Uncle Vern...

Two weeks ago, Austin’s Uncle Vern was admitted into the hospital due to leukemia. Vern was diagnosed with leukemia about 15 years ago and underwent chemo etc and was cancer free for many many years. Unfortunately, as a result of going through Chemo, he managed to get Parkinson’s disease and has been dealing with the tremors for years now. We got news last weekend that Vern wasn’t doing well, and that his cancer had come back. The doctors said that even when a patient is 100% healthy, there is only a 5% change of recovery from the type of leukemia that he has again. So, since Vern was in such poor health, they sent him to a hospice and said there was nothing else they could do for him. Absolutely awful. I haven’t had to deal with much death in my life, other than my grandparents but I was so far away from them since we lived in Canada and they all lived in Holland, that while it was sad, I did not have to actually cope with seeing death in the face. It’s hard to think about it. The doctors give him about two weeks, they say that his organs will begin to lose function. When he was transferred to the hospice on Wednesday, he did not look to well. But on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday he was in good spirits, talking and doing well.

A bunch of family came out to visit this weekend, to see Vern. Mainly Austin’s cousins from South Carolina and Florida, and his Uncle. It was fun to see them, although we all wish it could have been under different circumstances. We took a family picture with Vern on Saturday and it turned out really well.

What was really quite incredible, was that Cindy (one of Austin’s cousins) has a 4 month old baby named Lauren. Cutest little baby, and really well behaved too. Eats, poops, and giggles. One of the happiest babies I have ever met! Vern face just lit up every time Lauren came into the room, and he was happiest when he was holding her. It was just incredible to see. I’ve known Vern for about 4 years now, and honestly this was the first time I had ever seen him smile. Just too sweet.

Best wishes Vern for a peaceful, painless passing. We will miss you terribly, and NEVER forget you.