When Lyn was diagnosed with cancer, she clearly thought about how she wanted to live going forward. Lyn began her cancer journey with the end in mind and that shaped how she would respond in the face of daily challenges. Because she started her journey with the end in mind, she knew how she would carry herself, how she would respond to medical news, and how she would treat others.
As explained in earlier blogs, Lyn was determined to use her cancer for something good. It was her desire to maintain a joy filled life. However, because of Lyn’s melanoma diagnosis 30 years earlier, we were well aware and educated on the fact that melanoma was a very deadly form of cancer, and her case was extremely serious. However, even with this knowledge, Lyn was determined to battle and punch cancer in the face, all while having a beaming and beautiful smile that demonstrated the internal peace she had. This peace she had was driven by her faith in Jesus Christ.
Ultimately, Lyn knew she had no control over her cancer, but she was wholly confident in the outcome. She would either be cured of her cancer or spend eternity with God. Of course, she wanted to defeat cancer and continue living on earth with her family and friends, but she was at peace if God had other plans. To get a visual of Lyn’s peace and confidence, please take a look at the music video of a song that Lyn loved. The song is called Even If by MercyMe (Click the link).
As her partner, teammate, and caregiver, I watched her daily struggles with speech recovery, low energy, stiff joints, rashes, and shortness of breath. She rarely discussed any of her struggles with anyone, including family. Lyn’s main goal was to continue to get out of bed in the morning, start the day, and go make a difference in the lives of people she encountered every day. Simply put, she loved everything about living and that was contagious, especially to me. Her life inspired and impacted me to be the best version of myself possible every day.
Since her passing I have taken hold of her zeal for life and attacked each day in much the same way. I awake each morning and I am grateful for the new day. I am more appreciative for the people in my life than ever before. While I deal with feelings of grief every day, I am determined to laugh and love. I want to make a difference in the lives of others just as Lyn was able to do.
The way she lived her life changed me forever. Since her passing I have started living my life with the end in mind. In the end of my life, how do I want to be remembered? Do I want to only exist and run out the years before I see her again in heaven, or do I want to live with a joy and zeal for life? I quickly determined that I want to have a life that is caring, generous, loving, kind, and joyful. I want to live the type of life that Lyn exemplified.
While my grief and feelings of loss are obviously unavoidable, I am comforted as I go through each day and try to honor her by carrying on her legacy. I want to tell others about her remarkable life, her work ethic, her integrity, her love for her family, friends, and God. The best way to do this is not simply by talking about it, or writing a blog, but to live it out daily. I have found the best way to honor my wife is to first live in a way that is pleasing to God, and second to embrace the goodness that she valued and put it into action. She chose the type of life she wanted to live from the beginning because she lived with the end in mind. I want to do the same.
If you care to see how Lyn lived her life, I invite you to view her Celebration of Life Service. Her service will show you what our family looks like, and you will hear the testimonies of others about her remarkable and purpose driven life.
Celebration of Life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTY2MPYEua0
Even If – MercyMe (video Lyn loved): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y
Thanks Jeff.
Thank you for reading the blog Marty.
i think you do a great job honoring her with your life
Thank you Heidi for your kind words and for reading the blog.
Thank you for the lovely message. I, too, make each day “A good day to die,” a Native American philosophy which parrots your message in this blog. At the end of the day I like to see that the newest page in my story is worthy to be added to the book, metaphorically speaking.
Heather, thank you for your deep and beautiful thoughts. I appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks for all your kindness over the past six months. I hope you are well. Much peace.