Sweet Dreams...

...and Farewell, Tony Aveil.  I can't even believe its happened this fast - so thankful you passed peacefully in your sleep.  We will think of you each time we jump in the refreshing water - as Sandie has posted, your ashes will be spread all over the world, in various bodies of water.  Your vibrant, contagious personality will always be remembered.

Thank you for being such a true friend to Shawn & I.  Thank you for all the crazyness & fun times we shared together - always with a permaGRIN.  Thank you for our favorite nicknames - 'Els' for Elsie Anne & 'MacKer' (pronounced MacKa) for me. We will miss your entertaining Aussie Pride, your flowing blond locks (which Shawn had the honor of buzzing off after his 3rd wk of chemo), & your LOVE for the Buckeyes, once Shawn taught you 'American Rules Football'!

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This has truly been an eye-opener.  Shawn & I have never SEEN the effects of Cancer & how fast it can eat a person up.  Just 4 short months ago Tony was having the time of his life - and had turned a 'healthy' corner - only to find out he had a tumor growing in his neck.  After surgery & a clean bill of health, we celebrated a short-lived HIGH. 

Two weeks later, another tumor, on the other side of his neck, had grown @ super speed.  He had 12wks of intense chemotherapy & radiation, to no avail.  They did a cat scan of his whole body on Christmas Eve, and found dozens of small tumors throughout his lungs, which were considered 'in-operable'.  They gave Tony 12mo to live, which he called his "Expiration Date". 

He quickly made his Bucket List and started checking things off.  Recently he spent 10 days in Scottsdale, AZ & played 2 rounds of golf.  Upon his return, his health declined rapidly.  We were able to say "see you soon"  this past Friday.  Although he was in & out of reality, Shawn, Elsie Anne & myself, each had a special moment where he recognized us!  I feel extremely fortunate to have had this last visit with him & feel better knowing that he's not in anymore pain.

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There will be no 'Resting In Peace' for you 'mate' - have a BLAST on your New Adventure! Cheers!

EA, Shawn, Tony, Donnie, Kip - October 2010 - Good Luck Golf @ Copper Mtn, before his first surgery.