Up-date on my son, Mike

Post a reply


BBCode is ON
[img] is ON
[url] is ON
Smilies are OFF

Topic review
   

If you wish to attach one or more files enter the details below.

Maximum filesize per attachment: 3 MiB.

Expand view Topic review: Up-date on my son, Mike

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Darryl » October 1, 2017, 3:55 pm

Thank you for sharing that nice picture. That was quite a nice tribute to your son, Mike. Very sorry for your loss.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » October 1, 2017, 7:23 am

Yesterday, a stunning fall-like day was Michael's memorial service.
So many people worked together to make it true celebration of his life. His co-workers sent two lovely flower arrangements and gathered a sizable donation for hurricane relief. After the time of refreshments and visiting, I spent the afternoon with three out-of-town friends touring the area and just catching up. The journey is now over with new memories added. I will remain where I am. Besides, since moving up here, I've discovered there are some really talented photographers (some with drone capability) contributing some amazing captures from lower Lake Huron and down the length of the St. Clair River. I look forward to seeing even more.
Attachments
Michael's image superimposed over a plane he loved to work on.  This was part of the visual display in his service.
Michael's image superimposed over a plane he loved to work on. This was part of the visual display in his service.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Denny » September 6, 2017, 2:43 pm

Hello Dawn and such a beautiful statement from you along with your wording as well about your son Mike and your experiences afterward and also so glad you made it to the Maritime Museum in Rogers City to see that. While I myself have yet to visit there, I have also heard many great and excellent reviews about that area and the museum itself. I sincerely hope that you were able to see the Bradley bell there as I believe it was in 2008 the 50th year that she sank, that they brought the bell up and had it put on display at the museum. Do you have or seen the video November Requiem as that is an amazing and heartfelt tribute to the crew of the Bradley and the town of Rogers City itself. I've always loved and treasured that town from the first time that my parents drove up there in the early 2000s when we first learned about the Embroidery store that does and makes up shirts with the boat stuff on them. I've seen the memorial for the Bradley and Cedarville crews and I hope that you got the chance to see that as well. In some ways Dawn I can related to what you are going through with the loss of your son Mike as you will have good days and some bad ones. I did not have one of my better days yesterday and to say it mildly, I got overly moody with my family yesterday and it definitely was not worth all of that frustration as there are more important things in life than losing your cool and frustration. At the time I was in the process of trying to scan some of my old photos as this is something new for me and I am trying to get as many done as possible but with so many I know it won't be easy to do. I just needed a one day break from the internet and boat stuff so I took on a new adventure in scanning photos. Well, today I need another break as God decided he had a better plan and ideas for me today. So thanks to the sun being out for a while, I had a better day today and decided that now is my time for the river. Today I started working on a sign which I will use and take to the river to celebrate my 25 years on the river. I plan to display it for most of the passing ships in hope that I get a salute blown to me from them. Really looking forward to starting up at the river soon as I think that is what I really need right now is just to get out of the house and do more things and the river is the right place and time for it. I only wish though that I had more time as far as months go before winter but, all I care as far as right now goes is just going out there and having fun and enjoying myself as it was meant to be for me. As you mentioned as far as the message you saw "Don't worry God has everything now under control!: You are so right on that statement as I think since my Mom's passing I've started to worry about too many things where I shouldn't be and just live life to the fullest and enjoy each day on God's earth while you can and that is what I plan now on doing and to stop worrying so much about stuff as like you saw on your message "Don't worry that God has everything under control at this time!" Again, glad that you are still able to get out and about and travel and see things that you and Mike were able to get to see. As I've told you before my friend, Mike will always be with you and at your side and in your heart forever and never forget the memories that you always shared even until the very end of his life here on Earth. Yes, I do know those last few days and moments of his life had to be hard on you to see him slowly fade away like that. I can relate in part to that as well because, the last few days of my Mom's life were also hard to walk into her hospital room and later the nursing home and seeing her just laying in a bed crying out in pain and suffering and not being able to communicate as well. I just felt so helpless and sorry for her at the very end and I wished I could've done more and helped her but, I also know that I did all that I can do and that God had a much better plan and place for her in the end and now she is up in heaven with my Dad and both are forever at peace without any pain or suffering and both are looking down and proud as well. Finally Dawn like I also said before, your son Mike is now and forever and Angel and he also your Angel as well and will be with you always and forever and to wherever life's journey may take you. God Bless you my friend!

