[John 14:27]

After a courageous five-year battle with cancer, Joanie returned home to live with her Heavenly Father and Mother and her many ministering angels.

The past five years continued to showcase Joanie’s gifts of spreading love and her unique positive energy everywhere she went.

She read her three grandchildren hundreds of stories and hosted many a grandchild sleepover and family Sunday dinner. She traveled to the beautiful places on this earth with her family and friends. She welcomed her third grandchild, “baby Joe-Joe.”
She jumped into the frigid, healing waters of Jackson Lake and marveled at the beauty of the Alps.
She wrote beautiful words about everyday occurrences here on her blog and shared with us, not only how she was feeling and her experiences, but many thanks to those who were lightening her load.

Until the end, Joanie always had a grateful heart.

She wrote poetry. During these five years, Joanie ran, walked, and biked hundreds of miles, in the depth of winter, on warm summer mornings, on streets and trails, up mountains and by the sea—more oft than not, accompanied by her many friends.
She ran marathons and half-marathons.
She biked, hiked, ran, sledded, carried baby Joe and Kate, beat us all in croquet, skied, played tennis and the piano. Her grandchildren ran through the front door and searched the house yelling “Grandma Jooooaaaniiiee!”
She accomplished more than many of us do in a week, in a single day, and still had time for her many friends and loving family.
She researched and worked on family history.
She taught Maggie and Kate how to play tennis and about the world.
She was the mother of the groom twice, hardly looking the part either time, with her beautiful face and youthful smile.
She was the coveted dinner seatmate of baby Joe, Kate, and Maggie.
She played board games, and one of her favorites—charades—with her family.
She crafted quilts and scrapbooks.
She laughed at her sons’ jokes. Joanie was brave, every singe day of the past five years, she was brave.
She was proud of her children, their spouses, and her beloved grandchildren.
She adored her husband, Joe.
She also gave him a to-do list or two. Forever the optimist, she continued to see the best in us all.
She attended her first grandchild, Maggie’s, baptism and spoke beautiful words to her to mark the special day.
She taught hundreds of students, imparting the theme of her life: service.
She giggled, shopped, and attended the temple with “The Sues.”
She prayed and rejoiced in the Gospel.
She enjoyed a good dark chocolate bar.
She excitedly hosted three German exchange students, whom she relished having in her home.
She taught tennis to children in a Title I school, becoming their greatest champion.
She welcomed home her last son to serve a mission, with a glowing smile and her famous chicken rolls.
She renovated her kitchen, so her family would have a place to gather.
She always thought of others. Joanie did not lose her battle to cancer.

This blog is a reflection of that.

She lived; she lived life full, like she had always done, with positivity, kindness, a sense of humor, and an aim at improving herself.

Joanie left an imprint on this world that her family, countless friends, students, coworkers, ward members, and acquaintances will never forget. And although she was on this earth for far too short a time, she lived fuller than many could in two lifetimes. Though our grief be all enveloping now, we will strive to honor Joanie’s legacy by serving our fellow man, setting a goal for ourselves, greeting the day with a smile on our face, marveling at the beauty of the world around us, and loving one another.

I stood watching as the little ship sailed out to sea. The setting sun tinted its white sails with a golden light. And as it disappeared from view, a voice at my side whispered, “She is gone.”

But the sea was a narrow one, and on the furthest shore, a little band of friends and loved ones had gathered to watch in happy expectation. Suddenly, they caught sight of the tiny sail. And at that very moment when my companion had whispered, ‘She is gone,’ a glad shout went up in joyous welcome with the words, ‘Yes, here she comes!’

[Anonymous with adaptions]

The post Joanie Returned Home appeared first on Joanie Daily.

We will be giving a longer update soon.

Thanks

The post Update on Joanie’s Health appeared first on Joanie Daily.

