The most incredible loving husband, father, son, brother and friend passed away this afternoon.
Our love transcends this physical world...so we will still BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. INSPIRE. as members of this incredible Team headed by the most authentic, passionate, curious, loving, excellence seeking human being who picked me as a soul mate.
much love-
Amy
Arrangements forthcoming.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
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83 comments:
God bless Glenn and the loved ones left behind here on earth. He put so much in his short life
much love to you and the kids
bonnie
Oh my dear Amy, Samantha, Chase , Colby and family...my heart breaks with yours...please know you are loved by so many...deeper than words could ever express...thank you for sharing, even your most precious moments with Team Gleason...how totally unselfish of you. How totally like you. Now, we lock arms...and walk you through today and tomorrow...and on. Wishing you a peace that goes beyond all understanding...the peace of the God who gives and takes away. So much love to you all...
God Speed. I pray for peace from within for you and the kids.
Love, Dana P
We are so grateful for Glenn and his time here on this earth. May God give you and the kids peace and comfort. We are with you in spirit.
Love, Greg, Kacky and Kids
We have lost our partner and great friend, but remain dedicated to Team Gleason and to you Amy and the kids. Glenn lives on through all of you just as he lives on through his many incredible contributions throughout the Dewey Companies family. Thank you for sharing him with us throughout the years. Much love, John and Ken
May your family feel the love that surrounds you in this time of loss
May you be comforted by warm memories and the love of those around you.
I do not know you and your amazing family personally, but please know from someone out there who has someone very close to them battling this disease,your amazing story and the brave and honest way you chose to tell it has inspired and will continue to inspire so many.
My heart aches tonight that the world lost such an incredible person. God bless you Dear Amy and your beautiful family.
You have our deepest sympathy.
Much love to you and your family.
Susan, Andy, Peyton & Taylor
Praying for you all!
Our hearts are grieving and we are with you as deeply as we can be. I wish I could be there to help carry you all.
We are all so fortunate to have known Glenn - he lived, laughed, and loved, so fully - thank you for sharing everything with all of us - all of our prayers continue for you, the children, Kelley and all the family that meant so much to him. Theresa
Sending you love and prayers during this very difficult time. I don't have the words but know you have my heart. I just keep thinking--Skylar and her dad have been joined together. I know both will continue to guide you in the days, weeks and years to come. We love you!
Dan, Shelle and Hannah Miller
A new journey began today.
One that Glenn would face with optimism, perseverance and great conviction. That's what I will do - and I know I can - because that's what Glenn taught me.
Love to you all.
John Shane
Amy,
Words can't express how heavy our hearts are for all of you. We are all better people for having known you and Glenn. God Bless you and the kids.
Kristen
Dear Amy --- Hold your children close and know that your love and unselfishness through TEAM GLEASON has helped all of us to share this incredible journey and realize that life is a gift.
we love you, and pray for you and your children.
Aunt Joan and Uncle Al
Amy- Love is eternal and the love you and Glenn shared inspired me and many others to enjoy the moments together. Wishing you peace and love, Greta
Dear Amy,
Glenn was a "Hero" to all that knew him and he will forever live in our hearts. I am so proud to have called him my friend. I will always be here for you and your beautiful children. My heart is heavy tonight for all of you. "A Hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles."
You will always be in our hearts and in our prayers.
All our love,
Valerie,David,Britt,Christy and AJ
Amy - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your children. Know that Glenn has taught us so much during this journey and he will forever be in our hearts. You both have been a source of inspiration and strength for all of us who know you.
God Bless, Michele
Oh Amy...Words cannot express how much our hearts ache for you, Samantha, Chase & Colby and the rest of the Gleasons and Gleason friends. As Theresa said, "We are all so fortunate to have known Glenn - he lived, laughed, and loved, so fully - thank you for sharing everything with all of us" This world is a better place because of him. His presence will live on through the beautiful memories that he has made with all of us, thorugh your love, the kids and all the friends whose lives he has touched. He will claim his place on the star that WILL be the opening to Heaven, where his love shines down to let you, the kids and everyone he loved so dearly know that he is still with us. We love you and want you to know that we are here for you all. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family.
