After battling cholangiocarcinoma for over 25 months, God called my wife of 47 years up to Heaven on March 17, 2021. To say she battled the cancer is an understatement. She had to fight hard every day to keep her spirits up and not let depression creep in. She had to fight hard every day to keep from looking ahead to the end of her time with us. She fought hard every day to not once ask the question “why me?” She fought hard every day to ignore the pain from procedures, surgeries, and the scars left on her body. She fought hard every day until she had nothing left.

She passed away in peace with her family around her at home. As sad as we are, we are glad there are no more blood tests or scans, or holding our breath waiting for the results. No more tubes. No more procedures or surgeries. No more trips to the emergency room. No more extended hospital stays. No more tears.

The last two years were a roller coaster of emotions for all of us. We can take solace in the fact that we tried everything to cure Peggy. She had 5 different types of chemo, in addition to radiation and eventually immunotherapy at The James Center in Columbus. Sometimes I think she kept going for her family when her mind and body were telling her to stop. Peg had so many complications and side effects resulting from the cancer and treatments that any of them could have taken her life. But ironically, what probably took her life was the very immunotherapy that was keeping her alive. She knew the risk to her organs, but took it in stride anyway.

They say every cloud has a silver lining. This cloud had several. We met some truly wonderful doctors, nurses and aides. And all the friends and family that reached out to our family through phone calls, texts, cards, flowers, food, CaringBridge, and prayers left us speechless. This was a good reminder to us that God put plenty of good people in this world - you just don’t always hear about them.

The family thanks you all. As Peggy said multiple times, she truly could feel the prayers. Peggy’s journey brought our family even closer together and closer to God, which was His master plan all along I’m sure. The time we spent caring for her was no burden at all. We enjoyed spending the time with her and were glad to repay her in some small way for all the love she’s given us over the years.  I want to thank God for putting Peggy in my life for 55 wonderful years. She was made for me, as Fr. Mark would say.

When this all began in February 2019, in one of my earlier posts, I asked “is God always good?” My answer is still yes, but I might think about it a little longer when asking myself the same question this time around. We will never understand God’s ways or why bad things can happen to such good people. We have faith that Peg is in a better place. That is what we all strive for. That is the only way we could ever hope to cope with this. Peggy’s journey is a wakeup call that God promises us many things, but He doesn’t promise us tomorrow. We ask our Lord to reinforce our belief that we will someday see our departed love ones again, and to give us the peace we all long for.  

Peg, I want to thank you for giving us 3 wonderful sons, who gave us 3 wonderful daughters, who have given us 6 wonderful grandchildren. They were our backbone these last 2 years, and you and I could never have gotten through this without them. Your grandkids’ artwork and kind words really brightened our days. Your family loves you so very much, and you will be missed terribly. I thought it would be easier to let go given your condition, but I haven’t gotten to that point yet. There hasn’t been a waking moment when I haven’t thought about you. With God’s help and yours, our family will get through this together.

Like your sons said in your eulogy, this would be a lot easier if you weren’t so sweet. You are a hero to our family for having endured so much without complaining. You were, and will continue to be, our inspiration for the rest of our lives. You set the bar high Peg. We want to see you again, so we will strive to follow your example. We will always remember your smile, your hugs, and your boundless love for your family and friends.

We prayed for a miracle cure for you Peg, but we didn’t get that. But God still heard our prayers. He gave you extra time. You were able to dance at Jason and Katie’s wedding as if nothing was wrong. That was a miracle in itself. None of your doctors gave you a chance, but they didn’t know Peggy Godfrey like we do. And we know that you’re not gone – you’ve just gone ahead.  You will always be with us. We will look for the signs. A dear friend sent a sympathy card that is so appropriate. It says, “I’m not going to die. I’m going home like a shooting star.” We are all so glad you’re home. 

We all love you honey, to the moon and back... or maybe we should say to Heaven and back.  We are so happy that you finally have peace.   

Your Loving and Thankful Family