So, I mentioned in my last blog that my key word this year is “SHARE”.  Specifically, I mean sharing words- looking someone in the face and telling them the thoughts of your heart and thanking them for all they have done for you but mostly for talking about the issues that really matter.  Yesterday, a friend stopped by that I haven’t seen for a very long time.  We went to elementary, junior-high and high school together.  Her name is Cathy Archer McDonald and she is my dear friend, Sue Oldroyd’s, sister-in-law.  It was so enjoyable to talk about stories from our pasts and I learned a very good lesson. I told her a memory that I had of a time together and after I had finished, she said that she remembered it differently.  It was clear that I had the timing all wrong when we talked about it.  I was picturing it in fall and she confirmed that one of the events was in winter so my time was off.  I truly loved our visit.  I am so grateful that she came by!  I have other people on my list that I want to see and mostly apologize too!  I think that I’m lucky I have that chance!

On Tuesday, Kate Daily took me shopping.  I thought I better stock up on birthday presents because I have no idea how I’m going to feel during chemo.  She is so sweet to help me with these activities I find so hard to get done on my own.  Yesterday, she stopped by with this beautiful bracelet and kind note!  “I received this bracelet at a time when I was discouraged.  The hearts were to resemble all the love and connections I (and now you) had made with my (your heart).  I wanted you to have it to remember all the love and connections you have made and how grateful we are for that love. Two of those hearts are Taylor and I, who are always connected to you and love your BRAVE heart!”

I love the thought of sharing this beautiful piece of jewelry and to think of the “hearts” that make up its circle!

The post Thursday, January 14, 2016 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

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Taylor and Katie at the Food Bank Turkey Trot- November 2015, Always giving these two

Yesterday, I went to Skyline and talked with my students and told them my cancer history and how I would not be coming back to teach.  Ann Jensen will take over for me and that is the greatest blessing.  We’ll get these grades done together and I will be here for questions or any other help she needs but that is it for me and my teaching days. I’m glad that I was able to teach this semester.  It was physically painful but I feel good about mustering through.  My arm is still causing me much grief but at least I have the hope that the nerve pain will improve. That will be a very happy day for me when I can go forward without that pain. I have enough pain with the mental anguish of leaving this world, head and ear pain, knee aches and shaky legs, extreme fatigue and stomach pain. Yes, I think that covers it.  But I have such dear family and friends and loving support to counter it.

My word for this year is “SHARE”.  A terminal disease will bring out the best in you if you let it.  As a family, we are sharing our time and our words.   We have had the deepest talks with some of my children and their spouses and it’s been incredible.  The fortunate part about lingering as you are dying is that you get to tell your loved ones how you feel about them, your life, your values and believes and any other details you want to leave them with. Katie brought over this lovely foaming bath soap and then stayed and we talked and talked.  Thank you Katie for sharing your time!  She is just like a daughter.  I adore, admire and love her so very much!

I am just praying that the treatment I receive will ease the pain so I can enjoy my family fully! I am very blessed!

Newport Vacation 2014

The post Wednesday, January 6, 2016 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

Joanie and Joe at the Laie Temple on the North Shore of Oahu, November 2015

I am anxiously looking forward to my arm and hand feeling better so I can type easier.  It is one of the reasons that keeps me from the computer.  It is slowly getting better, but the word is slowly!  Last night, my ward and neighbors started a community fast for me and another woman battling cancer, Margaret Sevy.  I didn’t realize they were starting the Fast the night before @ 8:00 P.M. and I had Mary and Joe Joe over and really I just didn’t want to be there and be the spotlight so I didn’t attend.  But today, I got to bear my testimony at the pulpit.  I told them how much I loved and appreciated the ward for doing this for me and I didn’t feel like I deserved it.  I told them about when I got the diagnosis, the only thought was that I wanted to be with my family, and I told them that I knew why I came to the earth and that I was at peace and ready to go to the other side.

I want to put in this blog the sweet words of a young man who is watching his wife suffer with a brain tumor.  They have young children and I find that so incredibly sad!  His name is Cody and his wife, Lisa.

