I cannot begin to express the change, emotions, and intense heartbreak that has come to our family over the last month.
The whole ordeal began the week before Thanksgiving. Trev's mom, Jill, started to notice that Geoff's skin tone was turning yellow so they went into the doctor to find out why. The doctor thought it could be a variety of things, but one possibility was pancreatic cancer. A few days later, he went in for a ct scan which confirmed that it was in fact, a tumor. Most likely malignant.
We were told at that time that a surgery could be performed that would remove the tumor and his dad would need to start radiation and chemotherapy. This course of action would be risky, but should prolong his life. If those steps were not taken, he may only have 6 months left to live.
Worst case scenario was 6 months.
Needless to say, this shocked and devastated us all. As he prepped for surgery, complications started arise. The surgery was postponed until it could be pushed off no longer. He went into surgery for almost 11 hours. We sat in the waiting room with baited breath. The surgery went well. They were able to remove the entire tumor and even blast the tumor site with radiation. Things were looking up.
Our hopes skyrocketed. The next morning he was awake, alert, and recovering. However, not too long after, the complications started again. They had to sedate him. He slept for about 5 days in the ICU going up and down in his condition. Come Friday things turned south. We almost lost him that day. Fortunately, he was stabilized that night, but then the next night he got worse.
Intense prayers were sent heavenward. Priesthood blessings were given. The worst case scenario that we all thought wouldn't come for at least 6 months was at our doorstep within 4 weeks.
At 1 am, Sunday morning (Dec. 22nd) we were called to the hospital to be with him during his final hours. It was a night I will never forget. Such sorrow. Such mourning. Such a longing for a different outcome than what we all knew was ahead.
When all had arrived, the machines keeping Trev's amazing father in this earthly realm were taken off, and at 7:30 Sunday morning he peacefully slipped through the veil into the spirit world surrounded by his family, both seen and unseen. My heart breaks just thinking back on this moment. He is so deeply loved that we were not ready for him to go.
The week moving forward focused on two things: Christmas and the funeral.
The funeral was a beautiful, and fitting tribute to a man who has touched so many lives for good. I was honored to document it.
His bright smile welcomed everyone, as it always did.
A slideshow and table full of memories portrayed his talents, interests, accomplishments, and lifelong loves - his faith, his family, his heritage, his BYU cougars, and his humor.
The church was filled with those who were loved and touched by his contagiously happy spirit. Tears were shed; hugs, kind words, and condolences were shared.
During the service, 6 of his 7 children spoke. The other held her mother tight. Their talks were tender and funny. Just like him. I couldn't get over how much he is a part of each one of them.
Amazing prayers were offered by his honorary daughters. His brother in England wrote a touching tribute that was read by his son-in-law sharing how he touched those in his early years before emigrating to the United States. Beautiful music was shared. An accomplished pianist shared his gift. Some of Geoff's students from his BYU ward where he was bishop sang. His grandchildren sang about eternal families. His children and his current bishop spoke of the Savior and Heavenly Father's plan of happiness. The Spirit was so strong. Lots of tender tears and hearty laughs.
Trev's mother and siblings took a limo to the gravesite - and the tributes continued in the form of flowers and fond memories.
When Geoff was in the hospital, still thinking he would be able to come through it and pondering how to grow from the experience, shared this with his son. He said, "When I get out of this mess I want to do two things: 1. Love more and 2. Learn more."
Those words have stuck and become a mantra for us all. What powerful words that will influence us forever. His son's bishop made these amazing frames for each of us to have in our homes as constant reminders to follow his example. This has become our family motto that we say with our kids each night.
After his son, Dan, dedicated the grave, we all shared more funny and tender memories of time spent with him.
After final hugs and goodbyes, we headed back to the church where a delicious and much needed luncheon was provided for our family. How dear those kind sisters are that surround Jill in their ward.
Geoff LOVED diet coke. The Castle family stopped on their way to the church to get a soda in his honor. He would have loved this. So appropriate. :)
I am blessed to be married to this son.
Geoff's example shaped my husband into who he is today. He influences him as a husband, father, Priesthood leader, friend, brother, and every other aspect of who he is.
Geoff always made me feel so special. He was a father to me. Although my grief pails in comparison to that of my dear husband, my heart still tears just thinking of him being gone.
Just like everyone else who know him, I love him, and am so sad that I will have to wait awhile before I can see him or hear his laugh again. But I see him everyday and everywhere because although he is not here physically, his life is what helped to create the one I am blessed to live. My heart swells with gratitude for him and his life.
How grateful I am for the knowledge that families can be eternal because I know I will see him again. How far more bitter this experience would be without that knowledge. It is bitter enough.
This has been a December I am happy to have over with. However, I know as I move forward in life, my Decembers will turn my thoughts to this man and my Heavenly Father's gift of the Savior who made it possible for us to see him and hear his laugh again.
How grateful I am for that.
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