My father was a hero to our whole family.  He was my mothers world, high school sweat heart, and rock.  He was all of us kids biggest fan on the front line ahead of the team protecting us at all times.

He began to feel sick in March, and we thought it was COVID-19.  He was in the ER several times, had blood tests, EKGs, and CTs.  He didn't have COVID.  They continued to tell him he has a "bug". His speech, memory, and mobility, deteriorated fast.  I went with him to his check up and his dr did not sound entirely worried about it.  He did though send orders for a MRI and MRA.  The day of the tests, my mother called his dr and they admitted him.  This was the day I don't think any of us will forget.  30+ tests ran, and black spots all over his brain with no clue of what was going on.  We hoped and prayed.  

His biological sister sent us copies of paperwork stating there was a history of CJD in his family.  We had had the gift of meeting and getting to know and love his biological family 2 years ago through ancestry.  The paperwork was sent to his specialist, who in turn sent the appropriate tests out to see if he had a prion disease and contacted a colleague at the U of M.  

A week later dad was sent to St.Bens in hopes of therapy to walk.  Not long after we were told it wasn't going to work.  It was his nerves, not muscles.  We were told to prepare for hospice.  His sons and son in laws reconstructed a room at home just the way he would have wanted.  Chad the youngest son had to have it just right.  His daughter in laws brought food so no cooking was necessary as did old friends and neighbors. His granddaughter came to stay at the home. She did everything she could and was an amazing support for Nancy, my mother.  His whole family rushed to his side as well as friends to see him.  Siblings came from out of state and all over Minnesota to make sure to see him hoping it wasn't the last time. Even though most days he slept and couldn't converse, he had people everyday.

 While at home the U of M called, the specialist doing research in CJD was almost 100% positive he had it.  A week later he was gone from this earth.    

The most horrible day in many of our lives.  It's changed our family.  He was more than a father, he was my best friend.  My brothers best friend. Leahs protector.  My mothers rock and one true love.  He was a son, brother, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and a damn good friend.

This ones for you dad.  We will continue to fight this "thing" even while your gone.  We will help cure this in due time.  I told you we wouldn't stop fighting and we wont.  Ever.