Love,
Kuntal & Pat
Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. We have learned so much from you, Glenn and your children. We are praying for you and Sam, Chase and Colby.
We love you.
The Foleys
Dear Amy,
I am so very sorry and sad. Thank you for helping those of us who love you, but cannot be with you, not to grieve alone. The world's loss is heaven's gain--Glenn shares love and laughter wherever he goes.
Love, Lynne
Amy,
We are praying for Glenn's safe arrival in heaven where Skylar is waiting for him. Also sending prayers of peace and comfort to you, Sam, Chase and Colby.
Glenn was and still is an inspiration to anyone who knew him...close or at a distance. It's been a privilege to have known him.
Love,
The Donnelly's
After 13 years of oncology nursing I have never learned so much from any other patient and their spouse. It was an absolute honor to take care of him. Anyone who was lucky enough to spend time with him at his bedside came out of the room forever changed. The both of you have not only made such a difference in my professional career, you have impacted my personal life as well. Amy, please know during this time of grief that this blog has served the purpose that it was intended to. TOGETHER, your message has been sent and the difference has been made.
On behalf of all the staff members on Rhoads 7, our hearts are breaking with you. We wished as much as you that we would see Glenn return for a visit healthy and smiling. We understand how difficult it was for you to come and acknowledge this relapse in person. Although that did not happen we will always have the HOPE that you had envisioned. Perhaps now the memories of how the two of you have helped us conquer this beast will be even stronger and the days even easier. We are grateful to have been a part of your fight.
Jennifer Gold
Amy,
I've been watching the cursor on my screen blink for over an hour now, trying to find words that cannot even begin to express how our hearts ache for you, Sam, Chase and Colby. Hold those little ones tight and give them lots of hugs and kisses. Memories are powerful. Soul mates are forever. Celebrate Glenn's life and love of laughter each and every day and he will be always on your minds and forever in your hearts.
The Adler's
Amy, Sam, Chase, and Colby - my deepest sympathy. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. God bless you!
Rita Caretti
Amy,
Words were never my strong point, but here it goes. . . there are few people in this world who show what it means to be a good man . . . amd Glenn is and will always be a GOOD MAN.
Love you,
Dawn
love you - love you - ............Linda
'What to Say'
The look in her eyes as if to say she fears nothing
All knowing smile as if nothing has changed
She thinks I'm asleep while at night she goes on trembling
She thinks I don't know how her life's been rearranged
Can't move my arms, can't move my legs
Can barely move my eyes
To take in the last view I'll ever see
It's on the stand beside my bed a picture of my son
It's constantly staring back at me
Want to tell him that I swear that if I can I'll be there
Watching over him and every step he takes
How do I say soon comes the day when I must go away
What would adhere to a seven-year-old ear?
Words that would make it clear
I hope that you don't forget me
Don't let my memory fade
It's my greatest fear
My back is numb, my feet are cold
I fear that it's only a matter of time now
There's just one thing
I've got to muster the strength to say
Know that my love is forever
Know that and try to remember
Don't let my memory fade...
-Ted Leonard
Dear Amy:
Words cannot express how Glenn and your family have inspired me since I first came to know you better on this blog. Even though we have never met, and I knew Glenn only briefly as a child, I have come to feel close to your incredible courage and strength while reading your blog and sharing it with others. My friends and I here in Taiwan will hold you in our hearts forever. There is nothing I can say to you in your terrible grief, except my thoughts and prayers are with you, now and always. Many hearts in Taiwan beat with you and for you.
Love,
your cousin in Taiwan,
Liz Wyant
I am so glad for you that you were able to meet your soul mate here on earth.
My heart literally aches for you right now, knowing that your time together was cut so short.
Yet I am excited for you for that day, someday, when you will be together again.
Praying for your continued strength in this most difficult of times that we all know so well from reading your posts.
Lauren
Dear Amy, Sam, Chase and Colby,
May you all have faith that Glenn is safe from the cancer, which tried to take him away from you guys. Both God and Skylar were out there looking, having seen him and you all fight the beast and tiredness you all endured; and they both have now wrapped Glenn with their love to take him away from a cancer that could destroy the physical but not his mental or spiritual love to you guys; Cancer could not rip apart his drive, spirit, and determination to live the day. Glenn successfully mastered with you to unlock the meaning of life and taught us all successfully Carpe Dium.
