Hello all,
We’ve noticed that a few people still check in on this page, so we wanted to officially say goodbye and shut down this site. It will be up for another week or so, but that will be it.
My sisters and I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout this journey. We all miss dad very much, but know that he’s with mom…laughing and loving like they always did.
Each of you has been a blessing to the Tilden family and we are eternally grateful.
Together again…
Dad’s Last Poem
So here I am, watching down on you
And I see one of my greatest fears.
There’s all these friends of mine
Who are shedding too many tears.
This is to be a celebration of life.
A time to laugh and Smile.
Just remember our time together
And be willing to rejoice all the while.
Think of all the laughs we’ve had.
The good jokes, bad puns and more.
All the time together we smiled.
Even shared a bottle of wine…or four.
I stand before you in this holy place,
Talking to you through my son.
I can’t help but wonder of my life
And think, boy…I really have won.
I’ve known so much in my time on earth,
And I’ve loved an awful lot.
Especially my kids and grand kids.
I’ve adored them since before they were tots.
Unfortunately, my time with all of you
Has come to an abbreviated en.
But I’ve always chosen life,
So I have no regrets that need to mend.
My charge to you from this day forth
Is not to sit and mourn or cry.
Instead I ask of you this favor
Just live life, don’t ask why.
So raise a glass in toast.
Maybe a cab or a chardonnay.
Live your life to the fullest
I certainly lived mine all the way!
Hello all,
We will honor and celebrate my dad on Saturday, October 13th at All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs, IL. The memorial service will begin at 2pm, followed by interment in the memorial garden at All Saints. After the burial we will, at dad’s request, have a huge party in the Parish Hall of the church! One thing is certain, dad loved a good party, so that’s how we want to celebrate his life with us. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to All Saints Episcopal Church in Western Springs.
“Jim, would you like a scotch, maybe some dip? Why yes, I think I would!”
A classic “Jim-ism”
The man loved a party…
Keep those memories of dad coming…what a great opportunity to share what dad meant to his family and friends.
Love – Luckiest Kids Ever!!!
Hello family and friends,
Dad went to see Gini this afternoon. His transition from this world to the next was as peaceful as possible and he was surrounded by family the whole time. I think we can all agree that Jim definitely did win! What a life he lived, full of laughter, friends, family and love…love for everyone he encountered. Now he is at peace. We will certainly never forget all that he has meant to so many. And let’s be honest, the man had some great sayings…”M & M’s go with everything”…for example. Please feel free to share your favorite “Jim-isms” for all to remember.
What a great life!
With love – Tina, Janet & Mike (The luckiest kids ever!)
Hello all,
Dad is no longer able to make updates, so I wanted to let everyone know how he’s doing, and I wish I had better news. He’s not doing well. Most importantly, he is surrounded by family and resting comfortably. All of his kids are in town and as I’m sure all of you know, he has always been a deeply devoted family man. We don’t need anything at this time except your continued prayers for dad’s peaceful journey. Earlier today we told him he has been the BEST dad and he got a huge smile on his face; he knows he’s surrounded by family, friends and love. As the son of the greatest man I’ve ever known I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your love, support and prayers during this difficult time. And as sad as I know we all are, I also know dad would much rather have us celebrating the time we spent with an extraordinary man. Though his time left with us is probably very short, his impact on all of us will have no end.
He loved all of you and if he were able I know he’d say that himself.
Just some of dad’s amazing friends!
Thank you all.
Hello friends,
I thought I would touch base with everyone again to let you know how I’m doing…and I wish I had better news. I am so frickin’ tired, it’s ridiculous. I seem to have spurts of about 15-20 minutes where I have some level of what you might call “energy”…but that tends to be followed by an almost endless amount of time resting. As you know, I’ve always been a fairly lethargic person who loves just sitting around doing nothing, so this added rest fits my lifestyle perfectly…wait a minute…oh, that’s right…this is complete BS!!! At this point in my fight, however, I have to choose my battles and trying to stay awake longer just isn’t one of them. Once again, I would love to see all of my friends, but it just doesn’t seem to be in the cards at this time. That being said, I love hearing from you, so feel free to continue sending cards and posting on the site. I’ll check back in a few days down the road. Love to all…
Ok, so I don’t have four legs, sleep on the floor or shed like crazy, but THIS is how tired I feel at times.
Hello everyone,
I wanted to let everyone know the newest update on my condition. I finished with my radiation treatments last week and met with my oncologist to see how things have progressed last Thursday. Unfortunately, things have progressed very well for the cancer. My left lung has now completely collapsed, the tumors there have grown and spread, even those that were radiated directly. So, after careful and thoughtful consideration with my doctor and family I have decided to stop the treatment process and begin the process of starting hospice care at home. I expect that to begin sometime in the next week. It has been a war so far, full of lost battles; now I look forward to enjoying the great things I have in my life and focusing on the positive!
I will continue to update as things progress for me, so please check back! But for now, I want to thank so many; my family for being with me every step of the way so far, my friends for their unwavering support, the All Saints community for continuous prayers and the Western Springs community for a village of support and encouragement throughout. The battlefield may have changed, but my fight continues!
What’s to complain about? I get to see this every day!!
Hello again to all my friends and family. I’m still at home and making the trek to Northwestern Memorial Hospital every day for my radiation treatments. I still don’t have much energy and find myself just trying to relax most of the time. Thankfully, the US Open tennis championships have been on TV and keeping me entertained. I stay amused by imagining myself playing mixed doubles with Maria Sharapova; I just stand at the corner of the court while she runs around and gets to every shot…pure bliss. When I wake up, I’m happy enough just watching her in HDTV.
I continue my fight and I’m still amazed at the outpouring of support from all of you; the ones who keep me punching back! I love all the cards I’ve been getting and the comments made on this website. Cancer-smancer…let’s win this thing!!
Love to all.
My grandson…what a character!
So, it’s been about four days since I last posted for everyone and all I can say is WOW! I find it incredible how much energy I’ve lost and how tired I seem to be on an almost constant basis. I’m doing my best to get up, move around and get the exercise I know I need, but the 15 steps to the second floor seem, at times, almost insurmountable.
Tomorrow I head back to Northwestern for Radiation treatment #3 and also to meet with my oncologist for a status report. I will be sure to post again soon to make sure you’re up to date on the latest in my fight.
There aren’t words to adequately describe my gratitude for all your support, so I simply say THANK YOU TONS!!
My brothers, from whom I draw so much strength!
I finally made it home this evening and as thrilled as I am to be home, I’m equally exhausted. I look forward to being able to see all of my friends again, but for now I’m not able to handle visitors. I appreciate your patience and your prayers as continue my fight!
Love you all dearly!
Yup…that’s about how I feel…
