I know that I haven't updated this blog in months and this isn't the happiest post to begin updates again but I have to put in writing about one of the greatest men I know.
Monday, June 18, was a horrible day. My sweet cousin Summer called and told me Greg was in the hospital and had gone into cardiac arrest that morning. Complete shock came over me. I just saw him Wednesday, he was fine, sweet loveable Greg that we all fell in love with. I told Summer whatever she needed that I would be right by her side. Little did I know how much she was going to need me.
I always feel that things in our lives happen for a reason. Even though I haven't enjoyed all of my time living in Ogden I know that I needed to be here. I just never thought that it would be to go through this. I know now that even though I was here to support Jordan through school that was the easy part. We are truly here for Summer, Greg and Lilly.
On Tuesday I called Summer and the outcome wasn't looking good. The doctors were concerned that Greg wasn't getting any blood flow to his brain and if that were the case the other treatments and tests they were conducting wouldn't be enough. Summer said to go ahead with the test to find out about his brain. I had spent some of the morning with Lilly and my sister Amanda before I went to be with Summer at the hospital. All I can say is that Lilly is every ray of the sun! She can brighten up a room no matter how gloomy it can get. She has been our rock through this rough patch.
When I got to the hospital, Summer had an outpouring of support from so many people who were all there for 100% of the way. About 4:15pm the came to get Summer to tell her the results. Her parents, my brother, visiting teachers, close friends, Jordan and myself waited in the waiting room for what seemed like hours. We all sat in silence looking at each other trying to hold back the tears for what we feared was the worst. Then we saw Summer rush down the hall to her dad's arms overwhelmed with grief. Greg had been declared brain dead.
As I write this I can't help but fight back tears as I will never forget the look on my sweet cousins face. One that I hoped we wouldn't have to see. She had lost her lobster, superhero, sweetheart, husband and best friend. Nothing that an almost 30 year old should ever have to go through. As we all gathered around her we all were in a complete state of shock to really believe that our Greg would no longer be right by her side. We then stated the process of calling everyone to let them know that Greg didn't make it and that Summer would like as many people to come and say their goodbyes.
The hospital soon flooded with family, friends, ward members and co-workers that wanted to be there for Summer. As people came in and out tears streaming from their eyes, you could truly see the impact that he had on everyone he knew. I always knew my cousin was an amazing person I just never realized it until that moment.
Jordan was always very close with Greg and the bond only grew stronger this last year. He went back to spend time with him, who he didn't just consider a cousin, or friend, but a brother. Greg had told us the week before that he would always considered Jordan and I to be like siblings because of how close we all were. Later that evening he let me know what went on while he was back there. All I can say is Thank you Greg for the great impact that you had on my husband. He truly looked up to you and will miss you everyday. Even though we wish you could still be here with us, not a moment has gone by in the past week that Jordan and I haven't expressed how much we truly love each other and are grateful for the decision to marry for time and eternity.
As I mentioned earlier I told Summer that Jordan and I were for whatever she needed. Once everyone started to leave, Summer asked if we would help her with the Organ Donation paperwork, being that Greg had registered for. So that night we stayed with her til 1am to answer all of their questions and listen to Summer's great stories tied with some of them. That night as we left, Summer broke down. The reality was sinking in that he wasn't coming home, that even though she told Lilly earlier that day that daddy wasn't coming home the reality was that he truly wasn't.
Wednesday was the day that Summer had to do what she knew was right and let her sweet lobster be at peace. For those of you that know me, I don't do well at hospitals. So even though everyone had gone back to say their goodbyes I couldn't. It was far too hard for me to see anyone hooked up to machinery and I knew that the image of him in that room wasn't one that I needed to have. I opted to see him at the viewing instead. I didn't know at the time, but that was the best decision I made the whole week.
As the week slowly pressed on, I called Summer everyday to make sure that she didn't need anything. She reached her milestone 30th birthday only 2 days after Greg's passing. We had a party for her and my cousin Cameron the following Saturday, where we were able to get a sneak peak at the great video that Greg's brother, Brian, has put together. Which reminds me. ALWAYS TAKE PICTURES!! We were so lucky to have so many of the great moments in Greg's life and it made for a great trip down memory lane. Since Jordan and I drove Summer to the party we opted to stay with her that night because she said that's when it gets hard. So we had one of what I'm sure will be many sleepovers. We stayed with her and the Young family throughout Sunday. We all had our great reminiscing stories of that great laugh that Greg has.
Because my post is getting lengthy I will summarize the next days. Monday Summer and I went to pick out flowers, and enjoyed our girly time we were having for the non-enjoyable circumstance. Both of us felt the same way. This whole situation sucks. That is really the best way it can be described. But our relief is knowing that Greg is no longer in pain. He will never have to have another seizure, joint pain, TMJ problems, chronic pain through out his whole body. What a great peace that brings over us. He is the perfect man he always wanted to be. Even though he isn't with us we know his misses us too, and that he is happy. Summer has a broken heart and always will. Greg wanted her to one day find someone to love her and treat her and Lilly well. Summer told me that she probably will because she can't be alone. But nobody will ever be able to replace him or the spot he has in her heart.
Wednesday and Thursday were the viewing and the funeral. We went early to help Summer set up a memorial table. Once we had that done I went to see my Greg. I don't think I can express how well he looked. He was peaceful with a slight smile on his face and instantly I knew, even though this was going to be hard, we were going to be okay. At the funeral we got to hear such great stories of a great man. He touched so many lives in a short time and it showed with how many people were there.
As I begin to close this post I would like to start by saying that I'm so proud of Summer. She is one tough cookie and has had the guidance of the spirit through it all. She is my example. I also am so proud of Jordan and Jared(my brother). They were both pallbearers and they were so strong. Greg loves them both so much and they felt the same towards him. Even though both of them lost their extended brother in him they really stepped up to be there for him today. I couldn't have greater male examples than them.
Greg you truly are a superhero. Which ever one you want to be. Even though your time was short I can't think of a person who has touched more lives that you. We will take your absence day by day. But we know that you are watching us and guiding us along the way. We couldn't ask for a more protective guardian angel. We know that we will feel your presence near us always. We will never forget the hugs you gave or the laugh you infused in all of us. Lilly truly has a great father and we will all let her know that. Even though with how smart she is, I know she already does. Summer will miss you everyday and will never stop. We will be here to comfort her on the hard days and laugh with her on the other days. You have left a Greg sized hole in all of our hearts that will never be filled by anyone. From now on, playing Rockband will be dedicated to you.
We love you and thank you for helping us to be better people.
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