Byron's Corner

Byron Eugene Brown, 66, “Papa” to his kids and grandkids, died on May 4 at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon from a brief but devastating battle with pancreatic cancer.    He was born May 18, 1954 in Los Angeles, California, to Aussie Maye (Ewell) and Willow Brown.   Byron spent his early years in San Diego, California but for the majority of his childhood he lived in Compton, California, surrounded by the large, loving Ewell family.   His mother, Aussie, raised Byron and his three brothers all while having a full time nursing career and caring for her aging parents.   Byron excelled in school in both academics and athletics and in Junior High School he was selected to attend an exclusive boarding school, The Thacher School, in Ojai, California.    At Thacher, Byron gained his love for tennis and outdoor activities.   He regaled his family with stories of horseback riding and class camping trips, including the night he slept suspended from El Capit...

  Many of you have been inquiring on how we will be honoring and celebrating Byron's life ... We are having a private graveside service for our immediate family.  A Memorial Service is planned for all on June 5 at Sonrise Church (more details to come.)  This service will be indoors, so COVID precautionary measures are recommended.  We will also be live streaming the service on Facebook and YouTube (links to come) for those of you who are out-of-town or who are still practicing COVID isolation precautions.  A second Memorial/Reunion event will be planned in Southern California for all of Byron's family and loved ones (more details to come.)  Thank you again for the outpouring of love!  Thank you for all the food, flowers, cards, messages and love you are sending us.  Your caring and love for Byron is what is lifting us up and helping us take each step forward.  We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

  It is with a broken heart I share with you that Byron passed away last evening about 8:45 pm.   His last day was rough on him but when he passed, he was so peaceful.  During the day, we were all with him, his kids, his grand kids, his brothers, some cousins.  We all got to say goodbye and for that we will all be forever grateful.  He was surrounded with love and bathed in prayer.   The support our family has received, the prayers, the outpouring of love and caring and sharing of memories means so much to each and every one of us. Back in December , Byron sent me an email and attached this poem with the instructions to share it with his kids and grand kids at his passing.  I did that task this morning, but the poem was so beautiful and appropriate, I am sharing it with you all.  I have to believe, even back in December, God was not only preparing Byron, but also helping Byron to prepare us... WHEN TOMORROW STARTS WITHOUT ME When to...

  Byron had a good night, slept soundly and peacefully.   Thank you for all your prayers, we can tell God is listening and helping and bringing peace to Byron!   Yesterday afternoon, we had another episode of him not being able to breathe but we got through it and today is a new day.  Today, all three of Byron's brothers will be here to visit!  This will be a happy reunion in spite of our circumstances.  If you know Byron, you know FAMILY is EVERYTHING to him - Yes! More than food, guns and camping!    A special thank you to all of you who are reaching out with messages, texts and emails of love and support to Byron!   It means so much to all of us! Prayer requests: That we would have no more shortness of breath episodes, that Byron is awake and aware for his family visit and…continued success with the med regimen providing a balance of pain and breathing relief but not too much sedation! If you are new to the Blog and woul...

  Byron had a rough night.  His breathing is more unsteady and his ability to get out of bed is decreasing.  During the night last night, I could not help Byron to the bathroom (it is a two person job) so the Hospice nurse came and catheterized him.   He is sleeping most of the time now and really, is unable to get out of bed without falling, so this will be safer for him.   He had a temperature, which worried me, but the Hospice nurse says that a temperature is not uncommon at this stage in the disease.   We will be transferring him to an adjustable, hospital bed later today, which will make it easier to keep his head elevated and to care for him.  On a positive note, his cousin Gina from California was able to visit him and he was aware of her visit.  Tomorrow, his three brothers arrive; Wednesday, four cousins; and Thursday, his aunt and uncle.  I am praying he is awake and aware when they are here.  They are a...

  Byron actually had a fairly peaceful and restful night.  Not too many hiccups and no more shortness of breath episodes.  I think I had a much worse night as I kept waking up, worried and checking to see if he was still breathing!   He has oxygen to help with his breathing - at first he was pulling the oxygen lead out but now he is being good about leaving it in.   I have to say, I have a whole new admiration for nurses!  Today he has his first visit from his out-of-state family.  His cousin Gina, who is a pastor, happens to be up in the Portland metro area and will be popping in for a visit.  All three of Byron's brothers arrive on Tuesday!   There will be a major sibling reunion in the Brown household!  I know Byron is aware and looking forward to their visit.   We also have a Zoom call scheduled for later today with his family.  I am really hoping Byron is awake for the call!  Last week, seeing thei...

  Byron had a fairly good night, although he sounded a little congested through the night.  He woke up and was eating yogurt when all of a sudden he could not catch his breath and was gasping for air.  I quickly called Hospice who directed me on which medicines to administer and how.   Lucky for us, our pastor happened to be visiting and was not only able to pray for Byron as he was going through this episode but also was able to offer a calm and reassuring presence.  Once the meds kicked in, Byron's breathing seemed to improve and he was able to lie down and sleep peacefully.     Shortly after, the hospice nurse arrived to check on Byron.  An oxygen tank had been delivered to us a couple days ago in anticipation of such an event but I did not know how to use it so the nurse showed me how to operate the oxygen machine.   The rest of the day has so far been uneventful. Prayer requests: Pray for Byron to be able to breathe normally and...