As much as I would have liked to call each of you personally to tell you this, time and my health will not allow me to do that.
On April 15th as you know I was "supposed" to start the clinical trial. Unfortunately my liver was not functioning at full capacity. This caused me to have jaundice, which disqualified me from the trial. My only option left was to do a much stronger (toxic) chemotherapy. Chemo is especially hard on the kidneys and liver (let alone what it does to the rest of the body and the mind). I chose to not go this route. Currently I am on home health care, which will eventually transition over to hospice. Due to the aggressiveness of my cancer, I'm not sure of my timeline.
As much as I would love to see so many of you, I'm really not up to visitors at this time. I'm at peace with my decision. I'm 60 years old and I've had a great life; enriched by my association with you as my family and friends. Thank you for all of the prayers, thoughts, and kind actions you have done in my behalf. Even though it is not what we wanted to happen, we must remember who is in charge and must trust in His will.
Doug, DO NOT give up. We know who's in charge, but you must do what you can do, or allow others to help you, for the chance. Know that we love you. You and Diane have been in our minds and earnest prayers. Peace and strength be with you.
ReplyDeleteDennis & May
We love you so much bishop. You mean the world to our family, and I am personally grateful for the influence you have been on Jeremy, and what a wonderful experience it was for him to work with you in the Church. You and your family are always in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteXazmin
My dear friend, much love to you and Diane. You both continue to be in my prayers. I am so grateful for you and all you taught me but mostly your friendship and being on your list.
ReplyDeleteGod bless,
Kristy
The Summers' Family loves you more than you will ever know. We are praying for you and your family daily. Thank you for the good example of faith in our Heavenly Father. We all have so much to learn from you.
ReplyDeleteMy dearest friend-
ReplyDeleteYour strong faith will guide you through this most difficult of times, as it has your whole life. You and Di have been so courageous through this ordeal. Our prayers are with you and your beautiful family for peace, comfort, and relief.
All our love,
Ed and Tami
I don't even know how to write to you Dougie, my always true friend. We have known each other since we were young teens. I'm not giving up on you, I will pray you back. I know you and Di are so good and so close to the Lord but I also believe in miracles. You know I love you and was so happy when you found Di because you two go together like peas in a pod. How can I tell you how much your stories, memories, jokes, testimony and friendship mean to me. More than you will ever know, that's how much. I love your whole family. I just put your name in again at the temple Thursday. I do believe the Lord knows what is right so I will always submit to His will but I am praying you are Abraham at the altar with Isaac and there will be something more. If not, then you will always be in my memory as a true friend who loved the Lord and always tried to do what is right. Give Di my love. I wish I could just come and hug the both of you but I will respect your wishes. If you need a place to hide for a bit our place is open to you and your family. It is a good place to sit on the deck and see all of God's wonders. Love you my friend. Ann
ReplyDeleteI wish my friend that I could come give you a hug and hold your hand for a while and feel of your spirit once more. You and I know that the Lord's will for you will come to pass whatever it is. You are one of His valiant and divine sons and His love for you and Diane is evident and present every time we are together. You know of the joy and happiness that await all of us as we return to our Father. As I mentioned to you when we talked last, it won't be long before we are all sitting together once again remembering these days. As Elder Maxwell said, "If we are true disciples of Jesus Christ, He will eventually ask us to do the very thing which is hardest for us to do." You are certainly a true disciple. I have always said that in the eternities, the things that we will be the most grateful for regarding our mortal sojourn are the things that brought us closer to God. It is the difficult times that do that.
ReplyDeleteBecky and I love you and Diane. We will certainly respect your wishes to spend time with your family and the joy that accompanies that. Our love and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Thank you for all of your wisdom and lessons taught through your counsel and example. May our Father's blessings be with you and your family always.
