LChico Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 In a few days, I expect to post under "Last Shot Fired," but in the meantime, I am getting so many phone and email messages, I wanted to post some information here. I am caring for my husband Tim at home, so I am too busy to attempt replies to individual emails or PM's at this point. All of his friends in the shooting community are aware that Tim Daugherty has been fighting a diagnosis of Leukemia for the last 7 years. We were originally told that there was no known cure for his type of leukemia, and that there was a possibility of prolonging his life only with experimental treatment through medical clinical trials. Over the last 7 years, he has participated in 6 research studies with experimental medications. Some were better than others at slowing down his disease. All took a toll on him, sapping his strength and energy, and some seriously made him very ill. The leukemia has progressed to the point where he had only a few months left, and we made an effort to slow the process down with the last two clinical trials he entered (one in late January and a second in late June after the first failed to work). Unfortunately, the last two sessions of chemotherapy did not interrupt the course of his leukemia, and had some very devastating side effects which injured his lungs. People who were aware of his cancer always said Tim “looked good.” That was a blessing but it hid how weak and tired he was. In late July, after chemotherapy, he became very ill and had a high fever. He was hospitalized by his doctors. We spent 11 days in the hospital while he underwent many tests to discover the source of the fever. All tests came back negative. He lost his appetite, lost weight and energy, and decided he had had enough. He told me he wanted to go home to die in his own bed. So we left the hospital and were set up with hospice care at home. He is very ill and may only have a few days left. By his request, the ONLY people he wanted to come visit were his brother, sister and children. I called them so that they could make arrangements to come to South Carolina. I intend to honor any request he makes. Please understand that this is not meant to slight anyone. He had 7 years to see the people he wanted to visit. He was able to walk his daughter down the aisle and play with his grandchildren. He shot in competition when he was able, and took some hunting trips out west. He wants to be remembered as an active person: a father, brother, uncle, grandpa, shooter and friend. He does not want to be remembered as an invalid. He specifically invited his children and siblings, but did not include their spouse/significant others or children. He did not want them to remember him this way. And, again, I intend to honor this request. Tim and I have had many years to talk about how he wanted to spend his final days, and the plans for final arrangements. He very specifically does NOT want a public funeral, memorial service or visitation. Everyone will grieve and mourn in their own way. He welcomes the prayers offered by family and friends in his name. He just does not want an organized effort. He has asked to be cremated and wants his ashes scattered in Wyoming, near Yellowstone Park. I plan to honor these wishes, also. Many thanks to those of you who sent long, detailed messages with memories of happier times or emailed pictures. Tim is very hoarse, and not up to talking. But he has enjoyed the messages I have read to him. With Katie, Chuck, (his children) Pat and Mick (sister & brother) here, we are going through old photo albums and looking at digital photos, so that we are sharing many memories. Thank you for your concern, love and prayers. If you would like to call me, please contact me only on my cell phone. I have muted the ringer on the home phone because it disturbs Tim. Linda Chico Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jman Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 God bless you both. Prayers inbound. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM262 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Likewise - special thoughts and prayers inbound and God Bless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DougCarden Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Linda, I am praying for your family. Be strong..... DougC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cpty1 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 My thoughts and prayers are with you, Tim and your family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlamoShooter Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 He sounds like a lucky man, my loss is that I did not get to meet him Jamie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SiG Lady Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 May his transition be graceful, dignified and loving. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
XD Niner Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 My prayers are with Tim, you Linda and your entire family. God bless all of you in this very trying time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EZ Bagger Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Prayers for both of you, Linda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gotm4 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Prayers x2 sent Linda for you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ima45dv8 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Linda, I never met Tim, but just knowing you and seeing how much you love and care for him lets me know the top-notch guy he is. I'd probably be far down the list you'd call but if there's anything I can do, please don't hesitate to contact me. Love and prayers to you both. ...Mark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dan Sierpina Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Heartfelt prayers sent for Tim and you, Linda. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Norman Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 you will be in our thoughts Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JThompson Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 (edited) Both you and Tim are in my prayers Linda... be strong for him. Jim Something from Emerson that touched me when I read it. "It is the secret of the world that all things subsist and do not die, but only retire a little from sight and afterwards return again. Nothing is dead; men feign themselves dead, and endure mock funerals and mournful obituaries, and there they stand looking out of the window, sound and well, in some new strange disguise. Jesus is not dead; he is very well alive; nor John, nor Paul, nor Mahomet, nor Aristotle; at times we believe we have seen them all, and could easily tell the names under which they go." Edited August 20, 2008 by JThompson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carinab Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 When I lost someone close, a friend told me this and I found it comforting. "It's not love and attachment that hurt, it's the detachment and goodbyes. Learn to say a good "goodbye" and then let go because your memories of the good times never leave you. God gave us memories so that in the dead of winter we can remember the sweet warmth of summer." A prayer of peace to help settle and strengthen your spirit in this most trying of times. Carina Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
murkish Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 My thoughts and prayers go out for you and your husband. Tim is blessed to have someone like you by his side. God bless, Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rtr Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 My thoughts are with you and Tim. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j2fast Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 You and your family are in our thoughts Linda. Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PINMAN44 Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I pray he is comfortable, I'm sorry to hear that these things are happening to a great man. I will keep him and your family in my prayers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carmoney Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Very sorry to hear the news, Linda. We're all lucky to have you as a friend--your husband most of all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcarter Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Prayers sent for you and Tim. God bless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
revchuck Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Prayers sent for you, Tim and your family and friends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Micah Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 I'm very sorry to hear about that Linda. Best wishes to you from the Barcelo family. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zhunter Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 Prayers are being said as I type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mapzter Posted August 20, 2008 Share Posted August 20, 2008 While I have never met Tim or you, Linda, my thoughts are with you both. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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