Mitch,
Well, the day arrived for your surgery. We had so much hope hanging in the balance that this would help cure the cancer ravaging your body. This surgery might keep you here with us for many years to come.
I had a moment…
where I could feel and see all our loved ones who have left us come together at this moment surrounding you, Lexi, and me during this procedure. Your parents, both sets of my grandparents, your grandparents, and lil’ Makenzie, Matt and Susan’s little girl they lost way too soon. Their love and guidance was overwhelming.
We were also blessed to have Lexi there with us. It definitely helped restore my energy. Zach was with us in spirit. I often feel like he has the hardest part in all of this, since he isn’t able to get away from work.
The waiting Lexi and I had to do was excruciating.
We were the second group in the surgery waiting room, and the last to leave. In fact, all the waiting areas around us were all dark and closed. That did not help our anxiety. The reason for this delay was that post-op was having trouble getting your pain under control. But the great news came when Dr. Gupta stated the surgery was a success. We were so relieved to hear this! We were so anxious to see you. We needed that reassurance that only touching and seeing you could provide.
You have been so brave during this cancer struggle. I know there were many times up to this point when you would have liked to have quit because of how sick and fatigued you had become. You are my Superman!
Remember what you said before we went to the hospital the morning of your surgery?
“I’ve been thinking about my life, lately, and this is what it comes down to: I was blessed to grow up in a loving home; I had brothers who always had my back; I got to marry the woman of my dreams; I have two beautiful children, a boy and girl, whom I love and am so proud of; and my last prayer has been answered, too. I always prayed that if something “bad” was going to happen, that it would be me and not someone I love and care about. I am a lucky man!”
This sums up the wonderful person you are! My Simple Man. That is your song. The motto you live by. I am so very grateful to have you in my life, making me a better person.
What a loving couple. May God take all Mitch's cancer away. Praying For God to wrap his arms around both of you and hold you both close.
Donna,
We definitely are feeling God’s presence. He is carrying me in my grief and preparing to take Mitch to his heavenly home.
Hugs,
Nicole
This perfectly describes the butcher that my sister, Vicki, came to love as one of her own. We are indeed blessed to know and love such wonderful people. Hugs,
Chip n Chris Newell
Chris,
Aww, that means I have done justice to my husband. Nothing is better than that! I am happy that you were able to know the man he is/was. Everyone who is/was able to know him were blessed beyond measure!
Hugs,
Nicole
Your writing is so open and beautiful. Eye opening and tearful too. Thank you for sharing! Many prayers for Mitch, you and your family.
Penny,
Thank you so much for your kind words. The letters have been helping me process all that is coming too fast in a short amount of time. If I can help just one other person by being open about what my family and I are going through, then I will feel blessed.
Hugs,
Nicole
I understand exactly what you are saying & it resonates with me through so many of my families diagnosis's & surgeries & ultimate loss; especially recently as you know the loss our family has suffered. (losses) My heart aches so for you & your family & I read this with tears streaming down my face. You say what you feel so eloquently that I feel your pain. Thank you! You are brave, courageous & so loving! This pain is so much, too much! I am sad but also so so angry at cancer, I mean fighting mad. What a wonderful man you are married to as I love his comment about would rather have bad happen to him instead of who he loves. He is just the finest & so are you. Thank you again for putting yourself out there & sharing your pain it really does help others in pain & I mean that but I am SO sad!
Marianne,
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, your family is in my prayers everyday for all the heartbreak you all have had to endure in such a short amount of time. I feel like you all can not catch a break! I get angry at cancer too! It has torn too many families apart and will continue doing so unfortunately. I am grateful that my words are helping others. That is what it is all about!
Huge hugs,
Nicole
Your ability to share this incredibly painful process has been remarkably. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and letting others in. My continued prayers for all of you.
Sue,
Thank you for your kind words. If I can help just one person by sharing, it would be a blessing to our family.
Hugs,
Nicole
I am so in awe of the love and beauty evident in your writing, despite such heavy and hard circumstances. God bless you all.
Barb,
Thank you for your kind words. The letters are helping me through my grief.
Hugs,
Nicole
Hi, I saw your message on Facebook, I'm Thersa's Mother's cousin. You must live in Bottineau. Anyway I lost my husband in May, to 18yrs. of battling Cancer. In those 18 yrs. He had, had 7 different kinds of Cancer. So keep the fight, you have to keep at it. Is hard, but we did it. In the mean time I had breast cancer, so another battle, but I'm 13 yrs. Cancer free. So know both sides, being a victim and also a care-giver.
If you ever want to talk, write, send a e mail, would love to help you in any way. Prayers to you and Family. Best to you all.
Lois,
Thank you for reaching out. I will definitely keep you on my list of people to call.
Hugs,
Nicole
🙏🙏🙏🙏 Mitch you are a good and kind man! You have a wonderful family! Like you told me the day we went to Minot, whatever happens, I have had a great life, a beautiful, loving wife, two amazing kids, a great job. I have been blessed. We have been blessed to know you Mitch and thankyou for moving back so we got to know and love your beautiful family❤️
Diann,
You have me in tears reading your heartfelt message. Mitch is the most amazing human being. I keep saying that must be why he is needed in heaven to become an angel.
Hugs,
Nicole