Darryll Brandon

04/01/1952 — 01/12/2013

Darryll was diagnosed with melanoma due to a mole that was behind his right ear. It broke open and started bleeding before we got in to the doctor for biopsy. That was Jan. 5, 2011. He had several surgeries, radiation treatments, interferon, MEK162 (study), Yervoy, carboplatin, and more radiation.

He was never given a time limit, and he lived every moment of every day as best he could. Most days were great days. We got to take a trip to Boston for the Buick Club of America annual gathering in 2011. We were blessed to welcome to the world our third grandchild in April 2011. And we had lots of time to spend with each other.

When he left this world to the waiting arms of Jesus, he left a world of pain and disease. He left behind his wife (me), two sons, two daughters and son-in-laws, four grandchildren — the fourth grandchild was born 12 days before he passed away, three sisters and their husbands and all their children, and his father.

Every day is a mixed emotion day for me. I’m happy that he is out of pain and that he is rejoicing with our Lord…but am sad that I don’t have him with me to hug, love on, and chat with.

Isaiah 40:31 But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Every time I see a Bald Eagle in our back yard, I know that he is sending me a sign that “all is well with my soul.”

Debbie Brandon, wife