Meet Buster: My Big, Fat Tumor

I miss Morgan.  I think of him everyday. So many reminders all over my world, such memories!  I recall many and cherish the moments I see him alive and hear his voice.  Morgan left me a message, I listen to it daily.  He left us each a message, what a gift.  He was loving, thoughtful and continues to give even in his death.  I’m still learning from him; his life and death has changed me.  

I miss him.  I want him back.  I want him here.  I want more.  We celebrate his birthday this week, September 25, 2010.  He would have turned 37.  I reflect over years past and wish things different.  Longer, bigger, better celebrations.  Naturally, I want more.  I always will.  I love you Morgan. 

I found an old video of the girls singing to Uncle Morgan for his 35th birthday (2008), I remember it and I want to go back.

http://team-frederick.blogspot.com/2008/09/happy-birthday-morgan.html

Happy Birthday dear Morgan!  We will be celebrating you big this weekend.  Together and with many.   I love you.  We love you.  Forever.

To my family of friends,

I lost my brother and close friend Sunday night. 

Morgan James Strub- cherished and beloved husband to Kasha, loyal and devoted brother to 3, uncle to 6, son to 5, nephew to 2, cousin to 5 and friend to thousands- Traveling In Peace- hitchin’ to heaven.
September 25, 1973 – March 28, 2010.

Morgan was all about gathering people together to share life. He welcomed ALL with their differences and facilitated a safe place to find some commonality.

He wanted a CELEBRATION (not a “service”) to bring all of his people together. Come, this will serve as your time to visit with his family and friends to recognize and celebrate the impact he had on our lives.

~ Morgy-palooza~
Saturday, April 3, 2010
5:00 p.m.- midnight
@ Connolly’s
5120 Northern Ave
Glendale, AZ

********a note from my heart ******
These last ten months have been heart breaking and life changing.  I am devistated by my loss of Morgan.  I could have not have persevered through this without my God and your commitment to being there for me in thought, prayer and tangible support. I have felt God’s loving arms and seen his grace and mercy all along the way and I have been able to share that with Morgan and Kasha daily.  Thank you  .

My girls and I will be hosting a bake sale for Uncle Morgan at the event from 5:00-6:00ish.  Help us get the party started. 

There will be an outdoor (kid-friendly) fenced area where we will be selling baked goods and visiting with friends.  This area will also host the raffle/ auction items.  Inside is grill/bar and the musicians.  Come and go as you can- stay and spend money as you like. 

If you are unable to attend, but would like to contribute please visit any Bank of America branch.  Contributions are being taken by Melissa Frederick for Morgan Strub account # 457018436837.  All funds raised will go towards off-setting accrued medical bills, taking Digihitch.com- not for profit, and publishing Morgan’s personal life story and tremendous memoirs of his years hitchhiking across America. 

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we struggle through these days of mourning and grief.  I miss Morgan- every minute….

My girls were on spring break this week, we packed adventure and fun into everyday.  I was glad for the time alone with them to explore their new interests and just be out and about together.  I am always amazed at the little people they already are.  I love to watch their interactions with each-other, their developing problem solving skills, each has a unique personality and they are all so yummy sweet!  Oh to  just take it all in is living!  I feel refreshed and encouraged. 

While out and about we made it over to enjoy a daily dose of our Uncle Morgan.  He has been sleeping a lot, but always managed to wake and spend some quality time with us.  Morgan has a friend in town this week, Ian- from Portland.  We were able to visit with him some too.  He brought along a recorder and has been working with Morgan to collect some road stories- we got to sit in on one.  The girls LOVE the stories about Uncle Morgan. 

We had a family date night tonight and we all made it over to visit with them-

A daily dose of Morgan does everybody good!  : )

I spent the weekend in Austin with Mark.   While there, I met two of Morgan’s previous clients that  turned  friends.  Barbara Beery founder of www.batterupkids.comand Kenneth Jorns of www.kennethjornsassociates.com.  Morgan was able to help both Barbara and Ken set up their sites, all the while building a friendship.  We were able to share brunch, stories and some time to catch up on Morgan.  What a pleasure to meet them.  They have both been a part of Team Morgan and followed with us on this painful journey. 

Barbara signed and sent my girls a set of her wonderful cookbooks along with a couple “Batter Up Kits” for some kitchen fun!  : ).  Morgan has always wanted to share them with my girls- so this was a special treat for all of us.

Mark has spent the last week with Morgan, it’s refreshing to have him in town.  We celebrated his birthday together today.  Our b.b.bro…so big.  : )  I loved recounting memories- we are so proud of you Mark!  Happy Birthday!

