Hello blog world. Christa, Will's eldest, here. My dad asked me yesterday if I would update his blog for him. I charmingly took out my phone and said, "Sure pops. What do you want to say?". He took a few breaths and told me that I should write it from my perspective and from my heart.
This blog is not entirely from my heart. My heart is always hopeful and sees the silver lining in every dark and scary cloud. My heart practically sings all the time and is amazed at the beautiful flowers trying to grow in the oily pavement cracks. It will beat up tempo and tell you that my family is doin' good*. We are always good, hanging in there, taking it day by day, and optimistic about the next treatment option or new "plan".
To be fair - we are doing well. Mom is coaching tennis at CHS. Her tennis team won the 5A state title and is rocking it. Go mom! Sami and dad's softball team made it well into playoffs. Although they didn't get the title, they continued to improve the whole year. It also gave dad many boosts of energy. I will be forever grateful to all dad's players for all they have done for my dad. Hannah is graduating with honors from Oregon State University. PS - Sam and Steve are having a baby SOON! They are going to be great parents. JJ has one more year at OSU, which only gives me 12 months to convince him to apply to teach at CHS so we can share an office. He is still one of the handsomest, kindest, funniest, most talented dudes out there. Love that guy!
With all that Keim awesomeness it is hard to think realistically about the negativity in the world. Every once in a while I do forget about cancer. Not so much forget...but I take a half a second break from the usual routine that all cancer blessed families know. The routine where your brain works like "wake up CANCER pour the coffee would you like some CANCER walk to the car and trip on CANCER oh crap I forgot to bring CANCER and work then sleep no sleep CANCER."
..........breathe............
I started this blog at 620.
At 624, text my family group text to get a most recent update on padre so my blog can be the most current. He went into the hospital yesterday because he was having a hard time breathing. (Thank you Christy Wright and Martha Rocky for all your tips on how to make dad feel better).
Hannah calls me at 650 to tell me that they are not going to do radiation tomorrow. Dad is going to come home and they are going to put dad in hospice.
This blog is not from my heart. My heart is always hopeful and sees the silver lining in every dark and scary cloud.
This blog comes from a hole somewhere between the pit of my stomach and deep in my chest. Deeper than my heart. My dad says he calls that "the dark voice". It's the voice that tells us it wont be okay, we aren't good enough, there is no hope, Donald Trump will become president.
But then we laugh and our heart takes back the reigns.
My dad is going to be brought home tomorrow and put under hospice care. All the prayers and positive energy you can send towards Corvallis would be greatly appreciated.
Blessings,
Christa on behalf of Will
*Karen Hudson - I know this isn't grammatically correct and I typed it anyway.
all my love to your family <3
ReplyDeleteChrista...your writing went right to my heart...prayers, positive energy, and love to you all. Your Dad, Mom...each of you are a testimony of what family can be-I'm forever changed by my visit and time with you all. Much love, peace and care to you all. Big hugs, Chris
ReplyDeleteChrista...your writing went right to my heart...prayers, positive energy, and love to you all. Your Dad, Mom...each of you are a testimony of what family can be-I'm forever changed by my visit and time with you all. Much love, peace and care to you all. Big hugs, Chris
ReplyDeleteMy heart breaks for you and for the world. Know that I love you and love him. Please whisper that in his ear. Sparky
ReplyDeleteCancer sucks. It took my Mom, my friend Patrick. It doesn't discriminate.
ReplyDeleteI wish for your Dad, peace, love, no fear, no pain. For you and your family I wish you love, peace and strength. And Joy. Joy that your Dad brought so much love, brilliance and that he had a loving family and friends.
Blessed Be to you.
Beautifully written and expressed. Your family is a testimony to love, dedication to one another and encouragement. I know there are probably many times you feel weak or like a mess-but what shines through is the pure beauty of your family's love for one another.
