I just finished reading all of the posts to Anne since my Wed. update. Angela Mize (RNM) Williams Wright, and other spelling-Nazis, please ignore misspellings as I can not see through the tears that swelled and poured as I read your messages.
As of this evening Anne has made the decision to enter the local Hospice facility. I know she is doing this to help reduce the burden on me, not because she wants additional attention. I had talked her into staying at home longer, but realized that her level of medical care will be much greater there. So at her insistence, I made the call tonight. I expect she will be there sometime Friday. For those who do not live here, it is a beautiful relatively-new facility on the outskirts of town.
This afternoon, two young adults whom we have known since they were small children, stopped by to visit. Dominic Ossello and his sister Harmony Hendrick, spent time with Anne. Anne taught Harmony in kindergarten and Harmony now teaches fourth grade in the school where Anne last taught. Dominic has grown from a skinny little boy into a police captain. Each has a wonderful spouse and a beautiful little boy. I hadn’t paid attention as I wrote this, but the picture in the masthead of Anne’s page shows her with Harmony and her mother Melody, one of our bestest friends.
Thank you all for your kind thoughts and prayers. My father once said he didn’t know of anything on the Internet that would interest him. Well, this website in and of itself is enough to say that the Web is Wonderful, to be able to communicate and share positively with so many people. We so appreciate everything people have had to say and have done for us. I will never be able to repay you for your kindness; I feel so undeserving …all I can do is try to pay it forward. Mike.
VISITORS COMMENTS FOR THIS POST
By Terry and Carla — Aug 9, 2014 9:12am
Gods loving arms will carry you through this time. Words can’t express the sorrow but are hearts are filled with joy for the peace and end to suffering for Anne as she joins the chorus of angels in heaven. Her life, her love has touched us so, we are better for knowing her and we thank you for sharing her with us. Our prayers and love for you
By Harmony Hendrick — Aug 9, 2014 7:27am
Thank you so much for letting us visit. I loved every second of it and just wanted to freeze time forever. Please let us know if we can do anything. Love you very much!
By Voletta Havener — Aug 8, 2014 8:33pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family thru this most difficult time. Ask God to carry you thru this time. She was a great lady who I loved talking to. She will be missed.
By Alecia Marcum — last edited Aug 8, 2014 7:49pm
Mike my heart is so heavy and the tears continue to flow down my face as I have learned about Anne . We loved her so much and my mind keeps playing all the wonderful times I had with her and what an honor it was to work with her the years that I did. She made such an impact on my life and I can see her beautiful smile right now as I type this and hear her laugh. I know you miss her so much and cannot even begin to imagine the heartache you are feeling. Please know how much we love you and love the wonderful memory we will cherish of Anne. Let us know if we can help you with anything.
By Melody Ossello — Aug 8, 2014 7:21pm
Beautiful post, Mike. I know the kids will always treasure the visit they had with you two yesterday. You both have meant more in their lives than you will ever know. The love and cherish you both and thank you for helping mold them into the wonderful adults, parents and friends that they are today. You are family to us and we will love you always. I do love the picture on Anne’s page. I will miss her forever!
By Dinah Isenberg — Aug 8, 2014 5:14pm
My heart is breaking for you Mike, I didn’t know you but I always could tell the deep love Anne has for you. Everyone’s life she touched loved her. Anne made a difference in this world she made it a better place. I know for sure angels exist because God just got a new one. I’m glad she’s not suffering anymore, just the people that’s left behind to miss her. Prayers for you.
By robyn minor — Aug 8, 2014 5:09pm
My thoughts and prayers are with you now Mike. Unfortunately many of us know what it is to lose a loved one to cancer, and we can all only pray and advocate that some day it is not nearly as many.
By Angela Wright — Aug 8, 2014 4:42pm
Mike. I just heard. I am so sorry.
