This morning Cheryl, my mom, passed away. She was diagnosed with appendix cancer in November of last year and was on hospice at home for about three weeks before she passed. I know this heart-breaking news does not come as a shock to many as she has been sick for sometime, but for many of us, her passing is a reminder of the good things she has brought to our lives. 
For those that know my Mom, we find it very fitting that she would pass away on a Sunday. We believe that she is in Heaven where she has always wished she could go after she dies. Mark, my Father and her husband, was in the room with her when she passed and we find solemn in the fact that she went peacefully in her sleep. All of her children are home to mourn her together and we are blessed by that fact. 
Our Mom was such a selfless person and it was so hard to watch her suffer this last year, as difficult as it is to begin life without her we can celebrate that she is in a better place. 
Thank you to all the friends, family, nurses and doctors who have sacrificed so much for her throughout this process. We are blessed by our community and we cannot thank you all enough. 
Please keep our family in your prayers as we navigate this time of transition. We are a strong family because of the way my Mom loved us and we are doing everything we can to remain close now. 
We will have a celebration for Cheryl in a few weeks, her idea- she doesn't like the term 'funeral', to honor her life and we will post the dates and times here for anyone wishing to attend. 
If you feel so led, please feel free to comment about the ways you've seen the Lord work through Cheryl's life because I know that is something that would bring her joy, now us joy too. 


(In leiu of flowers or gifts, Cheryl wishes that all gifts be given to bless 'Fort Wilderness' if you feel so led. You may send checks saying in 'Cheryl's Honor' or donate at https://www.fortwilderness.com/give or by calling 715.277.2587)