Mark S. Wilde

 

Mark S. Wilde

April 22, 1952-February 8, 2013

4 weeks ago my life changed. Not a day has passed that I haven't thought about my dad. He taught me so much. He was such a shining example to me. He touched so many lives in his quiet way. He will be missed in more ways than I can even comprehend. 

His physical suffering is finally over. Last October the doctors informed us that there was nothing more they could do, after a year and a half of treatments for stage IV bladder cancer. They gave us 9-12 months. He was gone in 4. So much faster than we expected. Hospice was such a blessing.

I wanted more than anything to pay tribute to my dad at his funeral. I have been blessed with an overwhelming peace and comfort. With my emotions mostly in check, I was able to share the memories I treasure. So many friends and family traveled to be there for dad's service. Their love and support has been amazing. While the it was a little on the long side, almost everybody in attendance told us that it was the best funeral they had ever been to. People said they could have sat there all day listening to and learning more about dad.

While there is joy that dad is no longer suffering, the grief in the separation can be a heavy burden. I am so grateful to have the close family that I do. I have the greatest mom, sister and brother a girl could ask for. I know that we are an eternal family and that we will be together again.

There will be so many things to come, so many times dad will be missed. I'm sure there will be future blog posts about the grieving process and posts about happy remembrances.  My dad is my hero and I am grateful to have had the time I had with him.

--Natalie

Cancer Update

The Wilde men at Grandpa Wilde's grave last weekend for Memorial Day.

I haven't done an update on Dad's cancer for a while because, quite frankly, there hasn't been anything good to report. Before Christmas his PET scan showed that his chemotherapy was working. We were ecstatic! But a few months later his next scan showed that it had stopped being effective. So his doctors tried a different chemo drug. We haven't known how well that was working until last week---although thankfully the side effects have been less severe.

Dad's latest scan showed that the cancer has grown bigger in some places. The good news is that it is still not in any new organs or in his bones. He will begin a NEW chemo treatment this week. He will receive an injection every 8 days for 3 weeks and then have a week off, as opposed to the injections he has been getting every 21 days. He will have another scan in 2 months time to determine if this is working. We can only keep hoping and praying for the best. At least his Shingles are clearing up. It just seems like he can't catch a break. Although he is out golfing today, so for today he is a happy man!

There is a Man

There is a Man

He is honorable, humble and honest.

He demonstrates strength and courage.

Faith and hope.

He stands for integrity, truth,

and righteousness.

He shows unconditional, selfless LOVE

each and every day.

His competitiveness knows no bounds.

There is a time and a place

for everything.

There is almost nothing a chocolate chip 

cookie cannot heal.

There is nothing you can't create

if you put your mind to it.

Work can be fun, 

sometimes fun is work.

Music makes everything better.

Breakfast is the best meal.

Sleep is always optional.

If the task is worth doing,

it is worth doing well.

I know no better man.

He is my HERO.

Happy 60th BIRTHDAY Daddy!

Love Always,

natalie