We can't be more thankful to you and Glenn, for unselfishly placing together a great team to move onward with this fight and teach us through emotions to really smell the roses, even when time between you all was so limited or no matter what was thrown at you both. He now has left us his legend and he has given us his dream...we are there for his family, friends and future leukemia warriors to support them today even as a more deeper driven team.
I hope I will have one day the pleasure to have you visit our welcoming home here in Switzerland or maybe in the US. Our Love & Hugs forever Elizabeth, Stefan Sarah, Alexandra and Baby-to-Be
Amy, our deepest sympathy. It is truly amazing how far reaching the love and support is for you and your family - Glenn's spirit will live on through you and Sam, Chase, and Colby. I will miss his hearty laugh - it was contagious. Jackie
Oh Amy, we are so very sorry and are sending our deepest sympathy.You and Glenn have been such an inspiration to so many people in showing how true love and faith can help you through a very difficult situation. Cancer is such a terrible disease, and the two of you showed us all how to face it and rise above it. Thank you so much for inviting us in to your family and writing to all of us about this moment in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Samantha, Chase, Colby, and the Gleason and Noll families.
Jenn and Dwight
I hope that you can feel the love that so many of us feel for all of you. You, Glenn, Sam, Chase and Colby have touched my life in a way that has forever changed me. Your strength, selflessness, dignity, and humor in the face of this horrible disease has awed me and my family. Thank you for showing us the importance of day to day moments and to appreciate our lives more fully.
We love you,
Diane in VA
Amy-
I know I only met Glenn a few times but his impact on me is very deep. Through your painful struggle you have given me and so many such a gift - the gift of getting to know you and Glenn and your family and philosophy through your words. Thank you. May you find strength in the days to come. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Stacey
I am so sorry. I am speechless. God bless your wonderful family.
NJer from LLS
Amy, AS I sit here and remember Glenn growing up and all that he has achieved in Life and the beautiful family he so loved he has met his master. All the words and wisdom will never get him back, but he has another plan to challange the heavens at peace with no pain. We will miss this wonderful inspiring man, father, husband, son & brother. When I look up to the skies I will know that Glenn is there with his witty humor trying to change the world. We love you Amy, with your strength, you have brought us all through these last few days. You have a wonderful gift Amy.
We love you, Colby, Chase & Samantha
Aunt Helene
Dear Amy and Family,
Our hearts are heavy today as we read of the passing of a wonderful man, husband, father and hero. He fought the great fight and is now with God watching over you and the children. Please know our love is with you during this difficult time. I just got a quote I was going to share with you before I got the news. Here it is anyway. "Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance." You and Glenn danced the most inspiring and beautiful dances during his battle with cancer and were the perfect partners. Lord's Peace until you dance together again in heaven.
Love the Maton's.
Amy,
I am aching for you and the kids. Know that you are so, so loved. If only I could shoulder some of the burden...
Andrea
Amy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sadness of your life.
Glenn will be greatly missed..........God speed my cousin...
Renee
Dear Amy, Sam, Chase, and Colby,
What a remarkable husband and father you had in Glenn. How smart he was to pick you as your soul mate, and what a beautiful family the two of you created. One that is so strong and so loving, and one that he will always be with.
What heavy hearts we have today...but also smile and laughter as we think about Glenn.
We love you,
Joni and Duane
At one point I thought the purpose of this blog was just an effective use of technology to update friends and family on Glenn’s status. Somewhere along the way I realized this became the strategy and the ultimate means through which the goal of Team Gleason, “Winning against leukemia” was realized. Certainly the most desired measurement of victory was conquering the physical effects of this disease, having it disappear from the Gleason’s lives. But the winning part was realized through the strength, the inspiration, and the lessons taught by the leaders of Team Gleason, and the many lives touched by their example. Through leukemia, Amy and Glenn taught us all how to be better parents, better friends, better people. The focus of improving one life was replaced by the improving of many. Team Gleason truly lived up to its goal of “Winning against leukemia”.
