It is unimaginable that today marks eight weeks since we all lost John.   At times it seems like a week or days, yet it is all a blur and we live in a fog.  Before John's diagnosis he traveled quite a bit, so at times I feel like he is just on a business trip and he will be home.  When I finally get myself to bed about 1am, it feels very real.  When I wake up alone, it is just as real.   I have a feeling life will continue to follow that path for quite some time.   The kids and I have marked Nick starting his new assignment at The Climate Pledge Arena, Kyle having a birthday and moving to the ASU Hockey Arena, and Alexa moving to The University of Alabama (where she is doing great and in a sorority).   I marked our 29th wedding anniversary alone (well Nick and I had dinner out which was nice and, my nephew Josh took me to happy hour two days later so... not really alone) and we are about to embark on Nick and Alexa's birthdays, as well as parents weekend at UA with just one parent (and Nick).  I am grateful every minute for my faith that reminds me that John is Home and gives us all strength to make it through each hour,  each day and more.  We are setting our feet on the floor each morning and doing our best to honor my Husband and their Dad in living our lives in a manner that would make him proud.  He is watching us - he's let me know that many times. 

After nearly two years it is time for me to close this page.  This page has been a saving grace in communicating with you all.  So many people loved John and reached out and I simply wasn't able to give everyone the time and responses you all deserved.  To date there have been over 16,300 visits to this page checking on John's condition and offering love, support and strength.  John always knew when I did an update, as he would get texts, calls or emails expressing love and support.  This page brought John, the kids and I a sense of tremendous support from all over the country.  We thank you and are very grateful.  Through out this journey and the 50 journal entries you all have always been our rock.  I am able to have everything printed out and someday the kids and I will look back in awe of the last two years and see everyone's support.  I took a peak at a couple posts from year one and it set me back seeing what John went through but, knowing you all were by our side made it all possible. Truly.

Today I met with David Mortenson and Dan Johnson to discuss how Mortenson would like to honor John.    Their plan, as usual, was overwhelmingly generous.  I should say it never ceases to amaze me how good our Mortenson family is.  Today they truly amazed me again.

As for the UW Pancreatic Research site we started in lieu of flowers, together we have raised $18,575!  Because I am OCD (kind of like John filling up his gas tank - always had to be even - kids have the same issue :-) I will round that to $20K.  That is on top of the prior years contribution from the Seattle Office and John and I, which brings that total to $70K!  Oh wait.... and then their is David and Dan's call today.  Mortenson will be donating $100k to create a "Nowoj Family Research Acceleration Fund" specifically for pancreatic cancer.  To say the kids and I were overwhelmed does not describe it.  $170K towards research in hopes of a cure and other families, friends and colleagues not living this pain.  John was always so disappointed when he wasn't eligible for a trial, so I know this is making him smile.

Just when I thought I was speechless the conversation continued.  Not only is Mortenson honoring John with such a generous contribution toward the UW Medical Research Acceleration Fund, they are starting a scholarship fund in The Nowoj Family name specific to Construction Management where both he and Nick received their Construction Management Degree at Washington State University (Go Cougs!).   Mortenson is donating $100K toward this scholarship.  The fund will help students in need each year with a $4K scholarship towards their tuition.   Upon learning of their generosity I committed to donating $25K for a total scholarship of $125K.   As Dan said today, John's name will live on forever.  It is beyond breathtaking, kind and generous.  It will be such an honor for the kids and I to be a part of selecting the recipients of this award each year.  

While John's life was cut very short something very good is coming from it.   His love for construction and his WSU Cougars will carry his name.  And the University of WA Medical Team that worked tirelessly with every ounce of attention toward John to live a full life will advance to help other families not have our pain.  Dr. Coveler and Dr. Sham are our hero's and these funds will help them help other families like ours.

I read something a few days ago. "It is not betraying the memory of someone you love to have joy in your life.  That is honoring them."  While we aren't feeling joy on a daily basis this brings us great joy and, John is being honored more then we could have ever imagined.

In closing, words will never express our appreciation for the overwhelming love and support you all have shown us.  Some with cards, with notes, with calls, with food, with texts, with visits, with help at the house, with kind thoughts and many with prayers.   And, the continued support since John has passed has meant just as much.  Without your calls, texts, emails, cards, visits and get togethers these last eight weeks would have been much longer.  Sharing stories, hearing new stories and sharing memories is what gets us through.  

In closing, and with the utmost love and appreciation I would like you all to not think of John being gone but to realize how blessed we all were to have had him.

Love, respect, appreciation and gratitude,

Liz, Nick, Kyle, Alexa and, on behalf of John

forever a family of 5