“While I personally don’t have to suffer through the physical pain and anguish that you and Lisa have, I have had a front row seat to the ordeal. And I have unfortunately had to suffer much of the emotional agony and heartache associated with cancer and it’s unforgiving attack on my wife. I have struggled with feelings of sorrow and feeling cheated. I feel cheated that the love of my life is going to most likely die far too young. The way we met and fell in love is honestly like a fairy tale. I feel cheated that I don’t get to grow old with her. I feel cheated that I won’t have her help and support to raise our four young kids together. And I feel cheated that at this stage of life instead of worrying about the more trivial aspects of life like most of my friends have to worry about, I am instead having to worry about some very complicated, very heavy, and very difficult problems.

I hate that this challenge is completely out of our control. I have a very type A personality, and I love to be in control of my life. This powerless feeling as I watch my wife’s cancer repeatedly come back drives me insane. It’s not like if we just try harder, if we just think harder, or if we just put more effort into recovery that we will be able to beat it. Yes having a good attitude helps, but ultimately when you have a stage 4 brain tumor, the cancer will take your life. That doesn’t mean that cancer wins though. I love the words of Stuart Scott, “When you die, that does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live,” he said. “So live. Live. Fight like hell. And when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let somebody else fight for you.”

Those words instantly bring me to tears. I love them. They are so true. They are words to live by. For me personally, I have to look for the good in life. Cancer sucks. It’s really rotten and there is no way to sugar coat it. But, as terrible as Lisa’s three brain tumors have been, we have still been able to find joy and beauty in life over the past four years. We have made a conscious decision to look for the good that surrounds us. As a result I have found immense joy in some of the most simple things like sunrises/sunsets, my children laughing, and just sitting next to my wife while watching a movie.

Above all else, I believe that to truly be able to find peace and joy throughout a harrowing trial like cancer, one must have a belief in a higher power. It is essential to believe that there is more to this life than our mortal existence. This belief can help you to transcend the pain, the heartache, the struggles, and the suffering that we experience in life. For me personally, my belief in a loving God helps me to face these challenges. I believe that God is watching out for us and that he wants us to be happy. This belief has been strengthened by powerful feelings of peace and comfort as I have turned my heart and life over to Him. I have experienced an undeniable feeling that everything is going to be alright. Whether that means that Lisa lives or dies, I can’t say, but I can say that the Lord will be there to help us, to carry us, and to comfort us regardless of the outcome.”

Polynesian Cultural Center, Laie

The post Sunday, January 3, 2016 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

I have 5 tumors, 3 of which can be treated with Gamma Knife where I have had amazing success.  The other two with less radiation because they are so close to my ears that they could cause hearing loss if we went with Gamma Knife.  But that’s not all.  They also found possibly evidence that cancer is in the lining of the brain and that is scary because if that’s the case then they estimate that you have about 6 months to live.  We called our children and spouses and cried as we gave them the news.  They are the most amazing people and I am so honored to call them my children and family.  We agreed that we would deal with this by living life to the fullest! Nate and Mary explained to Maggie what was going on and she kept hugging and looking at me last night.  I’m so vested in taking care of my kids that I don’t want to leave this life.  I do believe in an incredible after-life so that is very comforting.  I am so grateful for the gospel plan- that we can be together again.  That is what keeps me going!

Maggie winning Reflections Contest this year!

The post Thursday, December 31, 2015 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

Maggie and me on the Z trail on Thanksgiving Morn.  Nate, Joe, and Alex were there too.  My best times have been when exercising.

I’m getting ready for yet another surgery.  I’ve often thought that the people that process my insurance claims must think that I need and want a lot of attention.  10 surgical procedures in five years for a girl who winces at the thought of a needle in her arm.  But I’m trying to put my brave on once again as I face spinal surgery.  I am in a lot of pain and have been for the last six months.  Believe someone when they say nerve pain can drive you crazy as it has certainly done that to me these past months.  It took six months and eight doctor visits to figure out what was wrong with my arm and other parts of my body.  Or rather, perhaps we don’t yet know why my legs ache or why my stomach causes me great pain if I move the wrong way.  I have had a petscan that showed no sign of cancer so that has been a relief and I real positive.  I have not been living these past months but rather surviving.  I don’t quite know how I have been teaching school this semester or how I survived a half-marathon run in Yosemite, then sitting in a car which sent my nerve into fits but I did because I had to.  I have spent many a sleepless night trying to find relief in the shower or bath.  But I think the worst has been trying to control my emotions while being on and getting off of the drug Gabapentin. And, so here I sit about 1 1/2 days before surgery trying to complete some of the items on my to-do list before I enter the hospital.  Joe keeps asking me what I want for Christmas and I can truly say nothing other than my health back.