ReplyDeleteWill, I don't know you personally, but one of your players is like a sister to me. You have gained her respect, her admiration and trust. I understand that's just the kind of guy you are and I thank you sincerely. A word of encouragement from you sends your players soaring for a week. You have shaped them and impacted them in ways they will cherish for years to come. I was blessed to have a coach like you when I was in sports and I can attest that the life lessons, mentoring and friendship made a difference in who I am today. I have no doubt you have been that person for more than one of the girls on your team. Praying for you and for your family during his difficult next step. Your strength, good humor and kindness have created a lasting legacy that will continue to bless many.
You are in our prayers and thoughts.
Summer
Thinking positive thoughts!
ReplyDeleteChrista - Your writing is painfully truthful and deeply moving. Your family has been and will continue to be in my prayers. As others have said, the Keim family is very simply and profoundly amazing. I send my abiding love to all of you. - Rica
ReplyDeleteChrista ... thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt appears our worst fears may have been realized ... this is not the way this was supposed to play out.
While I need to be realistic ... we will - nevertheless - continue to send our prayers everyday hoping for a sustainable and positive outcome.
Peace.
David & Carolyn Stephen
Christa...your writing is as profound as you Dad's has always been.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to take in this news but am not ready for the awareness that "being in hospice care" implies. I have to add my voice to that of so many others in saying that you, your Dad, and the rest of your family are so extra special and have added so much to the lives of so many. Love you.
Christa....You are your father's daughter. That was written from Will's heart, which is yours...all of yours. I will text you today. I would like to come out immediately and see Will...all of you. I love you all.
ReplyDelete- David Coleman
Like David said above, this is not how this was supposed to play out. Know our thoughts and prayers are beaming out from Maine to the entire family. Love Jim and Deb
ReplyDeleteThoughts and prayers are with all of you ! Your dad has been an amazing mentor , confidante , friend and consummate professional to thousands . May the Lord give you all wisdom , strength, and healing !
ReplyDeleteChrista - how eloquently written and I agree that your heart is the same as your Dad's heart.
ReplyDeleteWill fought his cancer with all he had and you all encouraged him to fight it. I pray for peace to pour over all of you as you surround Will with love and comfort. I pray you can share all good memories to help you through this time.
I know that Will's faith in God is strong. Remember that Will is loved by those whose lives he has touched. Your family, and especially, Will, are in my prayers.
Gayle Beyers Webb (a friend from AFA for many years)
Love to you all. May God shelter you under her wings.
ReplyDeleteSending comfort to you all. He was one of the good ones.
ReplyDeleteChrista and family... I just heard that Will passed away. I am so sorry for your loss. Will was an amazing man and touched so many lives! Thoughts and prayers to you!
ReplyDeleteChrista, first.. hugs. Second, more hugs... third, you should be a writer.
ReplyDeleteChrista, first.. hugs. Second, more hugs... third, you should be a writer.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry, you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteAnd God will raise you up on eagle's wings
ReplyDeleteBear you on the breath of dawn
Make you to shine like the sun,
and hold you in the palm of God's hand . . .
love to all your family in this sad time.
Julie Monk & family
Christa how perfectly written! Heartfelt and a good dose of how we all feel about the C word..I couldn't agree more..Your father was such an inspiration to many..I loved his passion! I can only say this..Heaven just got a blue chip recruit! I can see him storming heaven now! May you feel him everyday. Stay strong and thank you for sharing. Sue Enquist
ReplyDeleteChrista, this was a heartfelt blog post. The Moersch clan (we were your neighbors across the street on Harrison Ave.) send our condolences to you and your family. Your dad was such an inspiration to so many people. He would always laugh when I told him that I scored 25 points against him when we were high school crosstown rivals (Will at South Hills HS; me at Edgewood HIS). Our thoughts are with you, your mom, and your other family members!
ReplyDeleteKeim family-- I have not seen you in many many years but Donna and Will were my first mentors in life. I have wonderful memories of them both. My heart goes out to you all for healing and that you are surrounded by all the love and joy he shared so easily. Love-- Laurie Dyer Beitzel.
ReplyDelete