~Mighty Oak Has Earned His Wings And Halo...
 

My Mighty Oak just passed at 1:25 on October 16, 2009. I write in my fighting color because although an end to his body, his soul and mine will continue to fight breast cancer.

I thank you all for joining us on this horrific journey, for sharing your love and education. We could have never done this without you all. I know I am already forgiven for my abscence from my family for the time to come.

I will post funeral plans as I know some have inquired. I am so relieved for him, his fight has been anything but simple. For the lives I am about to save and prolong at work in the cancer foundation, I do it in his honor....in all of your honors, for the memories of those we have loved and lost.

Please accept a special thank you for the newbies and quiet family that have stepped to the plate to let their voice be heard at the times I have needed it the most. For the outpour of help and offers of rides....for loving me through the worst moments of my life. I love you all!

Thank you Ed, for teaching me things even moments before your death. I will be alright until we meet again and that all comes from loving you! I will continue to make you proud! I love you forever!
Marie...aka Believe51!!!

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My heart is just shredded and broken, but the minute I read this I got a vibration through my body, and I know our newest angel has already started his new job... he let me know.

Marie, all the love in the world. Prayers, comfort and peace through the next few days, weeks, months... your Mighty Oak is standing tall and protective over us all, especially you.

Today is my dear big brother's birthday, and I know that Ed is going to a fantastic party today... I know you know that it's a good one. My brother will make sure they say a toast to us. My bro was a mighty oak as well... standing 6'10" tall. He too was my protector and I know he is always keeping a good eye on us.

Re: ~Mighty Oak Has Earned His Wings And Halo...
 

Our deepest sympathies.
big hugs and love
sarah

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Though not a religious person, I send my send my sincere condolences for your loss. Ed's suffering is now over, Marie, and I wish you well for the future.

Mcgle (UK)

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Marie, I am so sorry to hear about Ed. He knew he was loved and he loved you back. Both of you hold a special place in my heart and will never be forgotten.

Sending Strength, hugs and healing prayers.

Karen

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Marie:( My thoughts already on FB and again, HUGE HUGS from me...

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Marie, I saw your sad news on FB where I replied also.
I'm so sorry..there are no words to express my sympathy and sadness. xxx

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So sorry to hear. You are both in my prayers

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Marie, I send you love and hugs to help you find peace. I have tears in my eyes because Ed and you fought with all the love you had for one another. The way you write all your posts is exceptional and translates what a fine person you are. I understand all the feelings you have and admire the way Ed and you went through these terrible months. Marie, we love you here. I hate this sickness. Michka

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Marie's & Ed's struggles, triumphs, and never-ending efforts have already blessed so many. I too believe that his arrival must have brought great celebration above! For your tasks at hand, I offer my love and prayers. You're one terrific lady.
Much love to you Mighty Marie as you begin your new journey.
ma

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Dearest Marie,

I have always admired you and Ed, the loving relationship you both shared and the way you supported each other encouraged me a lot. Praying for you , for strength at this difficult time. But as believers we dont have to feel sad because you will surely meet Ed once again. God bless you Marie

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Dearest Marie,

My deepest condolences.

You are a brave strong woman.

Love,
Dana

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Marie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in these difficult hours. Ed's strength and courage was a beacon to all of us that followed you on your journey.
May the love and memories of better times support you in the days to come.
And know we will never forget either of you.

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Marie - I've been checking in every day expecting to see this news, knowing it was coming, but so dreading to see it. Today reading your message I am filled with peace - a sad peace. Your fight - Ed's fight was horrific yet couragous and your including us in it on this site gave me such a model of grace, love and perserverence. I thank you both for that and for the continued fight and advocacy you will do to fight this disease. My sympathy to you, dear brave, gracious, and compassionate Marie. I know you will have and feel Ed's spirit walking with you in the days ahead. Pam

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Marie, I don't know what to say. You've allowed us to be part of your lives and all your triumphs, challenges and a part of seeing real devotion and love.
I cried when I opened this thread earlier this morning and I had to come back to it. Your wonderful Ed is no longer in pain and suffering so badly. He, and you, fought a good fight.
You are a true warrior and you have all of our respect and love. Stay strong, sweetie, we love you so much.
sue

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Marie - I am so so sorry for your loss. I was so inspired by your love for Ed and the continued strength and fight you both have showed through this journey. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. We love you.

Lisa

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For Marie

When I pass to my reward.
Whatever that may be,
I'd like my friends to think of me
As one who loved a tree.

I may not have a statesman's poise
Nor thrill a throng with speech
But I may benefit mankind
If I set out a beech.
If I transport a sapling oak
To rear its mighty head
Twill make for them a childhood shrine,
That will not soon decay.
Of if I plant a tree with fruit,
On which the birds may feed,
Then I have fostered feathered friends
And that's a worthy deed.
For winter when the days grow short
And spirits may run low
I'd plant a pine upon the scape
T'would lend a cheery glow.
I'd like a tree to mark the spot
Where I am laid to rest
For that would be the epitaph
That I would like the best. Tho it's not carved upon a stone
For those who come to see
But friends would know that resting there
Is he, who loved a tree
-- Samuel N. Baxter

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You must be exhausted. Please take good care of yourself. God bless Ed.

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Marie
Thank you for sharing your precious Ed with all of us over the past couple years, your strength, and committment are such an inspiration
Yet another angel watching over us from above~~~

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Marie my heart is just breaking for you. My prayers go out to you during this most difficult time.

