In 2006 my father-in-law,
William F. Mongan, who was affectionately called Bill, was diagnosed with stage
4 lung cancer. Despite his age, the
family was devastated. It came on the
coat-tails of Bill losing his beloved wife, Fran, who he adored. During her battle with ovarian cancer, Bill
willingly took on the role of ministering angel to care for her. He loved her so. After nine short months Fran had lost her
battle. With a tear in their eyes, they
said their good-byes. Theirs was a love
story. The good-bye would not be for
long.
We were later to learn that the entire time Bill was caring
for Fran, he too had cancer. This time I would step in Bill’s shoes and become
his ministering angel. The shoes were way
too big to fill! Not being medical, I
knew right away I was out of my league. Thankfully my husband, a physician, was able to give Bill
the best care available. My role was to
serve Bill with a joyful heart and a positive attitude. I soon recruited our son, Joshua, to help; I needed him!
One day I had an idea to brighten Bill’s last days and let
him know how much his life meant to us,
and all who knew him. I asked our
daughter Amanda to compose a letter that we sent to all of Bill’s relatives and
friends. Here is a portion of the letter:
Sometimes a simple word of encouragement
or short note describing a fond memory can make a person’s day. So, we are compiling a “Memory Book” that we
hope to fill with letters from family and friends. These could be letters of appreciation,
favorite memories, funny stories, or encouraging words. You can include anything you feel led to tell
him. Just as the quote says, we always
carry those we love in our hearts. I
know that my grandfather carries all of you with him, and he loves you all
dearly. I think it would be so
meaningful for him to hear why you carry him in your hearts. These letters would mean so much, and they
will certainly bring love and happiness to him during these trying times.
Every day Bill would race me to the mail box to see if any
letters arrived. I knew I could beat
him, since he was using his walker, but I always let him win. This little act
of kindness grew a garden of joy in his heart.
It gave him something to look forward to. One letter in particular stands
out. We were all gathered around the
dinner table as a family enjoying a home cooked meal. Bill said with a grin
which stretched from ear to ear, “I got a letter today!” My husband remarked,
“Oh yeah, dad, from who?” Bill answered,
“Tyler.” Tyler is our oldest son of
eight children and Bill’s first grandchild.
Pat said, “Where is the letter?”
“Under my pillow,” Bill replied. Can you just visualize this
moment. This moment is etched in memory
for all time. It taught me the importance
of being remembered through the written word. The letter was so meaningful that
he kept Tyler’s note close at hand; under his pillow. I put all these letters
Bill received in a book. I brought out Bill’s Memory Book for him to read; sometimes
daily. The memories brought tear to his eyes and healing to his soul.
As Bill’s health began to fail he would say in a weak voice,
“Ellen, get my book and let’s read it together.” I would always try to drop everything and
spend the time caring and giving to my father-in-law. One day I was having my
prayer time when Bill called from the other room, “Ellen!” I closed my bible
and ran over to him with all the self-control that I could muster up. “What do you need Bill?” I said in my best
cheerleader voice. His answer I will treasure
forever. “Ellen, I
don’t need anything. I just want to be with you.” He added,” Can we read my
Memory Book again?” I nodded as He gave
me a fatherly embrace. I hugged him back. It was on that day that I received my
father-in-law’s blessing and he became my dad too. Those words healed a hurt in my heart that I
had never voiced. I knew he understood
how much I treasured being a part of the Mongan family. Then Bill and I sat down together on the
couch and read his “Memory Book” together. His heart soared as he read the words of love
written to him from those who care. As
we turned the last page of Bill’s book he said, “Let’s read it again, Ellen.” This
was the last time Bill and I enjoyed this moment together.
When Bill died we placed the, “Memory Book” in a memory box
for Bill, which the grandchildren adorned with colorful artwork. On special
occasions we take out the “Memory Book” and look at it together as a family. We remember Bill and we rejoice in a life
well lived. We treasure the memories of times spent together with our dad, Bill. I am grateful that we were the ones to have
the privilege to give Bill the care he needed during his battle with lung
cancer. In return we received so much more than we
gave. It is the memories you gain along
the way that keep your loved ones close at heart,
even after you have said your final “good byes.”
Bill is dancing on the streets of gold, in his heavenly
home, this day with his beloved wife Fran. He still adores her. Happy Father’s Day Bill.
