Paved His Celtic Harley Highway

My Daddy, Larry Irwin, has finished 'Paving' his highway!  In true Irish fashion, AND I swear he had some say-so in this timing...Dad passed away at 11:59pm on St.Patrick's Day 2016! To all who knew him, this was a special day to him. He held his Irish heritage to a high degree...lol I will spare you all the heartwrenching details leading to his passing because I know my Dad would not want to share his anguish with the world. Nor, would he want me or his family & friends to reflect on such memories. The most important thing to note, is how much this Stubborn & Courageous man FOUGHT to keep HOPE alive throughout his 4 year battle with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer. 
My Daddy, Larry Irwin, had not been to a doctor in over 15 years. That is until, he went in for a work physical & discovered he had elevated PSA levels (indicator antigens for Prostate Cancer). We could not have fathomed, that April 4th day, how much of our normalcy would be stolen from our lives. Needless to say, he did indeed have Stage 4 Prostate Cancer metastasized to Bone.  He began his treatment at Henry Ford Detroit with an incredibly gifted Oncologist, whom he adored, Dr.Hwang, & his Trial Representative, Connie.  After 3 1/2 bittersweet years & 3 different trial drugs, Daddy's Hope still prevailed admist the discovery of the Liver & Lung metastasis in November 2015. Well, this is what we heard next, "Larry...Moving on to Plan 'D' or 'N' or"...I think the "plans" begin to become monotonous in nature. Blah blah blah! However, the foundation of the "Plans" deserve the praise. Therein lies, the Patient, Support group, Medical team, Treatment, & that 4 letter word you rely on for your sanity & survival: HOPE!  Again I will spare the finate details after that day because I want to respect the many families that are suffering from their own wrath of Cancer (or other diseases). I don't want my Dad's treatment choices to confuse &/or influence anyone else while on their journey because each situation is special.
My Daddy, Larry Irwin, taught me to hold my Hope tight because it's mine to Protect. He NEVER let his go. I realize now that his Hope was helping to mature his Angel Wings. Each obstacle he had to endure, my Daddy would somehow conjure up strength to say "Let's do this!" Every time he held up his Hope shield, his Angel Wings grew stronger.  
In the end, when my "Angelic" Momma, Jeanie,(Dad always told her she was his Angel) discussed Hospice with him, his Hope didn't waver. All it took was Mom to say, "(She) would be ok. (She) will miss him but be ok." To which Dad replies, "Ok, Let's do this!" He wasn't Hoping for remission anymore, but rather, Comfort & the Lord. At this roadblock, I thought back to how Steadfast & Strong my Mom was,too throughout these last 4 years. WOW! She had to endure his fears & aches, too. All the while, working full time to support them financially. She would be dying inside from fear but put on the facade of optimism, on his somber days, just to make sure Dad's Angel Wings were ready in time for him. She did it. Genuinely, she did it! She unselfishly upheld her promise to the Love of her life, My Daddy.
My Mom, me, my brother, my husband, my cousin, my aunt, and 3 of his best friend's witnessed more than we will ever share throughout the past 2 weeks (along with his 2 son's, Mike & Dave, & all the family & friends whom showed up on his last day to say their good-bye's) but we are still here smiling to respect & honor Dad's unprecedented Hope.
My Daddy, Larry Irwin, grew strong enough Angel Wings st 11:59pm on St.Patrick's Day 2016! I know he's using them right now to protect the Love of his life, my Momma, Jeanie. He is helping me write these words for all of you who read this so that we can raise some donations to help my Mom cope with the burden of funeral costs, copays, prescription costs, & cost of living without my Daddy's income. Just until she can rearrange her lifestyle. And, if you opt not to make a donation, please know it's OK. Don't feel obligation from My Dad's story. If anything, please take the Billboard of Hope from My Dad's highway & let it give you some direction toward some comfort...Please, do that for my Mom & Dad! To those who have already donated: You helped raise enough to fully pay for the cremation services at Czopek Funeral Home, owned by my best friends Dad. Also, we were able to pay for 4 Thumbprint Charms (one for Mom, me, & 2 of his Granddaughters-Madyson & Lehanna). So, God Bless you guys & Thank you so very much. Xoxo
I will update you all with how you have been able to support my Mom through your donations :)
As for Daddy's funeral...True to his character: he opted to Celebrate his Life instead of Honor his Death: He will be cremated & have his Irish Wake at my home in South Rockwood, Mi on his 70th Birthday, June 18th. There will be Bagpipes & Drummers. Catering. Single Barrel Jack & Guiness (his STERN requests...haha). I will give all details at a later date. We HOPE to see you soon to share some great memories & show my Daddy how much you adored him!