This is the story of our love.
Our paths crossed in 2010 at Terribles Car Wash when you were the manager there, but suddenly you were gone. In May of 2012, I went to the Terribles near my home and there you were! You saw me and you smiled. Oh, that smile. I noticed your very distinct walk. We visited and then I left.
I found every excuse to get my car wash, not that it needed it, but just so I could visit you. We talked EVERY weekend, a lot.
In December of 2012, I dropped off a box of chocolates for Christmas. It was your day off. I left for our traditional vacation to Utah at our family cabin. When I returned to the car wash, you finally asked me for my phone number.
Our first date was on January 11, 2013 at the Montana Meat Company. We sat at a corner table and talked about so much. We had similar views on so many things. That’s all it took, I was hooked!
On Valentine’s Day, you asked me what I wanted to do for the holiday. I suggested the gun range instead of fighting the crowds at restaurants. You said, “Perfect, we’re perfect for each other”.
Later that year, I asked you to join me at work at my company. You still lived with Noble your 84 year old step father as his Caregiver. It showed your integrity and character. We volleyed back and forth staying at the North and South homes.
We visited Utah to meet my parents, they both approved. My mom told me later “he is a beautiful man, inside and out.”
The following years were the best. We shared lots of travel and vacations and then our family members started passing. I was your rock and you were mine. We were able to find space to live, laugh and love. In the fall of 2017, I decided to sell my father’s truck that I inherited so we could take a family vacation cruise with all the children. We had so much fun with the kids gathering in our room and the shore excursions.
Our last trip was the most important trip you would take. It was your son’s graduation in Colorado. We knew about the GBM, but they did not. The priority was to keep Cassell on task. It was a huge challenge keeping your medications sorted and making sure you were okay. Once he graduated, you told me, this was your proudest moment of your life.
On April 28, 2018, my fiancé/husband Kirk “Chuck” King, 56 years old was diagnosed with a brain tumor that would later be confirmed as a Grade 4 Glioblastoma His journey was 5 ½ months before he passed. I had no idea the rollercoaster ride we were about to take. After he passed, I focused all my energy on making a difference. There were so many challenges that no one should ever have to endure. I was, in no way, an expert on navigating health care or insurance or even how to make good decisions about treating Glioblastoma. The King Project, created the launching of Glioblastoma Network Support, which consists of a board of medical, legal, caregiver, and research professionals; so that no other caregiver would be forced to endure the journey forced upon us.
During your treatment, I stayed by your side. I did everything I could to keep you on this planet as long as possible. You fought like a warrior. You opened my heart, allowed me trust and let me know what True Love is.
I will forever love you.