Six years ago Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer. Through surgery and chemotherapy, the cancer went into remission and Dad & Mom were able to fulfill their dream of serving a mission. They served in Laie, Hawaii, at BYU Hawaii.
Near the end of their mission, the cancer returned: stage 4. He has tried different types of chemotherapy, but unfortunately the cancer progressed to his abdomen where it "weeps" causing him to build up fluid. This fluid build up is very painful and makes it nearly impossible for him to eat. In July, the situation was misdiagnosed as a bowel obstruction and his health quickly deteriorated as he could not eat and the cancer spread. Finally, an ER visit led to the discovery of the fluid and several liters were drained from his abdomen.
Wanting to leave no stone unturned, we as a family encouraged Dad to get a second-opinion at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Utah. They used a feeding tube to get him nutrition, but the cancer is taking all his calories and more. He has lost a significant amount of weight. The doctors were willing to try chemotherapy for 4 weeks to knock the cancer in the abdomen back sufficiently to allow him to rally for an experimental chemo treatment they have seen encouraging results from. He had a heart attack before treatment could begin and the doctors warned that the chemo option, while having a small chance of being effective, had a very high probability of causing a massive heart attack.
He is very tired and ill so he discontinued treatment and returned home. Basically he is starving and hospice care has been arranged. But of course we remain hopeful for more time, yet accepting of the Lord's will.
We are grateful for a knowledge of the Plan of Salvation and Happiness. We know that he is a great man and that the Lord must have need of him on the other side. We have no doubt where he is going. The Spirit has brought us great comfort and peace, as have the kind services and words offered by those around us.
We know many people love our dad and mom, but please check with family before visiting at this time - he is very tired. He wants to spend time with family. But we would love for you to post your thoughts, memories, and feelings here on this blog for us to share with him.
Thank you for your love, support, and prayers!
Your dad was such an inspiration to us when he was in the Mt View Stake Presidency! Our hearts go out to him and your family! Love, Ryan & Kim Clarkson.
ReplyDeleteJim & I love your parents and have been blessed being in the Mountain View Stake and associating with them. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with them and all of you. Thanks for sharing this blog.
ReplyDeletePlease give Craig and Judy our love. These are tough times (went through hospice with my mom and with our 16 year old son), but the hospice folks are sweet and these last few days with a loved one can be so spiritual and tender. Just know so many people love you and are grateful for you.
Blessings,
Jim & Stephanie Abney
We were blessed to know President Olson when he was in the Stake Presidency. He always came across as a kind and gentle soul. We are so grateful that he and sister Olson were able to serve a mission. What a complete life and wonderful legacy - beautiful family and mission served!
ReplyDeleteGrant and Vicki Massey
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to you all during this difficult time. Brother Olson was my seminary teacher and I distinctly felt a sincere love from him every time I saw him that has helped me know of God's love for me. I reminisce of a time years later seeing him at the park while Zach and Marcus were playing football with friends and sitting with him on the grass. We talked about life and I just remember feeling like he truly cared for me and loved me. My heart aches learning that he is suffering so much. Please let him know how much I love him and how much he means to me. Blessing to you and your loved ones! Peace that only He can give.
ReplyDeleteLove, Jill Badger
Marcus and Jill Badger Family
We have loved having Bro Olsen as our home teacher. We feel blessed and priviledged when he comes over with his smile and love. We have a gift for him from the Faith in God girls and need to know when to bring it over. We sure love his influence in our home and Sunday school class. I missed all his comments and advice in yesterday's lesson. We will pray for him and Judy. They are great people and we want to be like them someday.
ReplyDeletePresident Olson is one of the kindest, most loving men we know. He has touched so many hearts and exemplified Christlike love and service. Bless the Olson family during this difficult time. We love you!
ReplyDelete~Ron and Vickie Rock and family
Dearest friend and devoted leader: President,Bishop,Brother have been the endearing titles you have carried in our lives that have had eternal impact on my life and those of my loved ones! Thank you for who you are and for what you have done for the Lord in our lives! May the Lord fill your soul with our gratitude and love and His Peace as we join others in praying for heavenly soothing peace and softening of the pain that you are going through. May the Lord ever bless your beautiful Judy who has and who continues to stand by your side to bless lives. May He bless your beautiful family with His Peace and Love. Judy, please give our beloved friend Craig a gentle hug and and kiss on his cheeks for his favorite Lamanites. Sure love you for always and forever-Sister Pauline Martin Sanchez
ReplyDeleteUncle Craig and Aunt Judy
ReplyDeleteWhat an example your family has and will always be to my family! To many wonderful memories to list but one of my very favorites us when you guys drive out to OR to visit! I think it was on a Sunday you guys arrived and remember the look on my Dad's face when you guys pulled up! We were all so excited but I remember my Dad knocking over the chair and running out to hug you! What a special bond we all have as a family! I love you Uncle Craig! Your family , our family , is in our prayers daily!
