Ellicia Stanley, R.I.P.

Back in October, I asked readers to help raise money for milblogger SPC Reid Stanley, whose wife, Ellicia, was diagnosed with cancer. She had tumors in her brain, breasts, and lungs. Bloggers Dave Logan and Andrea Shea-King and Mark Vance had organized fund-raising efforts on behalf of the family, who faced enormous hospice care bills not covered by the military. Over the fall, the family relocated from Germany, where SPC Stanley was stationed, to Virginia, where Ellicia Stanley was receiving care. Many of you donated and wondered how the Stanleys were doing. A few weeks ago, I e-mailed SPC Stanley for an update.

Tonight, I received this very sad message from SPC Stanley:

Ms. Malkin,

I apologize for not writing sooner… for the same reason my blog has been quiet… It’s been a hectic rough time here.

As for updates.

Sigh.

My wife died today.

Thank your readers for all of their help and concerns, please… and I’ll post more… when I can.

Thank you, again, for all you’ve done.

SPC Stanley

What moved me so deeply about the Stanleys was the strength of their love. SPC Stanley posted a tribute on his blog to his wife tonight:

Ellicia died today. 3:20 PM. It was a long day, but the end was… peaceful. And heart-wrenching. She was told it was ok to go… but, she’s stubborn you know…

She’s gone now. No more of the horrible hideous pain… for her.

Rest, in peace, my love… my friend… my companion. I will always love you… and I miss you more than you know. I am so happy you hurt no more, but I am selfish for one last twinkly smile, one last laugh, one last kiss.

You were a beautiful, strong, incredible woman whom I was blessed to know and share some time with. I will miss all that we left undone together, yet I look forward to what will come – one day.

I love you, Ellicia.

02 May 1967 – 31 December 2006

Please go send your condolences. Keep SPC Stanley and his three children in your prayers.

Be thankful for life, the love in your life, and the loves of your life. Every day, every kiss, every breath is a blessing.

In 2007, I resolve not to take this for granted.