Support for Susann in Memory of Douglas

Hi everyone, my name is Sam Saarel, and I'm creating this fundraiser on behalf of my family but mainly my mother, Susann. For those of you who are familiar with my family's story; it's been a long and tough ride, and if you're new here, I want to introduce you to my family and our beloved Doug.

My dad, Douglas Andrew Saarel, passed away last week on April 17th at 9:55pm. He had been in the hospital just a few days before with difficulties breathing. In a final act of love, Mom insisted he be brought back to the comfort and familiarity of his home.

In the following days, dad appeared to muster some strength. I headed home for a brief visit, and mom gently reminded dad that my twin sister, Larissa, would soon be returning from graduate school in Missouri to spend time with the family before her next departure. We eagerly anticipated our upcoming reunion as a family, especially with spring unfolding in Montana.

I will forever remember the moments of our final day. Dad was really happy that day. It was filled with reading to him from a memory book my mom had created during our early teen years, watching his favorite movie that we all loved and had watched since we were kids, and the day was filled with plenty of sunshine. Radiating the kind of warmth that only our dad could bring into our lives.

As the day neared its end and the sun dipped below the horizon, with the movie reaching its climax, Doug was also concluding his journey on this Earth surrounded by all of us. Yet, no amount of earthly love could rival the heavenly call beckoning him. Even in his final moments, amidst the heartbreak and helplessness felt by those who cherished him, he sought to reassure us as best he could by tenderly stroking our arms and pursing his lips for a final kiss from Mom. If ever there was a moment when he showed us how deeply he knew we loved him, it was in those last moments. He wished for our comfort even in his final struggle.

Doug passed at 9:55pm. He was at home surrounded by my Mom, myself, and the dogs; all of which he loved dearly. Larissa and her boyfriend, Luke’s spirit filled the room with us all the way from Missouri.

As difficult as this time has been to navigate, I am doing what I can to aid my family and keep us moving forward. Unfortunately, dad did not leave us with any life insurance. We've been relying on his social security and pension while Larissa and I were away putting ourselves through college. During this time, Mom dedicated herself to being his full-time caregiver, tending to his needs every day without a break for six years. This was no simple feat; rather one that she dedicated every aspect of her life to being there for the one person she loved the most and to whom she made a lifelong promise to.

Few have witnessed a more genuine display of commitment and unwavering devotion than the tireless care my mom has provided for my dad round the clock, year after year. It's her enduring love and dedication that ensured my dad experienced a life brimming with affection, nurture, and joy right up to his final moments.

Now that my dad’s pension is no more, our already stressful financial situation is taking a catastrophic rise. Although we all knew this day would come, there are little ways to save up money while devoting your entire being to caregiving for the one you love. With the unexpected addition of thousands of dollars in cremation and funeral costs, I am finally turning to our wonderful Livingston community and beyond that have been such a giving and empathetic people.

Some of my last words to my father were "I promise to make you proud, and I vow to take care of Mom and Larissa." My mom is not one to ask for help, and so, shall I instead. This money will go directly toward costs associated with cremation so we can lay my dad to rest underneath the stars of the Montana sky. Montana was his dream. We are just so blessed that we got to be part of his dream.

Dad, I always hold a place for you in my heart and so do all who know you.