Letter to the Editor

A sorrow shared

Thursday, February 2, 2006

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following messages tell of the life and death of Dan Brockway, a 59-year-old Stratton man who passed away Saturday night. They were written by Corey Brockway, his son, and shared by e-mail with friends and family. One of the messages preceded Dan's death. The other was written afterwards. Dan's funeral is today.

Jan. 25, 2006

Hi Everyone.

For those of you who do not know, I am sorry to say that my dad is very sick and will pass away sometime in the next week. He is at home with all his family under hospice care. After almost two years of dialysis, his physical body is worn out and he discontinued dialysis last Friday. He is tired of his pain, suffering and quality of life. We are spending as much time with him as possible. His spirits are as high as possible for the situation. He is sad, but has really been able to celebrate his life over the last couple of weeks.

It is amazing there is not a selfish bone in my father's body. At a time when you would think one would be focused on himself, his main concern is my mother and his family and making sure everyone is ok after he passes. It is a real gift to have his foresight and knowledge of what is coming, giving us all time to share our love with him.

The number of friends and family involved in different events throughout the last week is a real testament to how my dad and mom have impacted people over the years. Thank you for all your nice gestures. Everyone's love and his faith in Jesus Christ have made this a remarkably peaceful process for him.

Corey

Jan. 31, 2006

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who have not heard, Dad passed away Saturday night. I appreciate all of your overwhelming support and prayers.

Mom, I, and my sisters will all miss Dad more than words can describe. The last month has been a celebration of his life enjoyed by all his family and friends. Dad's earthly body had failed him to the point life was secretly full of pain and sorrow. This pain and suffering was not witnssed by most as he chose to only show his happiness in public. His happy approach to life was his most prominent characteristic and what we hope all will remember him by.

My Dad's courage to face his kidney disease and turn his back on the modern medicine that could have kept him artificially and unhappily alive is a real testament to his spirituality and faith. This lesson in spirituality has been a tremendous lesson for me and all around him. During his last days with us, his focus never faltered from making sure his wife and family would be all right after his passing.

Dad passed around 11 p.m., Jan. 28, 2006, with all of his family present. I had the privilege to hold his hand as he passed and in his typical unselfish way he smiled right as this life left his body to let us know he had arrived home safely. The smile was the most beautiful gift he could have given us and will be the memory I cherish forever.

Thanks you for the outpouring of prayer, support and sympathy from our friends and family. My Dad's main concern was that my mother would be fine without him. Before his passing, I assured him that our family, friends and community would make sure of that. Thank you for all you have already done to make sure his last wishes are being brought to life.