Time to Process and Grieve
Due to the passing of our daughter, Ellen, I will be out of the office for another week. Denene and I need time to ourselves to process this heartbreaking and devastating loss. I cannot begin to express how much I miss her. Ellen was a Daddy’s girl.
I thank everyone who’s reached out to me to express condolences and other kind words. I’ve read each comment posted to social media, both public comments and private messages. Actually, I’ve read them more than once. Your words provide comfort during these difficult days. Emotions have not yet allowed me to respond, but please know that I deeply appreciate the love and support.
My prayers are with you and your family at this time.
I am so, so sorry for your loss, Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Denene.
I am so terribly sorry for this loss. I lost my mother the same way, the waiting, the feelings of helplessness, the mixed feeling of relief that her suffering was over but my heart wrenching from my body because she is gone. Everyone grieves in their own way. Don’t try to rush anything, just let the emotions and memories come and go when they’re ready. Take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your journey.
Prayers for comfort and healing. Virtual hugs for your courage to be with her till the end. You’re still her hero and she’s still your little girl. Forever.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
I am so sorry for your loss. My condolences to you, Denene, Taylor and your family.
I’m so sorry to hear this. May her memory be a blessing to you both, in heaven’s good time.
Oh, guys! #InsertBrokenHeartEmojiHere I’m so very sorry! She put up such a fight. You and Denene were with her every step of the way. Many virtual hugs and prayers for all y’all.
Take the time to heal. Again, I am so sorry for your loss. Joan Ramirez
Lee, I am so very sorry for your loss.
Lee and Denene, I cannot begin to imagine the hole in your hearts right now. Ellen’s gorgeous smile and her fighting spirit elevated all who followed her journey to its sad conclusion. I send my condolences to her husband and to Tyler, too, a fine young man. I pray that the day will come when all of you will be able to fill that huge hole she’s left with your loving memories.
My heart and prayers are with you. No one should have to bury a child and I can only begin to imagine the anguish. Try to cherish all the good memories she left behind while you dry each other’s tears.
Lee and Denene, I am so sorry for your loss.
I lost my son in a work related airplane accident in 2005. Remember to breathe!
Loss is difficult, and grief is a step toward healing. Ellen fought hard, and you and Denene are great parents and were a true comfort to her.
There are plenty of times in life when we think we control our destiny, but the truth is each of our life-journeys are different, and some journeys are harder than others. The “why” part of hard journeys has puzzled humanity for centuries. Hugs.
I have a daughter, too. I cannot conceive your anguish. My thoughts and prayers are that you will gain some understanding and some comfort and some relief. Sometimes we have to fall back on a belief that everything has some purpose, some meaning, in an eternal plan. Yet our hearts break. I pray for you to find some solace. stay strong; stay safe; stay together.
Please accept my condolences.
Lee, I am very sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain you and your family are going through and I don’t know what to say that hasn’t already been expressed, but I will keep your family in my prayers.
I have followed Ellen’s journey throughout her treatments, recovery and the cancer returning. If ever there was a Heroine of epic proportion, she was it. Her courage, her smiles, her fight were amazing. I wish I’d known her in life. While she may not be physically with you any longer, she will always be in your hearts, in your grandson. She will live on. My heart breaks for you both.
So very sorry for your loss. My family is keeping you in prayer.
She may be gone from this world, but she will live on forever in your heart and memories and in her son, Tyler.
My family and I will remember your family in our prayers.
The loss of a loved one can’t be measured. The loss of a child is probably the worst loss of all. My deepest sympathy to you, your wife, and all your family. I sincerely hope you’re able to find some measure of peace over this horrible loss. Take whatever time is necessary. Grief isn’t paid by the hour and has no set schedule.
So very sorry for your loss, Lee and Denene.
I am so sorry you have to go through this. You, your wife, and your daughter Ellen have touched so many lives, and in ways you will never know. We think of you and pray for your family.
Lee, My heart is breaking for you. So sad to lose Ellen now, after the courageous fight she’d put up for so very long. What a warrior woman she was, and a true daughter for you and Denene.
I’m so very sorry for your family’s tremendous loss. I know it doesn’t ease the pain much, but your daughter is still there, in your hearts {{hugs}}
Lee, there are no words to ease the pain of losing someone so dear to you and your wife and family. My prayers are with you all.
I have been in your shoes, and my whole heart is aching for you and Denene. You are in my prayers.
Lee, I can’t begin to know the pain you and Denene and Taylor are feeling. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. Praying that you can find your way through the grief to a place of peace.
I don’t need a reply. I vividly remember how I felt when first mom, then 2 years and 2 days later ( and another 8 hours, not that I counted or anything) dad left us. It’s not quite the same as losing a child, but any loss of a loved one hurts. Remember you, Denene, and the rest of your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m a phone call/text/email away.