Dear Friends and Family,
This is the email I hoped never to write. Yesterday Andy entered
hospice here at home. His decline since our return from Miami in April
has been fairly swift. He was able to take 3 rounds of immunotherapy
treatment at Mayo, but the tumors in his lungs continued to grow. Last
week it was time to decide if he would try to pursue yet another
treatment or work to minimize his discomfort and focus on each day. The
decision seemed clear and so we had a tearful phone call with his
amazing oncologist who validated our desire to maximize quality of life
from here on out.
Andy is on supplemental oxygen and enough pain meds that he sleeps
much of the day now (just in case you are a junkie you should know we've
got armed guards and toothed dogs at the doors). His family and closest
friends are here frequently. The girls and I are never alone, which is
good for now.
The spring back here in Wisconsin was glorious and Andy's wish to
watch it unfold has been granted over and over. From the daybed on our
porch he was able to watch the warblers fly in, the bulbs push up from
the ground and smell the sweetness of lilacs and locust buds wafting
through the air. The girls keep fresh flowers at his bedside, and I
bring news from the gardens frequently. He has had many beautiful and
meaningful moments with those he loves. Ten days ago, with his
determined spirit, he took a canoe ride down his beloved Kickapoo River
and though it tired him out greatly, there was not a moment of regret.
The sun shone on the sparkling water, the coolness of the bluffs touched
our skin and the quiet of the valleys reached into our souls. He
smiled the entire way.
If you would like to reach out to Andy, I recommend you send a
card, or write an email (to either of us) and I will be honored to read
to him your words. We ask that phone calls be kept to a minimum and of
course no drop-in visits, please. As Andy becomes less of this world
and more of the next our circle tightens and my focus remains on him.
Thank you for supporting us on this path, as you have every step of the
way.
You all know and love this man, his gentle reach is far and wide.
Please hold his vibrancy and light in your hearts and minds, lift him up
as he has done for us all. His love is unending.
With so much love,
Jonel and Andy
2 comments:
Jonel and Andy,
Your words are sad, loving, and brings a peace too. My dear cousin, Andy, the journeys you have embarked during our lives are awe-inspiring and deeply personal. You have always been one to help, teach and share your vast knowledge with any and every one. You are GREAT and beloved by all who know you and have been blessed to meet you. I deeply regret that I did not learn how to whittle or carve a spoon from you.
I love you with all my heart and carry the memories of happy holidays and numerous birthday gatherings of the Gorrill and Thompson family. The year we all got sleeping bags from Grandma/Pa B&B to have our annual New Year's party sleepover at their house. The games everyone would play after dinner and walks to the park near their house in Golden Valley. The summer pool party at your house in Corcoran.
I will miss seeing your beautiful smile and soul but know that your amazing girls have inherited some of that from you and from Jonel. I love you, my cousin.
Always and forever.
Kristine
P.s. Jonel - please know that we'd love to have to come by and stay with us. We all love you and the girls and hope to see you soon. All my love.
Dear Andy, Jonel and the girls,
Our hearts are with you daily as you support Andy back to the rainbow bridge. We only met you briefly a handful of times, but we felt a deep connexion with your beautiful souls and the deep peace that emanates from all of you.
We are holding you in our light and love in this very hard moment.
Catherine, JF and the girls
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