Roy
Amy,
Our hearts and prayers are with you 24/7. I want you to know how much of an inspiration Glenn and yourself have been during our battle. You have lifted us up when we were down and now I hope that we can do the same for you. May peace be with you.
Love,
Adam & Caroline
Amy - the words are hard to find today but thoughts are racing... frankly, most I can not post. The thought of Glenn and the way he "chose" to live his life is the light that keeps shining - the love the two of you shared and created is the rainbow at the end of the day - the children you have both nutured are amazing testiments of the way you view the world and those around you. Love You, take a deep breath (preferably in Colby's ear and I can bring Andrew over as well - you know, the newborn smells). Let yourself "be" - whatever that means for you. We decided that today Mr. Gleason has all of the Halloween Candy in the WORLD - right at his finger-tips - and he won't even get a belly ache WHEN he EATS IT ALL!. This is a man who will continue to touch and inspire us - all the love in the world Amy. The DeAnnas.
We are feeling do blessed to have had Glenn in our lives. We will be forever changed because of him. Sending you and the kids lots of love and support.
Gary and Erin
Through the tears, I see Glenn dancing with Skyler in the light of God.
My heart aches for you, the kids, and all of us who love Glenn, but I find some comfort in his joy. You remain in our prayers!
Amy, I am in disbelief. Know my thoughts and prayers are with you. I know you now have two angels in heaven playing together looking out for all of you. Alison.
Mrs. Gleason, Sam, Chase, and Colby,
I don't believe what has happened, but I guess I have to. 1 death is extremly painful, but 2 is just too much to handle. I remember in 4th grade when Mr.Gleason fought and won, I was so happy. And then it came back, and I couldn't understand why. "Why must he fight againg?" I remember asking. I guess we will never know. All of you, even the ones above, will remain in my prayers.
With all my love,
Jessica Demmert
Love and prayers to you all
Dearest Amy,
We don't know one another but I have read your family's beautiful and inspiring story. I have cancer and will lose my father shortly to it. Glenn's grace, humor, and honesty have been very enlightening and healing. The Gleason's love and strength have touched not only his family and friends, but strangers who were drawn into your courage. God bless.
Dear Amy, Sam, Chase, and Colby
I still cannot believe wat has happened yesterday. The world suffered a great loss that day and Mr. Gleason will be remembered forever. You all need to hold tight to each other and remeber he and even Skyler are still with you, though not physically. You will always and forever be in my prayers.
And for Sam I've known you for seven years and if this could possibly cheer you up I won't insult the Jonas Brothers around you.
All my love,
Sara Donnelly<3
Amy, Sam, Chase and Colby Words can't express how very sorry we are for your loss. May God be with you to help you bear this great sadness. I believe that Glenn is in a better place, free of pain. Our prayers are with all of you. Long distant hugs till we see you. Love, Aunt Theres and Uncle Joe
Amy,Sam, Chase and Colby,
Words are not coming easy. They seem so inadequate for what I truly want to say to you dear friend.
Our arms are wide open- ready for you when you need them to embrace you-today, tomorrow or even weeks from now. We are forever your friends. Glenn, your dad, will forever be our friend. He is an example of a true gentleman. A man that loved you deeply - it was so evident by the way he talked about each of you and supported you. Today our hearts are aching but we feel truly blessed to have had Glenn in our lives. We are here with open arms. All our love to each of you-
The Overs-
Jill, Phil, Ryan and Matthew
I met Glenn three years ago as I was going through a number of changes in my life. He was kind and giving, helping me as I made a transition. He was always willing to meet with me, or talk with me on the phone, was supportive, and was always genuinely interested in what was going on in my life.
Glenn was loving as a husband and father, and genuine and real in his friendships.
I can't begin to know how it is for Amy, Sam, Chase, and Colby. My heart aches for them and thier loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
I will miss Glenn dearly.
Amy...All of us, the extended TEAM GLEASON family - the blog readers and t-shirt wearers, and believers... we collectively cry today. We share your sense of disbelief that Glenn is really gone. We struggle a little with our faith in trying to understand why he had to suffer; mostly we ache and grieve for you, Amy - your wonderful children.
