Sad, but Hopeful for the Future

For the last 3 years, this day has always been a bittersweet day for Robert’s family. It was on this day, three years ago that Cheryl Everett finally stopped suffering from the effects Huntington’s Disease had on her body. While we are all happy she no longer has to endure all the horrors of this disease, it is always hard for those left behind. There are many times that each one of us has had that thought of how nice it would be if Cheryl was here with us to see this or to be a part of that. But, we can take comfort in knowing that she is watching down on her one of sons, daughter, daughters-in-law grandsons and granddaughters from heaven and has seen each one of those moments we wished she had been here to be a part of.

It is also a reminder of the three - that we currently know of- that she has left behind who will one day face her fate for the same reason. It adds to the sadness to know that we have to watch other loved ones face what she did in the not so distant future. And while that thought does bring sadness, this year brings more hope than years past have. Research has made so many advancements in just the three years since Cheryl left us. Advancements that have given hope to researches, scientists and doctors that treatment is close at hand. Each step closer to finding a way to stop the spread of Huntington’s Disease is one step closer to saving Cheryl’s children from experiencing the same fate as she has. 

While we are all a bit sad knowing Cheryl is no longer with us, we take comfort knowing her body is now free of the effects of Huntington’s Disease. We can also be hopeful that these advancements will continue to be fruitful in the future and each day bring us one step closer to finding an end to Huntington’s Disease. Today, there is a lot more hope the future of Cheryl’s family than ever before. So, while we are sad today, we can still have hope that her death was not in vain. One day there will be an answer and it might be sooner than we think. 

We miss you, Cheryl, and think of you often remembering so many good times that we each got to experience with you.