Following multiple difficult (and emotional) discussions with my folks and hours looking through Devin's belongings, we have decided to follow Devin's request of a small and private memorial service. After the service, Devin's body will be forwarded back to Alaska and put to rest right alongside his mother. For those who wish to share stories/memories of Devin, please forward it to my email (anchors.aweigh@hotmail.com) by Tuesday, December 9th. All comments left for Devin through his email, blog, and Stickam page will be put together, sealed in an envelope, and placed with several of Devin's most priced possessions before we officially close the casket. (A white casket have been picked out. Representing his strength, will, and ability to stay positive even in the most difficult times) 


Great grin, my son. Already missing your presence.

My brother Keith has already sent out invitations to the service. To all family members serving overseas, in Devin's own words, "Don't come back here. I don't need you, the world does. Go save the world, guys, I love you." Sincere apologies to those who wish to join our family in remembering Devin. Devin would be pleased to know that his friends' faces are covered in smiles and giggles rather than tears and sorrow.

Again, flowers and donations will not be necessary. For those who feel the need to honor Devin, please donate to some of his favorite organizations listed in the previous entry.

Thank you once again, for all the love and support.
Buzz

My parents and I wanted to express our deepest and heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of love to our family during this indescribably painful time. Though Devin's time was expected, his passing caught us extremely off guard. One of my fellow co-workers notified me and I flew home as soon as humanly possible to be with my family and spend the few hours with Devin before we proceed to move his body to a local morgue.

At this point, words cannot express the feeling of losing my only child. Seeing your child lay peacefully on the hospital bed brought both tears and joy knowing he is no longer suffering pain from fighting this courageous battle. Even though he is no longer with us, Devin's spirit seemed as powerful as ever. Sure gave my family and me quite a surprise when we recovered a small note inside his pocket. It reads, "Aren't you guys glad I'm so fucking light? Easy to pack and carry! D (Sorry for the cussing Dad, had to do it one more time.)"

Since it is on such short notice, I will be looking through Devin's belongings for any indication of what he would like us to plan. In the same time, I will be speaking to my parents regarding our final decision. (I have received a couple suggestions on ways Devin would love to have it happen. I am extremely thankful for the suggestions and will personally bring it to a discussion with my parents). As soon as a decision is made, I will update everyone regarding the final details of closure.

In looking through some of Devin's belongings, I have found several simple notes that were left behind for his friends and family. If I have not approached you with a note, please contact me with your name and I will be glad to forward the message for you. Within a couple days, I will be posting the notes for all to read.

Thank you to those who asked about donations, which will not be necessary. For those who feel the need to honor Devin, however, please donate to some of Devin's favorite organizations:

Lance Armstrong Foundation: http://www.livestrong.org
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: http://www.stjude.org
Anysoldier.com or any of the any services: http://anysoldier.com
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund: http://www.semperfifund.org
Wounded Warrior Project: http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Once again I cannot thank you all enough for the support that our family has received throughout these years. Even more appreciation for the folks at the ward: for keeping Devin in check and keeping his spirits up when I cannot. He spoke of all of you fondly and was extremely thankful he had the chance to "meet, talk, and laugh with everyone."

In the mean time, my family and I would love to continue to hear your favorite memories of Devin.
Buzz

Edit: I believe Devin would be glad to hear Navy defeated Army once again 34 nil. Son, I will put the money in your fund. HOOYAH

My mother asked me to provide today's entry.

It is with a heavy heart that I have to report Devin's passing this afternoon. After 7 yeras of both highs and lows, Devin's body finally gave in to the long battle against cancer. His lungs took their last breath around 1630 EST. Devin's last hours were spent beside our immediate family providing all the love and support that could be genereated. My parents were able to fly in along with Devin yesterday from Alaska and also present were Aunt Gayle, Uncle Gary, Aunt Malia, myself (Uncle Keith), as well as his cousins Zoey, Rufus, and Jason.

Even though labored breathing, Devin's body put up a fight until the very end proving the strngth of his spiit. One of his lasts words were: "Gramps...don't worry. Happy, not sad." His discomfort seemed to be minimal as his spirit gained strength through seeing his loved ones around him. Devin even conjured enough energy for one last game of online pool with myself. We could not ask for more to have this happen in the comfort and familiarity of his loved ones.

Although his body has left him, his spirit will continue to live strong in the thousands of people near and far that he has touched. Our family is overwhelmed by all the love and support out there and know that this love will allow my family to move forward with our lives without ever forgetting this amazing kid that has graced us all with his presence on this earth.

May there be an end to the pain and the bringing of peace to us all.
Keith

For the past couple days, I didn't do anything fun. Even climbing out of bed and into my chair make me breath really hard. Monday Grandpa ended up taking me to ER cuz I felt so sick and I had to stay there for the night. They gave me IV to try and made me feel better but I didn't. I had the worse headache, everywhere hurts, and I'm puking everywhere. Nothing made me feel better. So the doctor said I can go home and rest. I know why I'm so sick and well Grandpa and Grandma said I should get back to the hospital so my doctors can make me feel better. I got back to the hospital today in the afternoon and now I'm an isolation room just by myself and try to make me feel better. I hate it when they say try, they don't try, they just guess. It's not making me feel better and trying more just makes me more sad.

The doctors tried to make them sound smart and try to tell me what's happening and what they can do. But they don't need to tell, I know it and I feel it. I know what's going to happen and I hope it's not soon. I haven't finished my homework, I haven't go fishing with Grandpa, I haven't had Grandma's special dinner, I haven't seen Dad yet, I haven't talk to a lot of other people and I haven't made some good memories. I haven't done a lot of things...so I hope it's not soon. I'm just sick and getting sicker everyday.

Please don't bother me with pity, nag, or argue with me. I'm sick and I don't feel like doing all that, I will have my Yahoo open so I can talk to some people but if you are doing to act up then I will block you. I'm trying to get a lot of things done, I'm trying to  make good memories with my friends and family, don't fuck my good days up please.

And please don't worry about me, ya I'm sick but I am really happy right now for some reason. I am excited for something but I don't know what, I'm happy I get to wake up, watch the sun, do homework, talk to my friends and family. Please don't be sad either, be happy. Let's party together and be happy.

I'm home alone with Dash and Stang and since I'm feeling really sick right now Grandpa told me to stay home while they go out and shop. I really wanted to tag along but Grandma said if tomorrow I feel better, I can. I feel like I'll never get better to go out or something since Grandpa kept putting it off. But since I'm home alone I went around the house in my chair and did a couple wheelies but I already got tired just doing a few. So I went to the living room and sat on the couch and did some homework then Dash, Stang, and I played fetched and watched a little TV. I finished more homework and turned it in to my teachers. I really hope I get to finish 8th grade and maybe even go to high school, that sounds really fun.