My honey was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in October, 2010. Seven months prior to that, in March, Mike Murray from our neighboring state of Alabama was diagnosed. Mike’s wife, Angie, and I became friends through a mutual friend, Dina, who knew that we had something in common…..husbands with the same type of incurable cancer.
When I first became friends with Angie, her honey had already had two Stem Cell Transplants, but was taking Chemo. I couldn’t understand, if he’d had transplants, why he was still having to take Chemo? Angie explained that Mike’s MM was very aggressive, and he would probably always be on treatment.
For much of the time I have known Angie, they have been at MIRT (Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy) at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock. They lived in a furnished apartment in Little Rock; supplied by a church for patients who have to be there long-term.
Angie has been Mike’s full-time caregiver as he has traveled this journey. She has been his source of support and comfort, and has truly exhibited the Bible’s phrase, “the strength of Job.” Her faith and love has never faltered as she has walked this often stressful, and tiring pathway with the love of her life.
On Thursday night, just before Easter, Mike was moved into a hospice facility. Those of us in the MM community knew that Mike’s journey would soon end. Angie’s postings on his Carepages website had become infrequent, and we knew that all her waking moments were being spent by his side.
The day before Easter, Angie’s “Magic Mike” finished his battle and ended his journey. May the rest of us caregivers, in the MM community, learn from Angie Murray. She faced the unthinkable with grace, dignity, strength, and faith …….
and her Angel got his wings, on the perfect weekend.