Journal entry by Kelby Kleinendorst —
Yesterday we were faced with a decision no family should ever have to make. Despite the heroic and painstaking efforts of all the medical staff at Essentia, Scot’s injuries were simply too devastating to come back from. Scot was so strong and was fighting so hard, but there comes a time when it is no longer fair to continue to make him do that. His progress slowed and then began to regress. Anyone who knows Scot knows he is a tough, proud, loving, self-sacrificing and no-nonsense kind of guy. He was fearless in so many ways and cared more about everyone else than he did himself. Making the decision to let Scot pass was extremely hard, because of the unspeakable grief and unfillable void we now have to endure. However, making this decision was easy when it came to what Scot would ask us to do for him if he could. Of that we are certain. Scot let go at 4 a.m. this morning, surrounded his loving family, including Kora and Cassie, his loyal and beloved pups. Again, we are so unbelievably grateful for all of your support, prayers and love during this tragic time. We will be returning to Grand Rapids today and preparing for a celebration of Scot’s life. We will post details once we have made a plan as to how to best honor this amazing husband, father, and friend…we miss him deeply.
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