A Great Man Has Left Us
At some point today, Erin, Melissa, our Gilbert Arizona Relief Society President, and our Gilbert Arizona Elder's Quorum President let us know that our dear friend Gary West has passed away. Ahhh, the inexpressible sadness that accompanies that announcement.
He and his wife Carol are two of the bravest and best people I know. They would both chafe at such a declaration. They have fought side by side for 15 years as Gary has battled overwhelming odds - trying to beat the cancer that just finally got the better of him. Gary has endured incredible pain of so many varieties. The cancer was never simple, and the many side-effects of treatment appeared at times to be as terrifying as the cancer.
He fought to stay. He struggled through lengthy times of horrifying illness, and horrifying treatments, blindness and who knows what else. Through it all, his faith in the Savior has never wavered.
Carol - bless Carol, so steadfast and capable, yet so tired and stretched to what seemed like anyone's limits, worked a full-time job through many of those years. By summer, weary and conflicted, Carol was trying to decide whether to go back to her position as a school nurse or retire and be at home full-time with Gary. After much anguish she opted to stay home and has been caring for him since around the clock.
He seemed near death several times, and had the strength and will-power to fight his way back. Carol was right there, experiencing a roller-coaster of unimaginable emotions. She lived with uncertainty, all while they were being inexorably drawn towards Gary's death.
I don't know who is more the hero. He who fought so valiantly, so uncomplainingly, so enduringly, while accepting life on whatever terms that came - or she who was his constant companion fighting the multitude of lesser (but equally important to the outcome) battles.
I am left with sadness for them both. I am left with a sweet joy for them both. I am left with a deep appreciation and reverence for the great man who has left us. I am left with love and admiration for the great woman who has shown us commitment and devotion beyond what we have known before.
He and his wife Carol are two of the bravest and best people I know. They would both chafe at such a declaration. They have fought side by side for 15 years as Gary has battled overwhelming odds - trying to beat the cancer that just finally got the better of him. Gary has endured incredible pain of so many varieties. The cancer was never simple, and the many side-effects of treatment appeared at times to be as terrifying as the cancer.
He fought to stay. He struggled through lengthy times of horrifying illness, and horrifying treatments, blindness and who knows what else. Through it all, his faith in the Savior has never wavered.
Carol - bless Carol, so steadfast and capable, yet so tired and stretched to what seemed like anyone's limits, worked a full-time job through many of those years. By summer, weary and conflicted, Carol was trying to decide whether to go back to her position as a school nurse or retire and be at home full-time with Gary. After much anguish she opted to stay home and has been caring for him since around the clock.
He seemed near death several times, and had the strength and will-power to fight his way back. Carol was right there, experiencing a roller-coaster of unimaginable emotions. She lived with uncertainty, all while they were being inexorably drawn towards Gary's death.
I don't know who is more the hero. He who fought so valiantly, so uncomplainingly, so enduringly, while accepting life on whatever terms that came - or she who was his constant companion fighting the multitude of lesser (but equally important to the outcome) battles.
I am left with sadness for them both. I am left with a sweet joy for them both. I am left with a deep appreciation and reverence for the great man who has left us. I am left with love and admiration for the great woman who has shown us commitment and devotion beyond what we have known before.
Comments