Love Becky your niece
We love you So much! You are both such examples of service and love. You have been there for our family many times and we thank you for that. We enjoyed living behind you for so many years. You will never know just how much you both have taught us through the years. You have truly blessed our lives. We are praying for your sweet family.
ReplyDeleteMuch love,
Kelly & Marci Roberts
We were so sorry to hear of the cancer returning and the pain you have had to endure. You always carry a spirit of love and warmth wherever you are. I will always remember your gift of teaching by the spirit. I attended a class that you taught about "feasting on the words." You shared some personal ways of how you studied the scriptures and brought them to life. It helped me in my scripture reading and blessed me with more enlightenment.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can feel the love of those on earth and above during this journey back to His presence. We are grateful for your example.
Tom and Melissa Farnsworth
Dear Elder Olson,
ReplyDeleteYou are by far the greatest religion teacher at Byuh. I really loved your class and you amazed me the first day when you had already had all the names of my class memorized. From that day on I always got a loving and warm "hello Nikki, how are you" which meant so much everyday. You really do live the spirit of Aloha in every way. Hawaii misses you and we are blessed to have had you and sister Olson come and teach us all so much, and share your love with all of us.
Aloha and mahalo nui loa,
Nikki Gilbert
I have known you Craig by many titles, but friend is the one that means the most. Our prayers are with you and your sweet wife and beautiful family. I am a better person because you were a part of my life. Thank you dear friend.
ReplyDeleteBret and Dawn Norton
Brother Olson,
ReplyDeleteI have mostly known you from a distance, listening to your wonderful talks in Stake Conference, and periodic Temple Recommend interviews. But each time you've shaken my hand or just said "Hi" in passing, I've felt the warmth and trust of a dear, close friend or family member. My life is changed, blessed and better because of the way you live and reflect the Savior's love. Thank you so much. Best wishes on your next great adventure.
Mark Egan
Love and prayers from the Jones Family. You have been a constant, steadying influence in our lives during the 20 years we have been in this ward together. As many others have said, we are better people for your having been part of our lives. Your kindness and love will always be remembered, as well as your testimony, which you have borne eloquently not only in words, but in the way you have lived. We pray for your comfort and peace.
ReplyDeleteDavid & Laura Jones
Kristin, Danny, Becky and Kelli
Dear Craig, Judy, and family, what a joy it has been to know you and to have Ree Ann marry into such a special family. We love you all so very much! Always with a smile on your faces, and a genuine warmth to all, you have given kindness to everyone around you! Your smiles just light up a room! Your great examples have been a rock for many, and your tender teachings have blessed us all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tremendous life, dear Craig and Judy! Your examples of obedience and faith and love and service will carry on through your dear children and grandchildren whom we love so very much! We will greatly miss you, Craig! We will remember the sparkle for life that you always shared with everyone around you!!
Much love and gratitude,
Renae Aston (Ree's sister)
Bro. Olson was my seminary teacher at Tooele High School in 1973-74. I loved him then and I love this righteous man now. God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kirk Spencer
Dear Craig and Judy...You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. It has been such a joy to know you two since your college days in Canoga Park! Your's has been the kind of friendship that is so easy to pick right back up even though we don't see each other for years. You are that kind of loving and sweet people! You have always been an example to us of devotion to the Lord and His Gospel, as well as to your family and friends. Your strength and courage has been an example to us as well. You have always shown love and joy in all that you do and all that you interact with. Your natural "good looks" that you both have has always been enhanced by the great spirit and personality behind the outward appearance. You two are some of the choicest and dearest people we know! We love you both so very much and we love your family as well. With Much Love and Prayers! Sheron & Jim
ReplyDeleteElder and sister Olsen, my husband, Curtis Smith, and I were religion TAs at byu Hawaii. We were there when the cancer came back. He has been on my mind a lot lately and I was finally directed to the blog. Just want to express our love. I know his life was preserved so he could come teach and influence at byu Hawaii. Interacting with him, sitting and eating snacks and talking between classes, was one of the things that helped me to love my job. I just want your family to know how much we love you, elder Olsen! We could always count on you for advice with our real family being so far away. You have truly been an instrument in the Lord's hands. Thank you, and we love you.
ReplyDeleteCurtis and Shelby and our now one year old daughter Claire Smith