Blessedly Quick

Kay passed peacefully about 9:45PM Wednesday night.  Although she had felt like she was ready to go for at least a few days, I believe she needed to hold her daughter one more time, and to see her last artwork project, the remodel of our new condo, completed in order to let go.  Jean came home Tuesday night, and spent the morning cuddled up with Kay and they had a nice morning together.  The inspectors came for final electrical and plumbing inspections that morning also.  As the afternoon approached Kay became more somnolent, and about 4 PM dropped to sleep for the last time.  She passed quietly about 9:45.
This has been an incredible last almost 9 years.  Kay was diagnosed with stage 3C ovarian cancer about Easter time 2009.  She was training for a half-marathon at the time, and it seemed to come out of nowhere.  The prognosis was dismal, and to have had this long together since then has been an unexpected gift and we have taken full advantage of the time. 
Our 33 1/2 years of marriage have produced two wonderful children and more joy and memories than one man deserves.  We were both blessed with families that made biological vs. in-law terms that have little meaning.  Her family has become mine, and mine hers.  Our friends have been a constant source of support and enjoyment throughout the years, but have especially stepped forward over the span of Kay's battle with cancer as rock-solid.  The prayers, meals, phone calls, lunches, parties, and innumerable other acts of friendship have sustained Kay and my spirit.
Kay wanted you to know that your love, prayers and help have been instrumental in her unexpectedly long survival and in the quality of those years.   We both thank you with our whole hearts for everything.  Kay will live on in my heart, and I'm sure in many of yours as a source of energy, inspiration, creativity, love and passion. 
Pray for each other and for Jean, Brett and me over the next days, weeks and months as we learn to live without Kay's physical presence.  Pray that her passage into Heaven is as joyous as she knew it was going to be.  You are invited to join us at Celebration Lutheran Church on Saturday March 17th for a memorial service.  If you wish to commemorate Kay she would want contributions to ovarian cancer research at the U.W with Dr. Swisher at http://supportuwmedicine.org/kay-pullen or to the Tahoma Audubon Society at http://www.tahomaaudubon.org/honormemorygifts 

Thanks and love to all.

Ed