We lost Steve at 1:50 a.m. October 7, 2009

I visited with Steve yesterday afternoon. He was awake and still hoping to get chemo today. We had a good visit and he said our family prayer before I left. He definitely expected to live a while longer.

The hospice nurse called shortly after midnight and told me that Steve was deteriorating and he expected him to pass within 24 hours. The nurse told me to try to get some sleep, but knowing that would not happen, I sent emails to family and left for the facility. As I entered Arbor Home, the nurse had the phone in his hand and was calling me. Steve was worse. I got to spend about 40 minutes with him before he passed. He did not struggle. His breathing was rougher with pauses. He gradually took fewer breathes until he quit breathing, I called the nurse and the nurse confirmed that he was gone.

Steve was one of the finest men I ever knew. I feel privileged to have had him by my side for so many years and look forward to being reunited with him again. I have cried privately this past year and know I will continue to have waves of emotions for a long time to come. He is truly in a better place.

Funeral arrangements are pending - probably Monday or Tuesday.