By Angela Wright — Aug 8, 2014 4:01pm
Mike, I have been thinking about you and Anne all day. I woke up thinking about her–still thinking of you in her decision to go to The Hospice Center. I loved Anne’s mother–irascible ol’ Margaret– and so Anne is like a surrogate sister. I never spent much time with her but I know a lot about her and kept up with her. My heart breaks for her and for you. You have been a wonderful husband/partner. Love to you both.
By Connie Allen — Aug 8, 2014 3:33pm
Please tell Anne that I am overwhelmed to know that the legacy and love of our Natcher family has continued. God bless the wonderful Ossello family and their support for you both..
By Beth Bishop — Aug 8, 2014 3:05pm
Mike, I just came out of an all day meeting, and am sorry to hear of the transition happening so soon. Please give Annie my love, and I know you (and all Anne’s friends down there) are doing what is best for her. Give Sebastian and Lucy a big hug for me, and know you are all in my prayers and heart.
By Tonya Taylor — Aug 8, 2014 11:49am
What a lovely family the two of you have grown in our community. Thank you for letting me in on the fringes. Love to all.
By terry caturano — Aug 8, 2014 10:42am
My prayers are with you and Anne in this difficult decision. The posts from all your other friends express what is in my heart too.
Anne, I have admired you from the time I first got to know you at Community Education, and the better I got to know you, the more my admiration grew. Admiration became friendship and friendship became love. Anne, you have given so much to this community, to everyone who knows you, and to me. You have done everything you do in Christian sweetness, kindness and courage. I know you are very dear to the heart of our God, and that you are in His care. I thank God for Mike, your devoted husband and your incomparable friend. Love & prayers, Terry
By Lucena Davis — Aug 8, 2014 10:15am
Mike and Anne,
I read you latest update with tears in my eyes. My heart goes out to you, Mike. I know that Anne has made the right decision, and you are correct she will need more medical attention. Both of you have been in my prayers, and I even say small prayers throughout the day. You both are such special people, it has been an honor to become your friend.
By Floyda Sullivan — Aug 8, 2014 10:05am
Dear Mike and Anne….. oh how I wish I could be there for support and to hug my funny funny friend again. Mike you are such a jewel and a real blessing for Anne. On my next visit to the beach I will be having a celebration of life for my beach loving buddy. Wish you could join me. Love you both!!! XOXO to Anne.
By Karen Towell — Aug 8, 2014 10:00am
My prayers are with you.
By Jennifer Hicklin — Aug 8, 2014 9:39am
Love to you both.
By Debbie Robb — Aug 8, 2014 9:20am
MIke & Anne,
Harmony was one of Nate’s teachers at Natcher and he loved her. She and I have been texting on Facebook just this week when she saw his “first day of 10th grade” picture. She is a wonderful teacher and I’m sure Anne helped to instill some of those traits. 🙂
As heavy as our hearts are for what is coming next, I have to smile because heaven will be receiving one spunky and lovable angel. Praying for you both. Hugs and much love!
By Debi Wade Jordan — Aug 8, 2014 8:37am
What a gift it is to be so very, very loved by so many. Certainly you both are rich beyond measure in that category. I know our greatest wish is that there was something we could do to make a difference. Praying for peace.
By Mary Scantland — Aug 8, 2014 8:21am
Mike, based on my own experience, you will never meet nicer, kinder people than those at Hospice. It made the passing of my sister so much easier knowing what good care she received. May God grant you peace and comfort for Anne. I miss seeing her smiling face. Wrapping you in prayers and love!
By Linda McCray — Aug 8, 2014 8:19am
Mike I am sure this was a difficult decision for both of you. Your devotion for Anne and hers for you are what stands out for me and others! I continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you and Anne can take some small comfort from the love and prayers that are being sent your way. So many people care, its an amazing tribute! May God surround you in his loving embrace.
By Mary Lou Kirby — Aug 8, 2014 7:59am
The Hospice house is a beautiful place, that offers compassionate support and care. I know how hard this must be for you, Mike and Anne. Prayers flow continuously for both of you. My heart is heavy but I offer praise to God for the blessings you both have given so many.
