Wednesday, October 5, 2011

My Dear Brenda

Today, October the 5th at 11:45 am, I had to say goodbye to the woman I fell in love with over 18 years ago. I was naive to think that after walking by her side as she battled this disease the past three years, the outcome would be easier to accept. How wrong I was - I am so deeply overcome by sadness and grief, it is indescribable, and I miss her so much already!

It is so very hard to watch someone you care for so much, suffer such a painful experience. Her little body was so full of cancer and so weak from fighting - she struggled for every last breath the last few days and for those around her, we felt so helpless. Her sister Tara comforted her with some Beatles music in her final moments and for some reason she found the most comfort and her breathing relaxed with the song "Hey Jude". I was able to kiss her and hold her and tell her I love her, as she left us very quietly and peacefully. I take comfort knowing she is now free from pain and suffering and that God is now holding her in His arms and kissing her softly.

Brenda Marie Odovichuc was an amazing person and I am so lucky to have shared a part of her life. She became friends with everyone she met. She had a twinkle in her eye and a tinkle in her laugh that sucked you in and held you tight. If there was a cause or a need, she was there to fight for it or help out. She has touched so many people during her life and especially the past few years with her journey. She leaves a huge hole in my heart, as well as many others.

Goodbye, my love...

Carman

P.S. Once arrangements have been made to celebrate Brenda's life, I will post them here on her blog.

19 comments:

Unknown said...

That is such heartbreaking news. I went to school with Brenda and had recently heard that she was ill. God Bless her beautiful spirit. Rest In Peace Brenda. <3

Heather said...

You are so right Carman, she did touch so many lives in a profound way! Though none as profound as yours... you will be in all our prayers - and your families - as this is an all new level of pain that can never be imagined or empathized with. Brenda left for an eternal pain free life of singing, joy and being in the presence of our Glorious Lord. However sad it is, she left us here happy, so happy for her. She has received such beauty and a crown for her incredible life. I can't wait till the day we see her there and watch her shine!

Vickie Tomalty said...

Carmen, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Brenda really was an amazing girl with a spirit of hope and happiness always around her. She will be missed by many friends. Knowing she is dancing with Jesus gives us some peace. Love Lawrence & Vickie

TBT said...

Carman and Family,
We know there are no words right now to ease your pain. Take comfort at this time knowing that Brenda knew she was so very loved by you, her soul mate, her parents and sisters, her wonderful family and friends. She took that love with her and she is safe in the arms of Jesus. You will forever have a special angel.
Thinking of all who loved her so dearly at this time...
Until we see her again,

Travis and Loranne

Cariann said...

There's a hole in my heart, and I carry it wherever I go...There's a hole in my heart in the shape of you.....even tho my heart aches, there's a smile on my face....just like a window to heaven there's a light shinning through...."Shape of you" by Jewel ~ you are forever in my heart Brenda. Hugs and tears for you Carman

aceval said...

Carman

The wait time was blessdly short once you knew the time had come...such a gift to us, to have known Brenda, known her faith and that she was at peace with the plans to come. To have known a love like yours, she was fulfilled as many others may never be, even in lives triple that of Brenda's short one. God Bless.
Val in Trochu

Michael Pinder said...

Goodbye my friend...we will see you soon! We will take great care of your loving husband Carman and know that you will be forever in our hearts. You are an inspiration to those you knew, those who met you during your fight, and those who will hear of you through the many great stories we will share of your beautiful life. Goodbye my friend.
Love Michael Pinder and Family

Marla said...

Carman - Thank you and Brenda for sharing this journey with us. Near and far, we have been touched and changed by her story and her passion and her love. My deepest condolences to you, you are in my prayers. I'm sorry I never got to meet her in person, but thanks to Taryn, I'm so glad I got to know Brenda.
God Bless
Marla

Michael Pinder said...

Goodbye my friend...we will see you soon! We will take great care of your loving husband Carman and know that you will be forever in our hearts. You are an inspiration to those you knew, those who met you during your fight, and those who will hear of you through the many great stories we will share of your beautiful life. Goodbye my friend.
Love Michael Pinder and Family

Alana said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Brenda, Carman. Mom, Greg and I all send our love.
Alana

Duckfever said...

Carman,
I am so sorry to hear about Brenda. My thoughts are with you.

When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.

Greg Kenny

I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia

Angela Tuton said...

Carmen,My heart reaches out to you and your families. Brenda was an amazing friend and will be missed by all. Knowing that she was greeted by Jesus as she entered heaven and is now free from pain gives me peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. love Angela and Scott

marjorie said...

Carman, I am so sad to read of Brenda's passing, even though she is now free of pain and in Heaven with Jesus. I first found her blog when I was undergoing breast cancer treatments two years ago, and I was looking for blogs of people who were fighting the same disease. She was always so full of hope that she would beat the cancer. I am sad that her wish did not come true, but she touched and helped many people along her journey. I will not forget her.

Shahrukh said...

This blog is a great source of information which is very useful for me. Thank you.
BEST INFORMATION ABOUT BREAST CANCER.

Patricia Parker said...

It is really hard to watch the suffering of a person whom we love so much and when they leave us, we feel better we lose our life instead.
Let her soul RIP.
parkinson s stem cell treatment

Ari said...

God bless you.
i feel you. I have lost my first wife to cancer, after 34 years of happy marriage.
May God grant you peace of mind, and trust me, your wife will be with you every day.
Ari

Unknown said...

This blog is a great source of information which is very useful for me. i think it will be useful for http://www.independentescortsindelhis.com

Unknown said...

This blog is a great source of information which is very useful for me.

http://www.independentescortsindelhis.com
http://www.independentescortsindelhis.com/indian-escorts.html
http://www.independentescortsindelhis.com/delhi-escorts.html
http://www.independentescortsindelhis.com/escort-service-in-delhi.html

independent escorts in delhi
indian escorts
delhi escorts
escort service in delhi


Unknown said...

As claimed by Stanford Medical, It is indeed the ONLY reason women in this country live 10 years longer and weigh 42 lbs lighter than us.

(And actually, it has NOTHING to do with genetics or some secret-exercise and absolutely EVERYTHING to do with "how" they are eating.)

P.S, I said "HOW", and not "WHAT"...

TAP on this link to determine if this short test can help you find out your true weight loss possibility