and my head is still spinning. The funeral was a fitting celebration for Mike's life with all of the people and things that he loved. It was really unusual to be at Glenn's father's funeral without Glenn- I kept looking around to be with him. To talk with him. To put my arms around him. To lean into him. To acknowledge his loss. Each time my head went side to side for an instant forgetting he is not here and then a strange familiar emptiness all within a few seconds time. Spending time with Glenn's cousins was healing. Many of them with a similar quit wit and exuberance. We stayed with old friends and felt our families mesh in a way that only time spent together can bring...that was really nice. Left at 4am for our flight and arrived home at 4 pm... overtired but well loved with friends to pick us up at the airport, arriving home to warm soup and bread with extra hands to throw in the laundry.
Plugging along. Still amidst contractors and house rebuild and begging for that to be complete, but still finding the beauty in family and friendships.
As I received letters of condolences I put aside some to share here. This is one from a young resident (fellow) that we met several times throughout our 2 year stint at Penn. She is also married to a doctor who we had met through his rotations as well. Reading letters like this helps me heal. (handwritten in which I am sure is the neatest handwriting I have ever seen...like a beautiful font)
"Dear Amy,
Jeremy and I have been thinking about you and Glenn a lot lately. When Jeremy met Glenn his 1st year of fellowhsip he told me that Glenn was exactly the reason he thought he shouldn't be a leukemia doctor. Great guy, great family, terrible disease. Just too painful. Well, I am a true leukemia doctor now, and Glenn is exactly the reason. Great guy, great family, terrible. disease.
We were both so struck with him. He seemed to have a wisdom and kindness beyond his years- he was an inspiring kind of guy. I've been following along on Team Gleason, taking your advice to enjoy every moment with my family, but also keeping you and Glenn in my mind when I see patients with new diagnoses of leukemia. Trying to share the lovely spirit you created- trying to get people to stay grounded even when the ground is shifting and cracking, remembering the whole complexity of life that exists outside a medical office.
I'm so sorry for your loss Amy. And for the kids, and the other patients with leukemia and for all the people Glenn didn't get to personally inspire. But I feel lucky to have known him, and I'm glad to carry a piece of him in my heart every time I meet someone just at the leukemia starting line. He really is inspirational.
Love,
Rachel and Jeremy"
See? Just typing that out made me feel so much better. As Team Gleason evolved..we came up with the tagline BELIEVE. ACHIEVE. INSPIRE. and through these letters and kind words I am learning that even though he is no longer on this earth...our mission continues.
enjoy the moments of this day-
Amy
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
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5 comments:
Amy,
What a wonderful letter to open after a stressful week and a sad week as well. So true about Glenn being so wise beyond his years and a "Great Guy" and "Great Father" and a "Great Husband". He will always be an inspiration to all of us and we will always caring him in our hearts. I'm so glad that letter gaving you some hope and healing,too. Keep on writing Amy, it's just beautiful how you express yourself. I love being your friend, you bring out the good in so many of us.
Love ya,
Valerie and Family
Welcome home. Glad you had friends near by to help, as always. Hope that the 'house stuff' is done soon and that will offer some sanity.
The letter you shared is another testament to the person that Glenn was, and the life that the two of you built. Keep on, keepin' on.
xoxo
Ahh - fresh words from you. Thank you.
Glad to read about Glenn's cousins and the Texas friends who opened up their arms and hearts to you...you are loved by many...and glad you are settled back into your home....or slowly settling in. sending smiles your way,
Linda
Amy, it was great to give you a hug with a tear streaming down my face. I got comfort from seeing you and the kids at Mike's funeral. I too was looking around for Glenn but knew that he wouldn't have missed his Dad's sent off for anything. Glenn was with us all in his own special way.
Thnaks as always for you inspirational words.
love,
Shelley
Amy
It was fabulous to finally meet you and the kids although the circumstances were sad. I had gotten to "know" you and the kids through Mike and Jean over the years. Colby, Chase and Samantha are delightful kids who reflect the loving environment that they were raised. I am sure Glenn and Mike were smiling down as they watched the next generation of Gleasons supporting each other.
I wish you a speedy kitchen renovation (which is probably an oxymoron) and a 2010 full of love, hope and support.
bonnie
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