We have a story to tell, a story about the love of our life, my beautiful bride of over 24 years, my wonderful Maureen, who passed peacefully in her sleep on October 21, 2014 at 50 years old after an on and off 11 year battle with breast cancer. She is not only my bride but the mother of our 3 children. She transformed me, and on the weekend before her passing, our oncologist had prescribed donuts. This was one prescription with which we dutifully complied!
At this point in her journey, the cancer had spread to the lining of her lungs, making it harder to breathe. She was receiving oxygen via a blow by tube, and and when I brought her powdered donut into the car, she smiled. She also leaned forward to turn up the air conditioning. Cold air helped. And, as the AC kicked into high gear, she blew the powder of the donut everywhere. We laughed, something we had never stopped doing. And now, just like we sprinkle her cremated ashes in places of love, we sprinkle the powder and the love of the donut. On the 21st of each month, the day of her passing, it is #powdereddonutday, a way to turn a day of sadness into a day of joy.
My writing about our love, our life and our journey through cancer has sustained me. As hard as it is to comprehend, I am more in love with Maureen today than I was when she was here, when we could hold each other’s hand. I would love nothing more than for my sweetie to still be on this side of heaven with me here on earth, but love transcends all.
I’ve been blessed by many generous comments about my words and a desire from many for me to not just keep writing but to go further and write a book. I don’t so much write but rather allow my fingers to unravel on a keyboard what is in my heart. Over the last decade, I’ve written over 200 pages at theloveofmylife.us. I’m currently transforming that writing into a book of the same name with Greenleaf Publishing here in Austin. The book will be released in 2025. Until then, I’ve limited access to the blog. ❤️