Keith’s matter-of-fact, living life to the fullest extent he could attitude, literally carried him forward through each additional day. He was alert and participating in his decision-making until that morning. He proved the oncologist’s prediction wrong that he would live 2-3 months beyond January 19 by living as fully as he could for five months and seven days.

I recently heard someone interviewed about their cancer diagnosis be asked about how she was continuing to live life without “skipping to the end.” I thought “Wow! What an accurate description of how Keith has continued to live” with this dreaded disease. He managed to stay present in the moment and did not skip to the end when he received his diagnosis and prognosis.

Keith’s body felt the disease’s toll. Its impact speeded up dramatically over the last four or five days. There had been little things here and there over the past few months, but beginning on Friday June 22 it seemed that each day brought new challenges. He received love and excellent care from Roxanne, Rochelle, Kevin and some friends during his journey.
Fou Fou had moved to the home of Dan and Sonia, where she has “sisters” Maude and Gracie. I picked her up before I headed to Keith’s on Saturday the 23rd so they could continue to enjoy their time together. The new photo was taken on June 16. On Monday evening, Dan and Sonia brought Fou Fou with them when they went to visit with and care for Keith.

Keith said many times he was surprised that dying was easier than he expected and that the hard part was giving up control. He lived and died on his terms – making decisions on Monday and then spending his Tuesday sleeping in his chair preparing for his final journey.

Keith loved remembering and sharing memories about his life experiences, many of which involved you. His stories reinforced for me my philosophy that the tapestries of our lives are woven by the relationships we form during our lifetimes.

"Love those around you and treasure each moment".

Keith’s daughters, Roxanne and Rochelle, and his brother Kevin will be figuring out final arrangements – probably sometime mid-to-late July. A post about those will follow.