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » September 6, 2017, 4:49 am

My sincere thanks to each of you who walked with me on this sad journey, praying, posting encouragement, or just caring. It's been nearly a week and looking back I am thankful for so much. The worst is my last memory of Mike, trapped in a mere shell of a body (less than 100 pounds) unable to communicate or swallow and fighting for every breath, but that is fading as I focus on the promises of his new life in "The Great Beyond."
Yesterday, at Rogers City, I parked behind a car with a license plate frame which read, "Don't worry, God has everything under control." Initially, I thought of those in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey and now those fearing the wrath of Irma, but this morning I realized the message was for me and any unpleasant business that may lie ahead.
He had already steered me to the maritime museum in Rogers City where guide Tammy listened to my experience and responded with a hug and prayer before I started exploring the displays. It may not always look or seem that way but, yes, I trust that God has everything under control.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by c ships » September 1, 2017, 2:14 pm

We just read your post and we share in your sadness. Your love for your son is endless. I'm sure he was in peace knowing you were there for him. We can only express our feelings in words as we have been in mourning ourselves. Please take a moment for yourself as you did all you can do. We will hold Mike in our hearts respectively. God Bless. Andy n Linda. Wisconsin.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » September 1, 2017, 6:11 am

Should anyone want to make a donation in Mike's name, he wanted it to go to the Hurricane Harvey Relief effort of Samaritan's Purse, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000. Thanks.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Denny » August 31, 2017, 10:37 pm

Dawn I just saw the photograph that you took and I must say that this photo is absolutely stunning and amazing and I totally agree with you 100% that this is indeed an excellent photo for you to use. I am so very sorry to hear the news about your son Mike and I know how hard and difficult it must be. As I mentioned though in my earlier post, be comforted by faith that now Michael as entered into a new life now and forever free from the cancer that he was so stricken with and had to endure. Dawn, your son Michael is now with God and he is now forever in his ever loving arms and has now been called home by our Lord and Saviour and our eternal father as well. Have Faith in knowing that your son will forever be at peace and never to suffer from any types of cancer or pain in his body ever again. Dawn, as many have told me from my losing both of my parents "In time the pain will slowly subside and go away but you will always and forever have that empty feeling though in your heart of losing a loved one which that part will never though go away." I guess that is the bond and love that God pours out to us to share with one another. As was told to me at my Mother's funeral Dawn, your son Michael is now and forever will be an Angel and he will also be your Angel as well. He will be with you in Spirit and in your heart now and forever and though you may not be able to see and talk to him physically, know in your heart that he is still there and by your side always and forever. May you be always blessed by the wonderful memories and times you had along with the fun times that you both shared together as those are the many things to remember most about Mike is how he laughed and smiled and his hobbies and interests. I will be saying prayers for you and for your son Dawn and you hang in there my friend as it may not seem like it now but, better days will come and are ahead for you. Have trust and faith Dawn that your family and friends will help you get through the difficult days and times ahead. God Bless You!

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Jared » August 31, 2017, 9:55 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time Dawn. I hope with his passing that you and him have some form of peace.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 31, 2017, 9:03 pm

I spent four hours this morning and another four this afternoon with Michael, reading and singing to him and reminiscing about places we'd lived, pets, trips we took, etc.
His breathing was very labored, and he wasn't interested in more than a few spoons of Jell-O and ice cubes.
I came home at 8 and got a call from Tendercare that he left his disease-riddled body behind at 9:15.
The other morning, as I drove to see him, this skyscape caught my eye and I stopped to photograph it, planning to use it as a visual announcement of his entering his new life.
Attachments
In memory of Michael Eugene Roberts  March 16, 1972 - August 31, 2017
In memory of Michael Eugene Roberts March 16, 1972 - August 31, 2017

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Denny » August 31, 2017, 1:11 pm

