Gone but not Forgotten
David Waltz - 1943-2012
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This is a photo of my Dad, smiling as he always did.
In late March of 2011, he was at work on his computer and suddenly lost the ability to type. He worried he may have had a minor stroke, so he went to the hospital. An MRI revealed a mass in his brain. We hoped and prayed that it was something benign and curable. On April 1, 2011, he was officially diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme.
Soon after his diagnosis, he told me and my brother that he was going to fight as hard as he could, but that he had no regrets in his life - something so few of us can say! He also told us that he knew his odds were not good, but he was at peace with that. Remembering that conversation now is very comforting to me.
His tumor was inoperable, and he had Temodar and radiation therapy. Despite his strength and his doctors' best efforts, his health continued to decline. He had one Avastin treatment before beginning hospice. He passed away on March 22, 2012.
When he became ill, as hard as it was to witness his decline, it was my life's most special blessing to be able to spend time with him, and being able to help care for him just briefly as he had cared for me for almost 40 years.
I can never say goodbye to my wonderful, beautiful, ingenious, silly, always loving "Davey". When I look in the mirror, I see his eyes, his nose, his walk, his laugh, his smile. When I look inside myself, I can only hope that I have inherited a small fraction of the love, wisdom, tolerance, and compassion he shared with everyone who was a part of his life.
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2 Comments
Your story sounds so much like mine. My Dad has just recently been diagnosed. I pray that you have peace and strength to keep going. Your Dad sounded like a really special man.
That is such a beautiful tribute to your father. Thank you for posting.
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