Memorial Video

For those that could not attend the memorial service the other night, please see the tribute video at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU81Y5UKNos&feature=youtu.be

Memorial Service

Thank you to all that attended the memorial service for Robyn last night and I would like to again express my gratitude for the support you all have provided to Robyn and the rest of the family over the past few months. 

A special thanks to all of you that contributed poems, letters and stories last night during the service.  Lesley, Inez, Tonya and Cherish - I can't tell you how much comfort you all brought to Robyn over the past year.  I will always remember how many times I heard the "incoming text alert" go off on Robyn's phone, looking up and seeing a smile on her face as she read your encouraging words or expression of love.  I never quite knew how she did it, but most of the time she would say "that will be Tonya" or "that will be Inez" even if she wasn't close to the phone.  And she was almost always right.

To the Wilson's - you guys were there from the very beginning of the battle offering and providing whatever support was needed - whether it be chocolate pie or comic relief that only Big Bank Hank and crazy Blake could provide.  Just as Brian alluded, I'm sure Robyn was enjoying his speech last night, but she was also ready to slap him back into line if needed.

Susan, thank you for allowing your letter to be read by my sister Karen.  It took me only about 3 seconds after opening it yesterday to realize that it fit Robyn perfectly and should be shared with all. 

Although I am sure Robyn enjoyed the stories, letters and poems, nothing would have brought a bigger smile to her face last night than to see Chloe gracefully walk to the podium and speak at her service.  It definitely reminded me of one the last things Robyn said - "I must have done something right to raise such a beautiful daughter."  Thank you Chloe.

I also need to thank Cari Spano and Candy Avera, members of Robyn's photography cyber family for preparing the slide show of Robyn's Better Photo gallery.  Robyn had such a passion for her photography and I desperately wanted to display her award winning work during the service.  Cari and Candy jumped in and saved the day.  I hope you all enjoyed viewing some of Robyn's creative work. http://www.betterphoto.com/Premium/default.aspx?id=270890&mp=V3
 
For those of you that could not attend the service and those that attended but did not receive a memorial pamphlet, please let me know (craig_terrell@sbcglobal.net) and I will mail you one.  Again, thank you to all that participated or attended the memorial service and to those that have supported us during these difficult times.  

Love,

Craig, Chloe and Trystan

Memorial Service Arrangements

Please use the following link to sign the guest book and send private condolences.  Thank you for your support of Robyn and our family. 

http://www.alternative-funeral-services.com/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1344241&fh_id=11785

Lasting Hope

As many of you are aware by now, Robyn lost her 11-year battle with breast cancer this past Sunday.  Although we knew the disease was extensive and Robyn was in intense pain, we were not prepared for how quickly her life ended.  There was not even time to say that one last goodbye.  The only comfort we can take is the hope that Robyn is now watching over us all, free of pain and ready to guide us as we all complete our own journeys through life.  During her stay in the hospital, I encouraged Robyn to use her phone to record messages to the kids - messages intended to be played in the years to come at their graduations or the birth of their children.  She was only able to record one message - a message that simply told the kids she didn't know what love was until she had them.  I hope as they progress through life, I will be able to convey to them, (as Robyn certainly would), how proud she would be as they accomplish each and every milestone.

Thank you all for the kind words and support you have provided to Robyn and my family over the past few months.  We have arranged a memorial service for Robyn that will take place Wednesday evening, December 21st at 7:00PM.  The service will be at the Creekwood Church in Mansfield, located at 260 North Miller Road.  For directions, please see their website at http://creekwoodchurch.com/.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Robyn to Operation Kindness (http://www.operationkindness.org/index.php), the Families for Effective Autism Treatment (FEAT) North Texas (http://www.featnt.org/home.php) or the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center (http://www.marycrowley.org/).

Love,

Craig, Chloe and Trystan

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  I wanted to wish all my family, friends and extended cyber-family the warmest of Thanksgiving wishes.  Although I can't imagine going through a more difficult year, I also can't imagine ever being more blessed by the support of my family, friends and strangers.  You have all really shown me what Thanksgiving is all about - I will never forget it.



Blessings to all, Robyn

Weekend Warrior

Not a good weekend.  Robyn was tired and in pain Saturday morning and feverish, tired and in pain again Sunday night.  It didn't even look like we were going to make our 9:00 AM UT Southwestern Pain Management appointment.  I even remember hearing "don't you think I need to go to the hospital?" in the middle of the night.  But the fighting spirit kicked in, we got dressed and made the early appointment out in Dallas.  In the end, the doctor didn't really offer any new options to help with the pain - but that just seemed to make Robyn more determined.  Even as we entered the building, Robyn said "no matter what, after this appointment, it's butt kicking time."  So even if it got her down a little on the weekend, she still came out fighting.

I'd like to say thank you to everybody that has helped us along the way.  It really has made a big difference in Robyn's outlook, energy and determination.  Today, special thanks go out to Jennifer at Arlington Memorial who has made special arrangements to stay late and come in early to help Robyn with her lymphedema.

Craig 

Grounded

There has been a change of plans.  One of my doctors strongly advised me not to fly on a plane, as it would be very damaging to my immune system and would also dramatically intensify my pain level as well make my breathing more difficult than it already is.  However, we have been in contact with the doctor in Sacramento, and he has agreed to send all of the equipment that I would need and he will train me on how to use it via the phone and e-mail. 
I must say that I am quite happy with the way that things turned out, as I was not comfortable with leaving my family for an entire week!  I would never make it in a job that required a lot of traveling, lol.

Love,

Robyn