Morgan,

I love to reminisce of our younger days.  We share such good memories; I love to recount them will all of us in the room.  The girls especially send my mind back to remember good days we shared as bleach blonde kids with dark tans running all over creation.  Good, bad and ugly….they love to hear of our adventures from - 6809 W. Windsor Blvd. 602-846-3117, our childhood home with holes in the back yard and bunk-beds in the bedroom.  I specifically remember the beds dressed with Star Wars sheets.  I wanted to bring those memories back to your mind too.  I thought  a Star Wars sheet set it might be fun for both you and Kasha the Star Wars fan.  : )

I wanted the sheets to be the vintage kind I remember, but it’s the new Star Wars of today; Star Wars “The Clone Wars.”  It all worked out though, because I opened them up to find some of the words that I would describe you as printed all over the sheets- I wanted to expand on the words  meanings  so you can see how special these sheets really are.  They now represent two meanings; nostalgic and admiration of your character!  You are a picture of honor and valor to me! 

Honor: 

•  - A good name or esteemed reputation.  To know you is to love you- you are a genuine, deep man with a generous heart towards others.  You are loyal, loving and believe in sharing vision for causes bigger than yourself.  You have created a network of family and friends who love and respect you.  You have changed our world!  FOREVER!   
• - Recognition:  Visionary, Founder and Webmaster of DIGIHITCH.COM.  You did it!  You had the vision and dream and you made it happen!  We will continue the cause and finish your goal- “Digihitch.com goes non-profit.”
• - Integrity:  firm adherence to a code, especially moral.  You have always had integrity; in life, friendships, business.  You are true, loyal, and loving.

 Valor:

• - Worth, worthiness, bravery.
• - Strength of mind, or spirit that enables a person to encounter danger with firmness.  Personal bravery.  You are a picture of brave to me- for the rest of my life I will reflect on all the way you have battled the pain and buster for so long- you’ve been so brave.  You have endured so much- I admire you and I reflect on your courage when I encounter situations I think I can’t handle and you are a tangible, real picture of inspiration to me.

I love you Morgan!  My profound respect is mingled with love, devotion and awe!  I will be an advocate for you and your causes! 

Love,

missy

Our family is overwhelmed with emotion and words cannot fully convey our gratitude.  Thank you for sharing your words of encouragement and showing you care through gifts of support.   It is moving to hear from family, old friends, new friends and all those Morgan has touched along the way.   I LOVE IT! 

Thank you to all those of you who have left sweet messages and gifted towards the expenses that have overwhelmed Morgan and Kasha- you are truly making a difference!  : )

Morgan is doing well- all things considered, of course.  He is a champion!  He inspires me everyday.  As long as I can remember he’s been more of a teddy bear than a fighter.  To fight is not his norm… to see him still bright-eyed and smiling at the world leaves me in awe.   All the pain he has endured over the last couple years… to be a witness to all the procedures and happenings since his diagnosis in June – is life changing.  You just can’t live the same.  He inspires me!!

 He sleeps a lot.  It’s the trade- off to managing the pain.  When he is awake- he is so alive, alert and engaging.   I love to just sit with him- soaking him up.  I look forward to our time together and can’t stay away really. … knowing our time has a limit- I am living with no regrets!  We have enjoyed some deep conversations, debate, tears (from me), good laughs, road stories, reminiscing, and good ole family times.  

President’s day weekend brought family and a friend in from California.  Morgan loves to spend time with his people and was so thankful they made the trip over to visit.  It had been some time since they had visited Arizona.  I hope to share some photos that were taken soon.  Thank you again to those who have come to see Morgan.

The weekend we are closing now has been quite eventful as well.  Michael, the oldest of us four turned the big 4-0 and had a 70’s shindig.  I need pictures- hilarious!  We gathered together at Morgan’s house on Saturday night for some birthday cake and ice cream and stories of course and then they left to throw a party.  Mark, the youngest- our jet-setter flew in last night for a visit and the festivities then out this morning.  He will be joining us again next week for a week and Morgan and I can’t wait for the quality time together.  He too will spend his upcoming birthday with us, March 2.  It’s been nice to celebrate all of our family birthdays together this year.  Mark has made an effort to be here to share them all with us. 

As I close, I’m reflecting on the notes that have been sent with the gifts- touching.  Morgan is living a life that has touched and changed people.  His story, our family, has already meant much to many.  I am a proud sister and am blessed to have began as a Strub and still belong to those boys.  : ) 

Thank you for following and carrying us in thoughts, prayers and with your tangible support!  YOU….. PRICELESS!!