Friday, April 22, 2011

Thinking about Krista and her Numbers



When Ed was diagnosed with a GBM (glioblastoma multiforme), I immediately began doing research on the internet. I was happy to find information regarding the disease, but not so happy to see the treatment options, the side effects of treatment, the statistics for survival.

While doing this research, I came across several blogs created by other persons with GBM. The one which I most connected with was the one by a woman named Krista.

The things that drew me to Krista and her story was the fact she was a woman, mother, Christian, and at the point I 'met' her, she had been declared 'cured' for over three years. In Krista's blog, she marked milestones by the months. Sometimes her blog title was a number...and that number might stand for how many months she was cancer free or how many times she had been to the doctor that week.

It was fun getting to have an inside look at Krista's family life and her medical life. She shared the good, the bad, the ugly and the pretty. She drew the perfect picture of how a person with a horrific disease can overcome, continue with life, and be filled with hope. 

What fascinated me most about Krista and her blog, was the fact that she had connected with a doctor that tried everything, stuff Ed's doctor doesn't seem to know or try.

Checking in with Krista, via her blog, became a weekly activity that I looked forward. Seeing that number show up as a title...and knowing it was more months that she was celebrating cancer free.

Until recently.

Krista's brain tumor didn't come back. Not exactly. But what it did do, was relocate to her spine. Earlier this year, after a most brave and heroic battle, Krista died. 

As sad as that is, I can tell you this, Krista was an angel on earth. To her children, her husband, and her followers. Her story is one that she wanted to share.

If you have time, and want to see true inspiration and bravery, please go to this site and read some of Krista's blog. ( http://onkristasmind.blogspot.com/ ) .  Her husband still posts little updates about himself and the children. I am sure they are having a tough time adjusting to her being gone, but doing this small thing probably helps him.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Ed is a Great-Grandpa!

Greyson...having sweet dreams!
Ed is a great-grandpa!

His granddaughter, Amber, gave birth to Greyson on Wednesday, March 23, 2011. Only a few days more and he would have been born on Ed's birthday...but he was ready to come out!

Ed was a great dad and grandfather, and he would have made a super great-grandpa too.

It's sad he isn't here to share the joy with us, but I know he knows all about Greyson and he is rejoicing in heaven!