Be not afraid

7/23/2014

Dear family and friends,

Todd's spirit shines so bright. Throughout this ordeal, he has inspired us to be our best selves. He IS zest for life.

Todd's physical health continues to deteriorate. We meet with multiple doctors, multiple times a day. The chemo is not working. Given complications with his liver, kidneys and other areas where the cancer is growing, there are no treatment options to reduce the cancer. Todd continues to receive pain medication, and we will keep him as comfortable as we can for as long as we can. The nature of Todd's fight has changed. It is about showing LOVE. The cancer will never take away his love for life, friends and family. It cannot destroy our hopes and dreams. We are spending our moments filled with love.

Todd and I are at peace. We are still. Be not afraid.

Love, Michelle

20 Comments

Sue Mautner

7/23/2014 02:57:07 pm

Dearest Todd, Michelle and family -- my heart just aches to read your words. Life is so precious and it's a gift how you've reminded us all to be kind because you never know what someone else is going through, to hug your loved ones, to tell them you love them, to laugh, to have adventures. When I think of Todd, I think of our times together at two different companies, where I grew to respect his opinion on everything from strategy, to the healthcare or tech industry, to how to navigate workplace politics, to what kind of cocktail or wine to try. When I think of Todd I think of laughing and being ridiculous but also talking about how to be incredibly successful in our new roles. Todd always made time for me and any others who wanted to grow and benefit from his experience, wisdom and smarts. I actually just quoted him today with a new colleague who is basically on his own to drive his on-boarding. Todd told me he had read something about different personalities or qualities and that he was a "resource investigator." And he sure was. He always had his thumb on the pulse of what was going on and had an understanding of organization dynamics that I envied. You're constantly in my thoughts and sharing in both your pain and embrace of family and love from across the miles.

Elizabeth

7/26/2014 01:50:00 am

Beautiful Sue!

Amy K

7/23/2014 08:00:28 pm

Sending love.

Jen

7/24/2014 12:14:55 am

All my love, to all of you.

Judy

7/24/2014 12:21:49 am

Michelle, your bravery is an inspiration to me and all whom you have touched. My prayers for peace are going out to you and yours. I am sending lots of love and strength your way and will continue to do so. Please let me or any of your Deloitte family know if we can help in any way. xox Judy

Maureen

7/24/2014 01:01:44 am

Michelle, the peace and compassion with which you are able to share with all of is touching and inspiring. While my heart breaks for all of you, I can't help but see how lucky your children are to have such strong, brave, loving parents.

Elizabeth

7/24/2014 01:12:32 am

Sending love and prayers for peace. You both are such inspirations to see your strength through all.

Sharon Sigler

7/24/2014 02:25:33 am

Michelle, having been through this exact thing with my dad, I have some small idea of what you are going though. I've talked to my mom extensively about it. My heart goes out to you, Todd, and the kids. My prayers are that all of you can enjoy whatever time you have. None of us know when we'll be called home. Thank you for reminding us that living in the moment is the best gift we can give ourselves. Please feel free to reach out if you need an ear.

Jennifer R.

7/24/2014 02:26:33 am

Your strength and love is inspiring. Everyone is thinking of you and Todd and the kids.

Robin Goldsmith

7/24/2014 05:50:02 am

Todd and Michelle, Whitney and I are sending you all of our love. Please let me know if you would be up for a visit. I would love to give you a big hug. I will echo the sentiments of others that you are an inspiration on how to to cherish life every moment. When I think of you Todd I always am reminded of your big smile and positivity. It is rare to meet people that are truly genuine and you are one of those rarities. If there is anything I can do please let me know.

You are in my thoughts,

Robin

Shriya

7/24/2014 06:28:20 am

Todd and Michelle, your circle of LOVE and courage is an inspiration. Continue to be not afraid, and continue to have the Zest for Life. You've taught us, (and me) how to live life with love, grace and courage. We are with you, praying and sending hugs everyday. Shriya

Laura EMBAG

7/24/2014 11:54:27 am

That time of year thou mayst in me behold
When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold,
Bare ruined choirs, where late the sweet birds sang.
In me thou see’st the twilight of such day
As after sunset fadeth in the west;
Which by and by black night doth take away,
Death’s second self, that seals up all in rest.
In me thou see’st the glowing of such fire,
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie,
As the deathbed whereon it must expire,
Consumed with that which it was nourished by.
This thou perceiv’st, which makes thy love more strong,
To love that well which thou must leave ere long.
[Sonnet 73 - W. Shakespeare]

Laura EMBAG

7/24/2014 03:06:08 pm

It's very clear
our love is here to stay
not for a year
but forever and a day

the radio and the telephone
and the movies that we know
they're just passing fancies and in time may go

but oh my dear
our love is here to stay
together we're going a long, long way

In time the Rockies may crumble
Gibraltar may tumble
they're only made of clay

But our love is here to stay
--------------------------

This was the last song that George Gershwin composed.
Ira wrote the lyrics after his brother's death.

Russell Kuehner

7/24/2014 10:23:48 pm

Dear Todd and Family, my thoughts are with you each day as I read your posts. From a wonderful, young man to an incredible father and husband, Todd, you are an inspiration to all of us. Through this journey you will find love and peace.

Michelle Peranteau

7/24/2014 11:33:27 pm

Dear Todd and Michelle,
Your strength, devotion to family and courage is truly an inspiration to so many. May the love and light of this world lift you up, comfort you and give you the peace you all so deserve.

As someone who greatly admired Todd's acting abilities during our high school years, I share this quote from Helen Keller, appropriate since Todd once played her father in an incredible display of talent and emotional depth.

"Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved."

I continue to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. xo

Jen Alonge - Anthony's mom

7/25/2014 02:31:02 am

Your journey has made us realize life and family are precious. We think about your battle everyday. It reminds me to hug a little tighter.

Your strength is inspirational.

Tim Marek

7/25/2014 03:17:53 am

Todd & Fertig Family - our thoughts (The Marek Collective) are with you all. Sending prayers and strength each and every day for your peace. Know that you're inspiring your broad circle of family and friends and are surrounded by an abundance of love to get you all through this.

Todd, you're an incredible man and I am privileged to have the opportunity to learn from you in the past, present and future. Thank you for all of the conversations and great times we have shared - I hold them close and cherish them often.

Your reminders of life's preciousness motivated me to take some time off yesterday to enjoy a simple family outing to the zoo, to see lions and tigers and bears. Our two year old Thomas was most intrigued by the monkeys, which is further proof that the apple never falls far from the tree.

My simple request is this, challenge your cancer fight by asking cancer the montage that so boldly sits on the back of your motorcycyle - TRIMF!

With love, peace, prayers,

Tim Marek & The Marek Family

Karen Yeversky

7/25/2014 06:50:42 am

Michelle, Todd and family, Praying that God will continue to hold you all tightly, bringing love, peace and comfort.

Cheryl DeVleeschouwer

7/25/2014 08:26:17 am

Michelle, Todd and Family,
Praying for all of you and sending you lots of love. You are such a wonderful family and I admire your courage, strength and your devotion to your family. Sending all of you a really big hug. I know God is watching over all of you.

Paula Grendys

7/27/2014 07:09:00 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I'm so very sorry.

Be not afraid

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