The Gandy family

10 years ago Sheari thought she had it all. Living in the country on her little farm with her husband and youngest children. She had high hopes of living the homestead life of gardening and raising livestock and children. One day about 2 years later, one of her large pigs got out and as she wrestled it back into the pen it stomped on her foot which created a blood clot.

In my mind this was the beginning of the end. The clot quickly grew and spread to both legs resulting in surgical thrombectomy. At that time the doctors had warned the family that she might have as little as 6 months to live. Over time more and more symptoms presented themselves. There was even talk of Agent Orange being to blame. Her illnesses were just to large of a mystery for the doctors to understand. Fast forward 7 years and approximately 40 illness diagnoses and tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt later... Sheari was still kicking butt and taking names.

So where do you suppose her mindset was? Was it on how her daily life had gotten harder? Was it on the pain levels that were off the charts? Was it on her diminishing energy and capability to do the things that she so much loved like hunting, camping, or just spending time in the yard with her animals and children? No. It was constantly worrying about others. Did they have enough to eat? Did they have a safe, dry and warm shelter from the harshness of the Olympic Peninsula's elements? Did they have a phone so they could contact their loved ones? Did they have the transportation they needed to get to and from appointments?

Sheari thrived on helping others. I believe that was her life purpose. Because if people didn't take care of one another what kind of world would we live in? Just because you don't have as much as one person doesn't mean that you don't have more than someone else. She always felt that if she had just enough then she had plenty to share. She always dished everybody's plates for dinner first. Then if there was any left she would eat. I remember many nights that she would just have a bite or two of food and say she wasn't hungry. But we all knew the truth. She was saving her share for others.

The last year of life our mother spent in and out of the hospital and on hospice. Do you think that Sheari let her live her last year of life alone? Even though Sheari was on oxygen and nearly bedridden herself? Not a chance! She moved in with Mom and became her caregiver and took care of her until her last breath. I warned her that the sick taking care of the sick was never good. And that she needed to be at home resting and spending time with her family. Do you think she would listen to me? Again not a chance! It just wasn't in her DNA. After our mother passed away last December we all suspected Sheari wouldn't be far behind.

Sheari was on 24 hour dialysis and in the hospital more often than not over the past year. At the beginning of this December she went in to the hospital for the last time. Her stay was nearly a month and a half long. We tried to make the most of every day and enjoy our time together. Sheari had high hopes of the doctors finding out what exactly was wrong with her and how to cure it. She was just too young to have to give up her dreams of a lifestyle that she always wanted.

Sadly God had other plans for her. Now we must all try to figure out how to live in this world without such a caring, loving person. I look out the window and see a whole lot more gray now that our sunshine is gone. But you know what?! Two other people... 2 people that Sheari didn't even know. They get to look out their windows now. They get to see the sunshine. They will get to see the beauty in the world. Because of Sheari. Because of her kind heart and giving soul. When she thought her sick worn out body had nothing left... she still was able to give. She had just enough. And she donated her corneas.

We all grew to depend on Sheari and now we must learn how to be brave and do for ourselves. And for others. If we don't work as a team and support each other we will fail. Failure is not an option. Sheari would be heartbroken if we fail. So I come to you. Asking for your help. Chuck and Sheari's family need our help. I know he is too stubborn and proud to ask, so I am.

Chuck has a good job with health insurance. A lot of the medical costs are being covered. However, nearly 8 years of terminal illness takes it's toll. Physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. Gas, parking, food and motels along with unpaid medical bills... It can add up quickly when someone you love is in the hospital. Especially when the hospital is over 2 and a half hours from home. Let alone the cost of daily living like bills, clothing and vehicle maintenance. A lot of things have gotten shoved to the back burner to be delt with "when she got better".

Well as you know, that didn't happen.

Now Chuck and the kids have to start picking up the pieces of their life's puzzle that have been scattered about. Trying to fit them together in some sort of new picture that makes sense while having such a big hole that Sheari left behind.

They are a strong, tight knit family and they can do it but they need some help. Let's make her proud. Let's take care of one another. Let's help them look to building a strong future rather than paying off the past. Thank you and God bless you.

Shearl Lynne Gandy 3/6/1972 - 1/15/2023

Forever in our hearts