Ed has his wings and will certainly be watching over you always.

sending many hug's to you.

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Marie,
I'm so sorry to hear but so relieved that our loved ones are now free from suffering. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You and Ed really are an inspiration to me. I will never forget your fiesty posts.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
love,
Sue

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Marie, My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. You are a shining example of what a true caregiver is...as well as a true soulmate. Your Mighty Oak is at peace now and as the seasons change, he will be with you always. May God keep you close. Ceesun

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Marie,

Despite your unrequested participation, both Ed and you have contributed so much to the lives and fights we all face in this thing called breast cancer.
I am very grateful to have been allowed to witness such love and dedication.

My best to you and your family-

Maria

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Marie,

I am so very sorry for your loss. I hope that your memories of Ed will comfort you in this difficult time. You will be in my thoughts.

Hopeful

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Marie:

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family. The Mighty Oak was a strong and true warrior and I know that will help him on his continuing journey.

Marie, you have been a super caregiver and Ed was so lucky to have you by his side. Please take excellent care of yourself and treat yourself kindly and compassionately. These are difficult times for you but I want you to know you are not alone. You and Ed will always be in our hearts and minds.

Lee

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Marie,

This is the first chance I have had to check in this morning. Please try to rest. My heart aches for you. Call you later.

Amelia

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Marie,

I'm so sorry to see the news about Ed. What a strong and loving wife you've been to him.

Sue

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Marie,

The world feels different to me this morning . . . just like it did when I lost my mom and then my dad. Everyone around me is going through their routine at work, school or home. But for me - this will be a day of mourning and a day of reflection. You and your wonderful Ed have touched me in ways you will never know. I have gained strength through your courage & I have gained knowledge through your wisdom.

Do you realize what you have done by sharing his story with us on this board? Your Mighty Oak has planted acorns in all of us. All across the U.S. and indeed the world, we have the seed of his memory planted deep within us and we will not let it go. I thank you for that, you have given us such a great gift.

Take care of yourself as you travel down this road not wanted. Some days will be rough and some will be better. You will see that time will be a gift, but it does take "time". You know we love you, you know I LOVE YOU. The mom in me wants to take away your hurt because I know it runs very deep - because you love Ed so deeply. But I can't. You have been brave for so long, but remember it is okay to not be brave for awhile.

You are in my prayers, as you have been since we spoke this summer. Finally, remember that even though it might feel like it - you are NOT alone.

With deepest sympathy,

Alice Larson Mueller

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Marie, I'm so sorry that Ed lost his battle with this damn cancer. I've been dreading reading this but like you, I'm telling myself that he is finally free from it. I don't know what else to say other than my heart goes out to you and Ed......

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((((Marie)))) Your HER2 family has said it all so eloquently....We love you and send our most sincere sympathy. Do your next work in tribute to Ed and for the good of us all. I wish you comfort and healing.

Barb A.

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On behalf of Joe, myself, our Board of Directors and the entire HER2 Support Group Community, I wish to send our most heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Hugs
Christine

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I'm breathing a breath of relief for Ed as his spirit soars freely today. I have to tell you, my husband, son and I did our local Soroptimist Walk for Life last weekend, and I got a pink balloon with Ed's name on it to honor his journey (I'll send a picture soon, the balloon is still on my special alter at home). My six year old son and I talked about Ed. I told him that Ed fought cancer for a long time, and now the cancer is too big and he is going to be an angel now. At first my son's response was of course, he'll be o.k. won't he? I told him, well, he's going to be an angel, soon. Then, he accepted that and said, "maybe we can ask his wife where his grave is and we can go there and wish him good luck being an angel!" Wow, my heart fluttered and I said that was a great idea, and that we could wish him luck from right here with our hearts. He held on tight to that pink balloon and guarded it loyally until it was safe at home in its special place.
My family and I are there in spirit, and wish we could be there to hug you. Thank you for staying in touch with us.
Love, Celeste

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Marie, Jen and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to you. We know that Ed is at peace at last from his long, brave fight. We wish peace and comfort for you also in the fond and loving memories you have of your life together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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Dear Marie,

Please accept my prayers and love. Your Ed was a warrior and a true fighter. You were a great voice for him during his fight. Thank you for being such a wonderful caregiver to Ed. I know that he could feel your love for him til the end. What more could one ask for.

Love,
Lexi

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Dear Marie,

I am so sorry for your loss. May Ed rest in peace with God. I pray for you to find peace.

love,
shobha

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Well, Sweet Marie

I've been holding my breath, along with you, for weeks. Thinking about what to say and knowing that no words are worthy, or necessary. You know you are gently but firmly wrapped in my love, and that you will go on. And that your Mighty Oak is now soaring, whole and complete and free from pain.

Very shortly after my mom died, I had a dream in which I was stuck in a large crowd moving through turnstiles - like into a concert or ball game. The crowd wasn't moving at all, it was stifling. My mom was standing on the railing separating the lines. No, she was actually dancing - doing a jig high above the rest of us. Joyful and free at last...

Much much love to you my sweet Marie.

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Dear Marie,

My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies are extended to you and yours. Praying you will find peace, strength and comfort in your faith and in the love of family and friends in the days ahead.

Blessings,
~Karen

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the Mighty Oak will live forever in your heart. Thank you for sharing your incredible love story with us. Big hugs and more hugs, chin up Marie so he can see your face.

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Dear Marie,

You have been so strong for Ed with all your love and care that has shone out on this site.

Take care.

Sending love.

Janie