I believe in my heart that TEAM GLEASON will continue through us all - in carrying on the spirit for living each day to the fullest; holding our loved ones close every chance we have; laughing more; bringing smiles to others. Such good things you and Glenn have inspired in so many.
We hope that God's love and the love of your many, many supporters will help bring some comfort to your aching heart,
Sandra, Jeff, Matt and Kyle
Amy,
I have been following your blog since its inception, but I don't know if I've ever made a comment. I had the honor of working with Glenn - he hired me at Whittman-Hart in Pittsburgh and to this day, remains the best boss I ever had. I just want you to know that Glenn's spirit will live on..I learned so much from him (and you) - more over the past few years than ever. I am a better person/husband/father/son/brother for having known your husband. I just want to say thank you for sharing..the good, the bad, the ugly - you are an amazing woman. Glenn was truly blessed.
I wish I had a really cool, profound quote for you. I know you love those quotes! All I know to say is, I'm a better mother for knowing you. I have a stronger marriage for TRYING to follow your example. I enjoy the moments, simply because you taught me that. I know that you don't want to be anyone's guide, I know you want to simply live your life, fully. You've done just that, my love. And you've truly loved an amazing man and SUPPORTED him so gracefully and beautifully. So, friend, here's your quote, "You rock." Love u
I just don't think I'm ready to talk about Glenn in the past tense yet...I wonder if I'll ever be able to bring myself to do that. I feel as though everything you, Glenn, Samantha, Chase and Colby (and Skyler) have given us will always be part of our "nows" and our "tomorrows" and not just our yesterdays. I continue to catch my breath and in the same instant my mind seems to fall to its knees, I remember something Glenn (or all of you together) did or said that made me laugh. I cannot imagine a better way to be remembered; to take people's breath away and then fill them with laughter.
I don't think it will ever be possible for anyone to ever just miss Glenn a little. Somehow I think the world is aching for him right along with us. Heaven is a lucky place, and I wonder if "Life Is Good" stuff is available there. If it is, he probably arrived to some UPS boxes along with some from amazon.com.
I love you and your magnificent children. It is truly an honour to know you and be loved by you. I cannot even begin to imagine the longing all of you (extended family included) must feel.
Love,
-Victoria/VvL
I continue to be touched and amazed by all of the beautiful comments that are posted here - what a TEAM.
Kathleen
Dearest Amy
My husband Chuck made his transition only 2 weeks, ago. The Leukemia became bigger than us. I came home to PA for a memorial service to celebrate his life. I know your sorrow. But as look back over the year, I realized that the miracle that I prayed so hard for Chuck was intended for all us who lives he touched.
I have learned to be kinder, more patient,tolerant and forgiving.
I have learned to PAUSE so that I may respond instead of react.
And most of all, I have learned to breath and listen to God so that he may guide me.
We are both too young to be widows and our husband will be forever strong, loving and handsome in our hearts...
May God continue to keep and your family in his Grace.
Dayna Shearer- South Carolina
My Jon Gordon positive tip of the day came through today. Just another way I'm sure many of us, who picked up on this link from Glenn, our thanking him for all that he shared that will allow us to continue to grow.
"The strongest may survive, but it is the passionate that will thrive."
Through strong moments and weak moments, it will be the passionate person that you are Amy that will allow you and your children to thrive.
catch the hugs sent your way - Linda
"There are only 2 ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
Albert Einstein
Glenn lived his life appreciating all the miracles around him. We are lucky to have experienced so many together as a TEAM throughout this journey, thanks to the Hero at the Helm.
And GOD said: "Well done my good and faithful
servent."
Look at all this love surrounding you.
I hope you and the kids can feel it.
Our deepest sympathy,
Donna and Dave
My thoughts are with you and the kids.
With empathy and love,
Tina
We have never met. But we are connected by our mutual friend Victoria.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
Sending love and best wishes to you and your family - from a friend and his family, thousands of miles away in London.
