Sending Pops to Paradise

Literally THE strongest most stubborn man I've had the privilege to know. A walking miracle. John Michael Clair a.k.a. Mike or Johnny Michael, loving and devoted Father to only child Heather, fought to enjoy this precious life we have until the very end at the age of 81.

"Pops" was like a 2nd Father to me in life and to many others throughout time. For the last ten years or so I've watched Pops battle vigorously with several health conditions all while cracking snarky jokes and shooting silly half smiles at us just to make us feel better about how sick he was at that time. From COPD, emphysema, an enlarged heart, congestive heart failure, electrical issues of the heart, a pacemaker, encephalitis of the brain with bleeding, a stroke, seizers and finally Cancer. He fought to the very end.

 

He was dubbed the walking miracle after encephalitis (swelling and inflammation) along with bleeding tried to take over his brain causing a stroke and resulting in brain damage and seizures for well over a year. Pops had to relearn life again. He had to learn how to walk, talk, eat and swallow all over again along with learning how to tell time. He couldn't tell the difference between night and day for a while. But he never gave up.

 

All the while Heather stood diligently by his side sacrificing and advocating for him and his life. Fighting and demanding action from health care providers. Spending hours researching his symptoms and conditions to the point where she's become an unofficial medical professional herself! She helped doctors diagnose and treat her father many times when they couldn't quite figure it out. Heather always stood her ground when doctors and nurses wouldn't listen to their concerns. She sacrificed her career and job to become his full time caregiver and advocator, which really paid off to help keep him here as long as possible.

 

Heather and Pops worked as a team to keep him alive and well to enjoy this short precious life here. If you knew Pops, you knew this man was stubborn, hard headed and difficult! Just like an Ox! Grumpily eating his vegetables and demanding burgers or a milkshake. He always knew that everything they did would ensure he would be at his best health physically and mentally. They even worked out together to help keep him strong. Their teamwork and the bond they shared was pure and absolutely beautiful.

 

With Heather sacrificing work; Pops' lost part of his pension, 401(k) and his life insurance when the Big Three went under. He was forced to retire early. Staggering that with tons of medical bills after all his battles over the years; it's an incredibly difficult time to endure financially. Heather could really use some help during the most difficult time in her life for the proper send off he deserves. Funerals are very expensive these days and they want all the cash up front before services are rendered.

 

I'm reaching out to all the wonderful and beautiful souls who've expressed their positive vibes, prayers, concerns and wells wishes for your assistance in sending Pops off to Paradise. Whether it be your prayers or vibes. A simple share with a friend. Or even a few dollars. We appreciate every ounce of your generosity, kindness and love.