By robyn minor — Aug 8, 2014 7:32am
Mike and Anne know that you are in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you find the peace and comfort you need at this time.
By Rhonda Bartley — Aug 8, 2014 7:29am
Mike, I love you and Anne. Peace and God’s embracing love and grace to you, my friend. You know I am here for anything you need.
By Sonja Byrd — Aug 8, 2014 6:35am
Much love to you Mike, and Anne, and all her loved ones near and far. Peace to you all.
By Pat Scott — Aug 8, 2014 6:03am
Dear Mike, I know that this is a hard decision to accept. But Hospice will allow you to be just a loving husband and alleviate the stress of having to be a caretaker. My mother’s decision to go to Hospice was one of her last and best gifts she gave to her children and grandchildren. You and Anne are in our hearts and in our prayers…..Wishing God’s grace for both of you.
By myla thomas — Aug 8, 2014 4:41am
I know this is a difficult decision, but we all know what a wonderful place our local Hospice home is. It’s a blessing for the people there and their families. Ann is a wonderful woman, and we’ve all been blessed in one way or another for knowing her…Prayers for peace, comfort and understanding during this time. She’s gonna be an awesome angel…just hope everyone is good spellers in heaven!
By Meg Pennington — Aug 8, 2014 12:19am
Dearest Ladybug,
My heart is squeezing tears from my eyes…
You have been a vibrant beacon in my life…
Peace be upon you and Mike.
Seth sends smooches and squenches to Miss Anne..
By Alecia Marcum — Aug 7, 2014 11:20pm
Mike I am praying for Anne and please know how much I am thinking about her. I posted some pictures of Sarah from kindergarten graduation tonight on FB that I would have posted on here, but did not know if I could so put it on Facebook instead. I hope that Anne is able to see them and know how much she means to our family. I would love to see her, but in no way want to take away from her time with you and cause her more difficulty in breathing or pain. Please let her know that I am thinking about her and sending my love and prayers.
By patsy sloan — Aug 7, 2014 11:02pm
I’m reminded of a quote from Aeschylus:
He who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grade of God
By B.Kaye Beckner — Aug 7, 2014 10:46pm
My heart is aching for you. My family has loved Anne for many years, since she loved on my little girl in the after school program at McNeill 20 years ago. I have enjoyed many community activities with her since. Prayers for you as she makes this final journey. God’s love surround you both.
Much love,
B.Kaye
By Beth Schaeffer — Aug 7, 2014 10:35pm
Anne, you have touched sweet young minds and hearts for so very long. You are a mentor and an inspiration to me and have been of so very long. While I only know Mike through you, he and you (or you and he, grammar Nazi!) remind me what it means to marry your best friend and grow that relationship each and every day! Living the high life for one another, with one another, one blessed day at a time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers! Love to you!!
By Sandy Stewart — Aug 7, 2014 10:32pm
Our continued prayers go with both of you. Praying for peace and comfort. Much love, Sandy
By Jean Secrest — Aug 7, 2014 10:18pm
Both of you continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! I pray for God’s loving merciful hands to be on both of you! God bless you both.
By Marta Woosley — Aug 7, 2014 10:10pm
The love you and Anne have for each other is abundant!! You show it your heartfelt posts to keep her friends and family updated. You are in my prayers as you go through these excruciating times. Love you both!!
By Betsy (Hirst) Sheppard — Aug 7, 2014 10:07pm
I knew if I had had more time to get to know Anne, she and I would have been good friends. She is a kindred spirit, I can tell. I have been very sad about this. I send all my best wishes and love to her and everyone around her. I am very glad that there is a good hospice here. Thank you so much for continuing to keep us posted. XOXOXOXO
By Miliska Knauft — Aug 7, 2014 10:06pm
Anne and Mike … Know that you both are in our hearts. Anything we can do, please let us know. The Lord is especially with you and will bring you peace and happiness.
Love,
Terry and Miliska