Thanks for the update on your son Dawn as we all here are praying for you and Mike and your both in thoughts and prayers as well. Sorry to hear the news about Mike's condition as in some ways I can relate to that in the end with my Mother as I think her issues were due to the effects of the stroke she had as she was in some ways saying and talking in ways that my brothers and I could not understand or make out. We didn't really want to say too much to get her or us confused so we just sort of let her talk as she would want to and we would go with that. Not sure of the technical terms as my oldest brother knows more about this stuff than I do but in the end I guess sorry to say that, you go into a deep something or other to where your mind does some weird and strange things as it happened with my late father toward the end of his life and it also did the same with my Mom. Not sure if it is a euphoria type of a stage if that sounds right and making any sense or not but I hope you know what I am referring to anyway? Glad to hear though that Mike knows and recognizes you and that you are there for him as you have done everything that a mother can possibly do for her Son and believe me when I say that although his physical condition is deteriorating at least hopefully both you and Mike can somehow find comfort knowing that you were there for one another and love that you both share will forever be cherished and never taken away as again, memories can never ever be taken away from any of us. I am praying Dawn for you and Mike that God will bless both of you and find comfort, peace, understanding, love and patience as I know these are difficult times for you and Mike. Do not be afraid again Dawn to reach out for help from friends, family, neighbors along with clergy and people from your church as that is what they are there for in times like this. I also hope and pray for you and Mike as well Dawn that you have had a pastor or someone with your church come and sit with Mike and talk with him and pray with and for him as well because I'm sure it will help both you and Mike and to bring peace and comfort to you both. You have many friends here on this board Dawn who are with you and Mike and also are supporting and behind you 100%. We are all here for you Dawn whenever you need us and somebody to talk to. The power of prayer is indeed a wonderful thing and God's blessing are being shined upon both you and Mike and know that our saviour and eternal father has a plan for your son Mike and sorry to say this Dawn but someday Mike will be a in a better place and never ever suffering like this or enduring any type of pain or cancer ever again. You are both in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless you.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 31, 2017, 5:40 am

Much of my time has been spent "putting out (legal) fires" recently so I've fallen behind in posting up-dates.
Mike has had an additional 2 months and 15 days past the oncologist's prediction of 2 months, but his body is showing signs of rapid deterioration now.
I'm spending more time with him as he's lost interest in the computer and is taking meals in his room, rather than the dining area.
He still prefers sitting in his wheelchair but if he falls asleep, his head and neck are stressed, so care providers try to encourage him back to bed for more comfortable positions.
I hold his hand (both are in a cramped position now) and he usually responds with a squeeze.
He sucks on mini ice cubes (no crushed ice is available) to lessen his dry mouth.
He has to have oxygen all the time now, too.
Yesterday, he felt feverish and registered a temperature of 101.2, so fever-reducing therapy was begun and it came down to 100 within 30 minutes.
As I was about to leave for the night, his nurse was tending to him and he asked her, "When is my heart surgery scheduled?"
We both heard what he said but were confused, so she asked him to repeat the question, which he did.
She assured him he wasn't going to have heart surgery but his next question was, "Then why am I here?"
It wasn't easy to find the right words, but we've been honest with each other and -- until that moment -- he knew, so I said something to the effect that his body is too tired to fight the cancer any longer and that he's free to leave it behind and go on to the next level of life, but I want to be with him as much as possible until then.
Your prayers and encouraging messages remain a fantastic support system and I thank each of you for them.
Sky is lightening, so it's time to head back to Tendercare at Tawas.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 23, 2017, 5:27 am

Incredible news to share this morning!
Yesterday morning, when I walked into Mike's room, he was sitting at his laptop, mentally alert, with more color in his face, and more articulate (strength of voice & clarity in delivery) in speech.
The Tendercare social worker met with us to up-date us on Mike's progress.
I had misunderstood his check-in weight. It was actually 98.2 (which I thought was his temperature) and not 88 pounds.
Tendercare has a scale to measure food & liquid intake. That first meal (4 oz./ea. of flavored water & iced tea, 1/2-slice of buttered bread and a 1-1/2" X 1-1/2" square of chocolate cake ranked 0-25. In the five days since then, he has steadily climbed through the 25-50 range and registers mostly 50-75...but one meal it was 75-100! Obviously, his appetite is thriving. I wonder whether the period of near-starvation might have killed off some of the cancer but realize that could be a mother's wishful thinking.
I know cancer patients go through times of leveling-off and of short-term improvement. This may be what's happening with Mike, but he has always been a fighter, and God still performs miracles of healing. Stay tuned for the latest from this adventure!

