Meet Buster: My Big, Fat Tumor

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!!

We had a great weekend together.  The original Team Morgan gathered to make new memories along with recounting those we already treasure.

Morgan was transferred from the hospital to a hospice care house on Friday.  We’ve been told that the tumors have grown and his kidneys are unable to withstand anymore chemotherapy.  Managing his pain and quality of life is now our priority.

Morgan was relieved there would be no more chemotherapy.  He is tired and wants to be at home with Kasha and host his visitors there.  He loves his time with family and friends and even has a new baby to enjoy “sweet pea” is her name.  He’s been asking for a baby guinea pig for months, Mom brought her to him on Saturday.

Morgan is coming home today, Wednesday the 10th for “in home” hospice care.  Hospice is not about giving up!! It’s about being at home, managing pain, quality of life, and getting the best care possible.  It’s comforting to have hospice and their resources available to our family.  Hospice will provide Morgan with medication, medical equipment, support and more.  They are available to him 24 hrs a day/ and on call.  There will be nurse visits and doctor visits scheduled as needed.

You have asked what more does he want to do?  How can I help?  What are the needs?  Can I bring you a meal?  Your thoughtfulness is appreciated and yes, we need your help!  We have been unable to do it alone- you have carried us in thoughts and prayers, and now we want to take you up on your offers- we need tangible gifts of support.

We are doing a fundraiser- I want to raise money to show Morgan and Kasha our support.  Financial concerns weigh heavy on them both right now and this is something we can tangibly help them with.

There are those of you wh have followed this blog and wanted to help- this is how we need your help.  There are many of you who have freely benefited from www.digihitch.com with rides, resources, or even “surfed” on Morgan’s couch- who now want to give back to him.  This is how.  We have family members who have records of our family heritage for generations now from his research over the years- will you give back?  He has given freely, and blessed many- will you show him your gratitude and bless him?  I have amazing friends, you have asked if you can bring me a meal- would you consider contributing to my brother instead?  I am not ashamed to ask for help for my brother and Kasha.  I am one of his biggest fans, his advocate, a voice and we need help!!

It is our goal to take care of some of the past medical expenses and also cover Kasha’s time away from work (she is hourly and out of vaca/sick time) this month.  I’d like to gift the opportunity for her to spend these days with Morgan at home.

Where is your money going?  These expenses; lovenox shots 2/day perscription $90, oncology co-pay $30, diapers $30/wk, wipes, gloves, lube gel $50, vitamins/ suppliments$100, emergency room co-pay $150, unexpected Houston costs of missed work time and airfare change fees $500, accumulated monthly medical expenses approx. $600/ mo, household bills for this month over $2000.  It’s daunting to do it alone, we can rally as his team and make a difference.

Please be a part of this- we need you!

There is an existing and safe paypal account set up in Morgan’s name where he can receive money and turn around and pay bills from.  There is a comment section, please leave a comment of encouragement.  I’d love to thank each of you individually- please give me that opportunity.    Go to: www.paypal.com, create an account or sign in, click on the tab send money, to: service@m3se.com, enter an amount, click on the personal tab and select gift, click continue button.  On the next page scroll down to comment- please leave one there- I want to share with Morgan your words of encouragement and contact you myself to thank you personally.  If you need help or want to arrange something different- call me 602-432-1977.

Morgan is leaving a legacy, we are his witnesses- please join us!  Let’s lavish our love, encouragement and tangible support on him now.

I’ll be the first!!  … I love you Morgan!  My profound respect is mingled with love, devotion and awe!  I’m a witness to the legacy you’ve lived; I will be an advocate for you and your causes- always!  … check your paypal account!