaV.

[tricia keegan]

No words are sufficent but please know you'll all be in my thoughts Eric..

[Leslie's sister]

Eric:

I just read the news today about Caryn. I'm so sorry. We have been praying for her a long time. You have been a wonderful husband and caregiver to her. I will pray for God's peace for you. Again, I'm very sorry.

Lisa

[Sherryg683]

Eric, I don't know what to say at this time but that I am sorry. May God keep you and your family under his wing and get you through this till you are together again..sherryg

[SoCalGal]

Every time I log on I just can't think of the right words to say. My heart goes out to you Eric, and to your family for your loss. It is clear what a special and loving relationship you shared with Caryn, and I find that those we loved so deeply live on in our hearts. I wish you moments of peace and clarity and the strength to continue to lead your kids towards healing. Flori

[Carolyns]

Eric,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Carolyn

[harrie]

Oh Eric,
I am so sorry to hear of Caryn's passing. I pray that her continued love and spirit give you and your children much strength to continue on.
blessings to you and thank you for being there for us.
Maryanne