Category Archives: Uncategorized

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today I lost my soul mate, my husband, my baby daddy, my best friend.

One year ago today I woke up in bed with him for the last time. I woke up scared he wasn’t breathing.

One year ago today I told him that the Hospice was here to transport him. OK he said. It was the last time he walked and spoke.

One year ago today I watched him being taken from our home. Down the hall, down the walk and into the vehicle. He would not return.

One year ago today I packed a bag for him for the last time. I grabbed everything, a toothbrush, change of clothes, blanket, family photos, his iPad for checking sports. Why? Hope I guess.

One year ago today I drove myself to the Hospice. I did it on my own. It was something I felt I needed to do. I got him settled, unpacked his things, signed the papers.

One year ago today the Nurse told me that he was “showing signs”. That it would be a matter of days now. But right then, I knew he wouldn’t make the night.

One year ago today I messaged family and close friends to come. If they wanted to see him it needed to be today.

One year ago today I had to tell my daughter that her Daddy was not going to be coming home. That he would be leaving us very soon. Heartbreak.

One year ago today I stayed vigilant at his bedside/laying with him; holding his hand, talking to him. I told him it was OK, as I watched him in what was certain pain.

One year ago today, along with his family and my mother; I held his hand and watched him take his last breath. (7:35pm)  You cannot imagine.

One year ago today next to him, I held my daughter tight as she sobbed uncontrollably. Repeating over and over “I want Daddy”.

One year ago today that room was full of sorrow but love as family and friends gathered around him/us and cried.

One year ago today before they took him away, I removed his wedding band and kissed him for the last time. His hands were beyond cold, his body so still.

One year ago today he found peace from Cancer. No longer in pain.

One year ago today a huge piece of me was lost forever. XOX

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A Mother’s Words

I always have good intentions to Blog and keep you all updated but like everything else this past year; it is hard. The words below are not mine but from Dan’s wonderful mother. I asked her a while back if she or anyone in the family wanted to add to the Blog and today I am more than Happy to share her words and a photo of them with you all.

Thanks Sharon. XOX

 

It’s hard to believe that it has been one year. It feels just like yesterday that Dan was telling me to use Callebaut chocolate for my Peanut Dainties. I miss hearing his voice the most. The hole in my heart may never heal but I take comfort in knowing that Audrey is part of Dan. When Audrey says things I find myself thinking of Dan. We would have shared those moments and laughed together. Sometimes I have to hold back tears when I see Audrey because she doesn’t have her Dad only the memories. Family was very important to Dan which makes this road hard to travel without him.
For 40 years we had Dan for Christmas. From giving advice about my Christmas baking to the size of the tree, Only Dan could touch these subjects with his quick wit and humor.

Last Christmas it was difficult for all of us to watch him as he knew he was losing. There was so much more that he wanted to do and seeing Audrey grow up was one of them. There was also so much more that we all wanted to say but couldn’t.
Dan’s blog was a way for all of us to stay connected with him through his love of life whether he was traveling with family or friends or his journey after his diagnosis.
I take great comfort in reading over his blog this past year which Carly put into a book for me. It was his last greatest gift to us all.

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A Celebration for Dan

Daniel Wood

July 5, 1974 – Richmond, British Columbia

December 26, 2014 – Calgary, Alberta

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Daniel Harly Wood, beloved husband of Renée Pittet-Wood, devoted father of Audrey and loving son to Steve and Sharon Wood passed away on December 26, 2014 at the age of 40 years. He is lovingly remembered by his sister Carly, his brother in law Neil, niece Taylor, nephew Lane, honorary brother Jason Mathis, Reneé’s parents Rollie and Donna, brother in laws Richard, Jamie and Sebastien, sister in laws Nadine, Michelle and Cora, nephew Zachery as well as all who loved him.

Dan bravely battled cancer with strength,dignity and a determination that inspired us all. He lived life fully until the end and passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

He simply loved being with people and was as Renée called him “Fun Bobby”. Always quick to get in on a card game, talk sports with anyone who would listen and sing and dance uninhibited with Audrey around the house.

