2 weeks ago we lost a pilar in our family, Steve Wood. His story is not only one of sadness but insurmountable strength and love. He was loving husband of 31 years to his wife, Tish, loving father and stepfather to his 4 kids, a great father-in-law to his extended kids, and most importantly "Papa" to his 3 grandkids. The eldest grandkid even says, "Papa is my soulmate." To know him was to love him and he leaves behind a hole in our hearts so great that the grieving process I fear will be long. His ailments started with blood clots in his legs. After 14 surgeries (by doctor's choice) they decided they had to amputate the leg. As he got weaker we tried to prepare for whatever may come. Who would have thought blood clots would make someone so weak? Insurance companies wouldnt work with us. Even the ones that brag about having existing ailments wont hinder your chances. Little did we know it was going to get much worse. He started having trouble with his neck. They removed his tonsils and found cancer. He was too weak for chemo and they also found blood in his lungs. He was put on a ventilator for 70 days. When he was home we noticed he was sleeping a lot. We found our sepsis had set in and his organs were failing. Congestive heart failure on top of the cancer was now giving him a lifespan of 6 months. That 6 months was up in October and Steve fought bravely on. In the last month of his life he then was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy (although we think it was a stroke). 2 weeks ago he waited for his children to get there before he took his last breaths. Before there was anytime to grieve the medical bills started coming in. The cremation bills came in. Then the shocker that his wife of 31 years was not eligible for survivor's benefits because if you make more than $1,500 a month you dont qualify. They obviously dont care about the cost of living in California or what we have already gone through. They feel the need to keep Steve's hard-earned money instead of giving it to my mom. That's why I am making this GoFundMe. We need help with final expenses and having to relocate our mom so she doesnt have to see anymore struggle. Anything helps and we will be truly thankful for anything you can spare. Even sharing this helps us. Thank you in advance and sending love to all your families. Hold your loved ones tight. Even if death is expected.... the pain is still unbearable. ❤❤❤