Amy~
I am trying to find the words I want to share with you and Samantha, Chase and Colby and am having great difficulty! I want to reach over to you and your children and hold you all so very tight.........You are truly amazing! Hold on to one another, feel this together, and hold onto beautiful memories.
I truly ache for all of you but somehow know there's a peace that comes along with this...and you can feel it right through the computer........
My prayers and thougts are with you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Love you so much.
-Britt Campli
my tears stream as i sit in my office today. none of this matters much. Glenn is a great man. I can't believe it
Dear Amy, Sam, Chase, and Colby, our hearts ache for you. We'll keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers. Hold tight to all of your memories, and the assurance that Glenn is still watching over his beloved family from heaven. Step out with your courage, strength, and grace that you built together - that will never fade. Love and sympathy from the Lijoi family
Dear Mrs. Gleason, Sam, Chase, and Colby-
I am so sorry about what happened to you're family. I heard it from school and ever since then I have been struggling to hold back tears. Just remember that we're all praying for you. Sam, if it makes you feel better, both Skyler and your dad are watching and smiling on you and your family.
May God's care and love be with you always-
Hannah Lijoi <3
Our hearts are heavy with you. We can't thank you enough for being courageous enough to share your story. You have been in our thoughts and prayers, and you've given us a deep, renewed appreciation for what we have together and with our boys. Hugs all around ... Natalie, Stephanie, Auden, & Wynn
Glenn will always be the gunny sergeant jumping out of the helicopter into a hot LZ to save the day.
What a truly great man, with a truly great wife who are both an inspiration to anyone who has ever met either of you.
Every time I see a blimp I will think of Glenn.
May you and your family have peace and joy.
Now Glenn can be permanently free of pain and can share his love and humor with the entire universe.
Wishing you all the peace that your strong family and fond memories can offer you.
Love,
Kelly
"in shock" is the only way to describe how we received the news yesterday afternoon. We were sure that Glenn's courage and strength were getting the best of the illness. Our entire family, for that matter anyone who has heard Glenn's story will be forever changed. Thank you for including us on your journey. You and the kids are in our prayers.
Keith
Amy, my friend, ... 'Thank you' may not be the right words to say to you for loving and taking such good care of my/our friend, but I think you know what I mean... I still hear his voice in my head and hope I always will. Much, much love, peace and comfort to you and the kids. Please tell them that they're not alone in knowing that their Daddy is and has always been a truly wonderful, awesome, loving guy, great friend and Father, whose love transends our human form and will always be part of them... Vito
Through our mutual friend Victoria we have followed Team Gleason over the last years. We send our love and prayers to all of you and your extended family, all the way from Stockholm, Sweden.
Amy,
Our hearts go out to you in this painful time. Glen, you , and those beautiful children are a true inspiration. Glen is so proud of you and your children....You are his light and he will continue to be there with you. Everytime Sam, Chase, or Colby smile, laugh, cry, or roll their eyes he is there with you...he is you...and you him...soulmates. Remember Glen and celebrate Glen...and most importantly love yourself and those beautiful children...You are all in our thoughts and prayers...Team Gleason continues...
Love,
Amy and Wade Fairchild
We are so sorry for your loss! Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Charlene, James, and Ethan Good
Rest in Peace Glenn. You have left a legacy of hope, optimism, perseverence, and love. We are all all little better off for having known you. Thank you for taking the time to reconnect with me after all of these years. We'll meet again one day...
Paul H.
RHS class of 1986
Glenn was an incredible man and you all are his even more incredible legacy. We will miss him. Our family prays that our loving Father wrap your family in the warmth of His peace and love.
Cary
Amy, my heart aches for you. I want to tell you about a gift. There is no way to predict when, but after awhile he will come to you in a dream. You will awake and realize it. It will be amazing! It may be bitter-sweet, but nevertheless amazing. When it first happen to me, I felt so relaxed and peaceful. (I have heard this from others, also). It has been twenty years,and it still happens. May peace be with you and yours. Love, Inga
Although I only knew Glenn for a year, his kindness, generous spirit and sense of humor made a lasting impression. I am terribly sorry for your loss. No more hope, no more fear. All is rest. Bless you.
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