In order to be true to who he was a Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday January 2nd 2015 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary, Alberta. This location was chosen in order to accommodate anyone and everyone that new him and his family. So please join us, wear your sport team pride and be ready to sing, laugh, cry and celebrate his life with all who new and loved him.

As much as Renée loves flowers, Dan did not. He didn’t see the logic in spending the money when they wouldn’t last. So in lieu of flowers, friends who wish to do so may make a donation for trust and support for Audrey through the following link

http://bit.ly/woodtrustfund

Condolences may be forwarded to the family through this blog or via http://www.fostersgardenchapel.ca

My True Companion

Today I lost my husband, best friend and soul mate. He battled this horrible disease with strength and dignity and passed away this evening surrounded by friends and family.

Thank you all again for your support, love and prayers. He touched so many lives as a loving son, brother, husband, father, friend and even simple acquaintance.

Funeral arrangements are being made and will be posted once finalized.

We will miss you Dan. Always. I do already.

All our love, Dan Renee & Audrey xox

The Coles Notes….

It has been some time since Dan has updated this blog and I apologize…. he asked me weeks ago to do it but I have held on to hope that he would be able to himself.

I have written and rewritten this blog a few times but decided to start fresh tonight. So much has happened since his last post and I originally started writing every detail but as the days go by I don’t have it in me to relive it all.

In the middle of November Dan went into the Hospital for jaundice. Turns out his bilirubin count was 5 times what it should be and we discovered that his disease had progressed. The tumors are now pushing and blocking the ducts in his liver; not allowing for the bile to flow properly.

While in hospital they inserted a biliary Drain to help open up the ducts and start the flow again. They were only able to stent the right side of the liver as the left was to trick to get to. He spent 2 weeks in the hospital and had this procedure done 3 times before I was able to take him home on Nov 29th.

It has been over 3 weeks now at home and things have not gotten better. The external drain has stopped draining but they do say the internal one is working. Unfortunately not enough. He has struggled with nausea, vomiting, pain and recently confusion. He has trouble eating and has lost quite a bit of weight. He is on a handful of drugs to help with everything and Home Care comes daily to check on him and change his Biliary dressing.

Yesterday the respiratory nurse came out to assess his breathing as it has been slow. He is now on oxygen and that seems to have helped some.

I am sorry that I don’t have better news to write about. I spend most days tracking and managing everything he does and takes. I write it all down. Things change every day and one day seems to just move into the next. We are very fortunate to have the support of both our families; even though I have trouble letting go of the reins. It is pretty much the only way I know how to stay afloat. We love you Pittet/Woods and I am forever grateful for the food, babysitting and all that you do.

I do have to send a special thank you to my sister Nadine, brother in law Sebastian as well as our good friend Jammer for stepping into parental roles both when Dan was in the hospital, that I barely left and when I just can’t due to taking care of Dan. It has been a big help and has allowed Audrey to have some sort of routine. She is now off for the holidays and I already feel like I have neglected her a bit to much.

Christmas is obviously a challenge. I have had a hard time getting into the spirit of things. Our tree stood undecorated for at least a week and it took Audrey convincing Dan to come downstairs for a bit to get it done. She told him that she would hold his hand and help him down the stairs. It was short lived but just what I needed at the time.

We will be hosting both sides of the family for Dinner and I took a step back and delegated everything but the Turkey. I am not in the festive spirit and am probably not alone in saying I could skip it all together but making it as normal and special for Audrey is what I am trying to focus on. She is only 5 and it breaks my heart daily when I see her struggle to understand. Which is probably why I have overcompensated in the gift department.

As always we thank you all for your love, support, food drops and prayers. I know we are in your thoughts but know that you are in ours as well. I hope the Holiday season brings health and happiness to you all. I had planned to post a few pictures but will have to get to that after Christmas.

Much love…Renee, Dan and Audrey. XOX