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 23, 2017, 5:11 am

c ships wrote:Thank you 4 your post . Sharing time together taking pictures, posting them for us 2 view . Ours thoughts and prayers go out to you. Beautiful photos. Someday I'll get over there. Thank you. Andy n Linda.
I read (in your post to Denny), that you are also walking through a time of sorrow. Thank you for sharing that, as it opens the door for others to surround you with their love and prayers. I know this would have been a very lonely road for Mike and me were it not for our church family and the Boatnerd community reaching out to us!
I have added you and your mother to my prayer list. May her remaining days of life's journey be a time of sharing the joys and memories you have made together over the years and may that last breath be taken, knowing she did her best and her family and friends love her.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by c ships » August 22, 2017, 12:17 pm

Thank you 4 your post . Sharing time together taking pictures, posting them for us 2 view . Ours thoughts and prayers go out to you. Beautiful photos. Someday I'll get over there. Thank you. Andy n Linda.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Paul A » August 19, 2017, 9:16 pm

Dawn, you and Mike are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Bless you.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Denny » August 19, 2017, 8:58 pm

Dawn, I've read your post today and saw your photo of the Sam or as I call him now "Slammin Sammy!" I'm so glad that you and Mike were able to get out today and to see some beautiful scenery and as well see the Sammy! I'm sure that brought both comfort, peace and joy to both of you. So glad to hear that you both got to spend some time together as those are the memories that you two will always remember even if Mike's physical condition is not well. At least the love that is still there between Mother and Son is a special bonding that can never be broken. Treasure those moments like today with Mike today, now and forever Dawn as from the heart so you are in your son as Mike will always be in yours. Today while at my Mom's funeral, I made certain to pray for both you and Mike that God may grant both you and Mike the peace, joy and comfort that you both truly deserve. Dawn do not be afraid to reach out to God and your local pastor and church along with your family, friends and here on boatnerd. Never be afraid to ask for help and for Mike as that is what your family and friends are there for. God Bless you Dawn and Mike!

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 19, 2017, 7:55 pm

garbear wrote:Dawn- So sorry to hear about your son. Brain cancer is a terrible disease. That's what took my Dad 34 yrs. ago. I pray for you and Mike.
garbear, I am sorry you had to watch your dad's life end that way, but, hopefully, the memories you have of him in better days are a great comfort.
Mike's diagnosis was stage 4 small cell lung cancer (which has spread to his liver, pancreas, lymph nodes, and formed tumors in his abdomen). While it could have possibly been slowed with the usual treatments, only a few (painful) months of life was in the prognosis and Mike chose to let Nature take its course.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 19, 2017, 7:46 pm

Jared wrote:I'm so sorry Dawn. My uncle is dying of brain cancer and we went to see him today. He doesn't recognize me (his only nephew) or my father or his wife of 48 years. It's truly terrible what you and Denny have gone through and my prayers are with you. The pain of losing a child is something I cannot understand and I'm sorry life has thrown a wrench instead of a fig.
Oh Jared, I can only imagine how painful it is watching your uncle virtually become another person as his memories are wiped from his mind. Thanks for sharing with this forum. Many will add their prayers for comfort, strength and peace for you and your family.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by Bookworm » August 19, 2017, 4:17 pm

This morning I baked oatmeal-raisin cookies to share with Mike and this afternoon I drove down to see him for the first time since he entered Tendercare.
It was after lunch, he'd had his mid-day meds and was sleeping, but an aide woke him after I stepped out of the room.
With such a gorgeous day in progress, I asked if he felt up to a brief outing, just to get some fresh air. He agreed, so I signed him out and off we went. I already knew Sam Laud was loading at Port Gypsum, so headed there for a close-up-and-personal encounter for Mike.
It may have been the med's effect or Mike may be in transition between this world and the next, but he kept nodding off in the middle of conversation or while interested in what was happening around him.
I took this photo of Sam and made a copy which I posted on Mike's message board.
Hopefully, he'll remember some of the adventure. I was glad for the opportunity to provide a "worthy diversion" ;) for him.
Attachments
Captured a bit of the loading process in this shot.
Captured a bit of the loading process in this shot.

Re: Up-date on my son, Mike

by garbear » August 19, 2017, 9:24 am

Dawn- So sorry to hear about your son. Brain cancer is a terrible disease. That's what took my Dad 34 yrs. ago. I pray for you and Mike.

Top