I want to be able to spend time with family and friends without thinking only of pain.  I want to enjoy having Sunday dinners again.  I want to read and write, laugh, sing and play the piano.  I want to enjoy making dinner and I want to be excited about Christmas and life in general.  I want to enjoy my students and enjoy teaching them.  I want to drive around and complete errands without having to run home because my arm and legs hurt so badly.  I want to type and not feel the pain in my numb fingers. And I want to run and play tennis again.  The doctor says that I should be back to normal in two months.  Mostly, I just pray with every fiber in my body that the surgery will bring me back to my happy, healthy self!

Annual Christmas Tree Excursion

The post Tuesday, December 1, 2015 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

I have had a hard time wanting to write lately.  Mostly, because my arm still hurts so badly and my side and legs and I really don’t see too much hope in sight.  Yesterday, Joe and I went to the plastic surgeon to see if the pain could be caused by my implant resting on some nerves.  I was excited about this prospect and would have willingly gone into surgery if he thought it was the issue.  But sadly, he did not. He thought that if the implant was resting on nerves, I would feel in it my armpit and upper arm.  The pain is mainly in my forearm.  Every day is a struggle with pain.  I find it hard to live with such chronic pain.  I am existing but not really living.  One of the things that I miss the most is relationships with others.  I just don’t feel good enough to want to interact with people.  I am trying to do my best to keep a normal life going, mostly for Joe and my family.  I started on two quilts for my grandchildren, Kate and Joe, because I have made a quilt for every other person and I want them to have one from me.  Next week, I will have a Petscan.  I insisted on it after we learned that the implant wasn’t the problem.  That will take place on Monday.  And then I have an appointment in about 10 days with a neurosurgeon who has seen my MRI and thinks that the pain in my arm could totally be caused my compressed discs.  I keep giving myself prep talks and trying to convince myself that I can do this, that I can live with pain because soon it will be over.  I so want to live my life without pain and I so want to enjoy my family and doing all the things I love.  I can’t even enjoy the 10 pounds I have lost!

The post Friday, October 30, 2014 appeared first on Joanie Daily.

For the last two weekends, Joe, Alex and I have been away and I think it saved me or at least helped me in many ways.  Two weeks ago, we headed to St. George and watched Joe, Taylor and Katie run the marathon.  Katie didn’t feel well but that didn’t stop her from giving the race all she had.  Joe ran his 17th St. George and finished much faster than last year, which he deserved due to eliminating bread from his diet and working hard on becoming more fit.  Taylor, who never ceases to amaze us with his physical strength qualified for Boston second year in a row, beating his time of last year by 4 minutes.  Alex and I waited at mile 16 for Taylor and Katie, then got down to mile 23 to see Katie and Joe come by. Then headed to the finish line.  I loved staying at Grandma Janet’s and being busy with family around me all weekend.  My arm pain was still bad and sometimes almost unbearable but I took a lot of showers and baths and tried to imagine a time when the pain would be a memory.  I was looking forward to my appointment with Dr. Randle on October 13 when I would have some results about how to make the pain go away.  That day came and he tested my arm, spine and areas around it to see where the pain was coming from.  Two days later, on October 15, I went in for a steroid injection in my spine.  I felt almost immediate relief but then have experienced some pain, especially when I sit in a car or at the computer!  I am grateful for medical care, grateful for amazing doctors but I really am looking so forward to feeling 100%.  I hope it’s in my future.  I will write more later, when I am up to it!

Taylor, Katie and Joe at start!

The post Saturday, October 17, 2014 appeared first on Joanie Daily.