26 Oct

Good bye Stephen "My Beautiful One"

On October 26, 2004, Stephen Serenlli, began his next journey, as he had hoped, gracefully and gently, in the arms of his loving wife, Eileen. He leaves behind many friends and family.

Stephen was involved in many community activities. His love for running took him all over the world participating in marathons including the Iron Man. His greatest and final marathon was his battle with cancer, which he wanted to share to help others and is documented here in this on-line diary.

At Stephen's request, a funeral service will not be held. He had such a passion for life and living, he wanted everyone to remember him with a smile. On September 11, 2004 Stephen and Eileen hosted a party celebrating his life with his family and friends. They shared in an evening of music, good food, wine and reminiscing shared moments. Stephen took this opportunity to thank each and everyone who had touched his life. In his memory, donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Prince Albert Branch Inc., 1322 Central Avenue, Prince Albert, SK S6V 4W3

"No matter what," Stephen always said, "Life is Beautiful. Embrace and treasure what it has to offer." His positive attitude was contagious and as one of his friends said, "You have left deep foot prints wherever you have been." Stephen was like a multi-faceted diamond that will always shine in the memories of all who knew him.

In the words of Stephen,
"Ciao"

15 Sep : I left the hospital on the 6th of Sept. This time were necessary 3 days of irrigation of the bladder to stop the bleeding. I was also administered vitamin K to make my blood coagulate faster. The same day I received a great surprise... 3 brothers of my English family (Cheney) showed up at the hospital to be part of the coming party. It was a very emotional moment. The rest of the week I was so low in energy that I passed my days sleeping for the most part. As Friday clicked 6:00 pm people started to show up at my house for the party. Evan Anderson was the chef... and this time he passed himself creating the most incredible finger food you can imagine using shrimps, muscles, cheeses, vegetables, meats, sausages, cakes and fruit... you just could not resist the temptation. Graham and Andy ran an impeccable bar. The flow of people was constant from 6:00 to 10:00pm (about 100 people). I had incredible energy for the occasion. I was able to talk to everyone with mixed laughter and tears. I said properly goodbye to them all. The house looked beautiful and the design of it surprised many. I finally had the opportunity to introduce my new bride Eileen to many people that had heard of her but never met. In the end there was a ceremony in the back yard to remember Cora, my late wife. I had kept some of her ashes for the occasion. And after a short speech I released the ashes over a flower bed. The party was over around 4:00 am... I had passed out a couple of hours before. It has taken me a couple of days to recover from the evening. I have a great sense of peace now. All I have left to do is to close my business and then wait for my next adventure into space... ;-)

4 Sep : This is the 3rd day at the Victoria Union Hospital. I was admitted Thursday morning at 6:00am after a sleepless night. There was another bleeding in the bladder and all I could pass was blood clots... but no urine. By morning my bladder had so much pressure that I needed help at the emergency room. I knew what routine was waiting for me since this has happened mid July. They inserted the 3 way catheter that allows to flush the bladder and they use a saline solution to do it. This time the bleeding was more abundant. I received vitamin K via injection to decrease coagulation time... and after a couple of days I can see the results. I miss my home already... not to mention Eileen. She goes back and forth from home and hospital and look after my every need. I ended in the same room as last time on the 5th floor (palliative care, 525). I hate the idea to have this has my second home... but my situation is now absolutely unpredictable. My body aches always more from the long hours lying down. Yesterday I had a terrible heartburn that needed medication to settle down. All keeps changing for me. I have had fever for the last 3 weeks at least. My body is having an internal battle... but at night when the temperature rises I have problems sleeping. Without proper sleep one is in a terrible state. I compensate napping in the day but it is not the same thing as a proper night sleep. I am still working on the coming event... my "house warming party". I am still working on inviting people. I have ample help that will look after food, drinks and entertaiment. Next Friday I am really looking forward to a nice evening of fun and visiting. I am not sure in what state I will be but the fact that I will be at home will help. So I have to get busy and get well soon... there is still plenty to prepare at home.