Love, Mark & Becky
Doug,
ReplyDeleteWe have been so blessed to have you as a home teacher, Bishop, and friend. You have been such a great example to me as I grew up in the Ward. Christian and I appreciate the time you took to marry us. I had so much fun getting to know the wonderful man that you are, and being able to raft with you. I will never forget quoting the princess bride and laughing with you. I want you to know that you will be missed, that will never forget you, and that we love you!
Love, Christian, Janessa, and Josie
Doug, You are a very courageous person that keeps a clear eternal perspective. I'm grateful that through sort of a random reconnection that you accepted an invitation to a casual luncheon at my house with Allen Alexander last August. That was a very enjoyable afternoon for me that I will always remember, as simple as it was. God bless and our prayers are with you. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Go Cavemen!!!
ReplyDeleteBishop Wilson, I want to thank you for everything you've done for me. Also I want you to know that I am grateful to know a great man of the lord as yourself, I know that the lord has his plan for all of us and I am thankful that you were my bishop in a very important time in my life. I will always admire you and look up to your example and faith. Our thoughts ad prayers will continue to be with you and your family and we hope the lord continues to bless you with comfort and peace in the coming future.
ReplyDeleteLove, Nick & Sydney Tisor
Thank you for being one of the greatest people I know. Love from all the Bickmores.
ReplyDeleteIsaac
Bishop Wilson, You have shaped so many lives by your deeply sincere love for each member of your ward family, and mine is no exception. I believe you are the finest bishop I have ever had the pleasure of being served by. Thank you for your flawless kindness and your gifts of time and prayers you have given me. Your influence lives on in my life with your testimony and talks still reaching out to me. I pray for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteI hope you saw the beautiful sunshine today and felt warmth on your face and were free from pain and could enjoy being with Diane.
ReplyDeleteOra read your post from the 20th in Relief Society today and we were all very quite, seaching our own hearts and sending all our love to both of you and your dear family. I KNOW THAT GOD LIVES! I know He and His Son will be with each of you each day. I will pray every day that the love of the Lord Jesus Christ will permeate your heart and home and that you will find many moments when you will be filled with joy.
My own heart is filled with boundless love and gratitude for all you and your family mean in my life!
Doug...I certainly was surprised by your last post, it was a tough one to read and I am sure even tougher to write. I deeply appreciate your faith and the love you have for your family. From the other posts I see that you have been busy sharing that love and faith with many others. You have definitely had an impact on others. This legacy shows in their words about you. I cannot offer much but you know that our hopes, thoughts and prayers are with you and Diane. Like the post above I am very grateful for having known Doug Wilson..heck 40 years? It seems like yesterday at times and at other times a lifetime ago.
ReplyDeleteGod speed my friend...Kia Kaha...
Doug Hansen
Dear Doug,
ReplyDeleteYou are a very dear friend and one of the best people I know on this earth. You have tremendous faith and a wonderful loving wife, great kids and many, many people whom you have served and loved who love you dearly. I don't see how you could live your life any better than you are doing. I am sure you are guided in your decisions. I love you and respect you, Doug. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Diane and your family.
Many Blessings,
Robert Wood
Doug, My Friend. One of my best friends. A true Saint. Who always exhibited unconditional love. I'll never forget the times we've had together, but, I look forward to many more going forward.
ReplyDeleteKim
Dear Doug, Diane and family - so sorry to hear this news. My love, prayers, and warmest thoughts are with you now as they have always been. My memories of you always evoke a smile because you always seem to be smiling. Thank you for the good influence you are and the good, exemplary life you lead. We love you. Leslie, Joe and all.
Doug I loved your sweet smile in school and your love of people. You are a special person to so many and have touched each and everyone of us in different ways. Your mission is not over. Your work is not done. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteDear Doug
ReplyDeleteIt breaks my heart to read your latest update. We've been friends for a long long time. almost 60 years. It seems like yesterday when we were kids running around Forbes and the 6th ward church. We share the fond memories of little league football through high school and lately flying around the US. I guess the good lord wants you a bit closer. Your a brave man, as always I have and continue to admire you. I will continue to pray for a miracle.
God be with you till we meet again.
Doug Richards