Doctor Paul, MD

A small-town doctor working to preserve the art of old-fashioned primary care.

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In the loving arms of Jesus

October 8, 2019 by Paul Williams 64 Comments

Thank you Father for being here in our sorrow and anguish, thank you for your community who comes along beside us in our darkest hour. Thank you all for your love and prayers.

It is with a sad and mourning heart, yet a joyous heart that Jesus came to take Theresa home with Him at 2:39am this morning. As has been her way, she suffered quietly, stoically and victoriously. Oh the last 24 hours have been so painful. I will miss her so for she is my soulmate, my beautiful bride I so cherished. I am so thankful that her sufferings and trials are over and that now she is in heaven soaring and enjoying herself and knowing some day I can celebrate being with her again.

I am so thankful for my sister. I called her Monday at 7ish and asked her to come over and help me with Theresa as she had declined so and I needed her help with her palliative care nurse background and help that a loving sister provides. She came over at 8:30am and allowed me to be Theresa’s husband. Hospice brought some medications over. Her friend Cynthia came over around 2pm and Pastor Mitch at 9pm. All three stayed until 6am this morning when the funeral home picked her up. Our son’s faced timed and our daughter stayed up until midnight. My parents came by as did another friend of Theresa’s. We prayed, sang, listen to music, read the psalms and some of Paul’s writings. Theresa and I kissed multiple times through this time, rubbed her feet, arms and head. My sister and I tried our best to keep her comfortable throughout, which I believe is what happen as she showed no signs of suffering despite the cancer obstructing her swallowing.

I will probably write more later as I am still reeling from this emotionally exhausting and painful time.

Her Celebration of Life service will be this Saturday October 12 at 1pm at Cooks Hill Community Church in Centralia.

All Glory to God. Thank you all.

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Filed Under: Breast Cancer - our new normal

Comments

  1. Mitch & DeLynne Dietz says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:34 am

    Paul we are so sorry for your loss. We know that Theresa is free and for that we rejoice. We also know of your deep love for Theresa and the tremendous sense of loss you are and will experience. We will all be there for you and your family. Love and prayers!!

    Reply
    • Dolores Lee says

      October 8, 2019 at 9:53 am

      Dr Paul and family, my prayers are with you all, as you cope with unbearable loss, She is happy once again in the arms of the Lord our savior, God bless you,and keep you in his loving care.

      Reply
    • Kathryn Westmiller says

      October 8, 2019 at 11:57 am

      Oh Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will now be for you and the kids as you try to adjust to life without your beautiful wife and mother.

      Reply
  2. Nancy/Dan Duffy says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:41 am

    Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. We know Theresa is with her heavenly father, no more pain, tears or suffering. We also know He is with you and the family at this time lifting you in strength and comfort. But we are human and we know how terribly you will miss your Theresa. May God hold you and the family in His unfaltering arms and give you peace. We love you

    Reply
  3. Denise Anderson and family says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:48 am

    My heart breaks with yours. Praying for you and the kids.

    Reply
  4. Fred & Jackie Etter says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:59 am

    OUR HEARTS HURT FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY’S LOSS. THERESA CAN REST PEACEFULLY NOW, PRAYERS TO YOU AND YOURS.

    Reply
  5. Karen Kugel says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:10 am

    My prayers will continue to be with you. Truly your whole family has fought the fight and there is laid up for you a crown of glory in God’s kingdom. Thank you for your loving witness.

    Reply
  6. Joe & Sharolyn Wiley says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:10 am

    ❤ You are in our prayers! ❤

    Reply
  7. Jeffrey Sorensen says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:11 am

    Dr Paul and family, I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  8. Kathy Frazier says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:27 am

    So very sorry.

    Reply
  9. Linda & Jack Braun says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:27 am

    Dr. Paul and family, we will keep you in our prayers. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  10. Kathleen Spencer says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:34 am

    Dear Paul, Ben, Noah, Matthew, Ashleigh, Family, and Friends,
    My heart shares in your grief as we say goodbye to your beautiful Theresa. I am
    so thankful that her hours and days of pain and struggle are over, and her new
    eternal life promised in Christ is continuing. My prayers continue for you all as you
    grieve her loss and celebrate the memories of her life. Thank you so much for your
    candid sharing of your journey with us.

    Reply
  11. Nancy Core says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:48 am

    Sending loving prayers for His peace and comfort for all of you.

    Reply
  12. Pearl Moltz says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:50 am

    I weep now for you and your family but rejoice for Theresa being in heaven now with our heavenly father. I will miss the service on Saturday as I am singing for another family funeral at the same time. Know that I am praying for you and your children as you start the grieving process. Much love and hugs to you all. Pearl

    Reply
  13. Dale & Lori Anderson says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Dr Paul & family,
    Words cannot express the heartache we feel for you, but are thankful that she is out of pain and just beginning her glorious life with our Lord and Savior.

    Reply
  14. Jon and Nicole Wiley says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:58 am

    Dr. Paul, we mourn with you and pray that our Lord will comfort and sustain you all. What a glorious testimony of faith through your journey.

    Reply
  15. John Eiland says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:26 am

    Paul,
    Thank you for sharing your journey and feelings so openly throughout this process. I’m overwhelmed with emotions for you and your loving family. I’m giving you a virtual hug and hope to meet up with you in the future. Take care, my friend.

    Reply
  16. Alene Palmer says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:30 am

    Dr Paul, My prayer is that God will surround and your family with His loving arms and comfort. So sorry for your loss. Theresa is happy to see Jesus. No more pain and treatments.

    Reply
  17. Michael Dujela says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:59 am

    Our sincere condolences to your family Paul, I am thankful I had the chance to know Theresa. My apologies that we will be in Canada this weekend however we send our love and best wishes for your family. Lots of love to you all during this difficult time

    Reply
  18. Teresa fahey says

    October 8, 2019 at 12:45 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

    Reply
  19. Doris and Bill says

    October 8, 2019 at 1:08 pm

    Our love to you and your family comes with our wishes for rest and comfort for all of you as you begin a new chapter. Theresa will be a part of that in the memories you each hold and her words will warm your hearts and guide you in the days to come. We are glad her suffering is over, we are sad because we know you are mourning her presence, but we stand ready to help you in any way we might as you get through these sad days. You will always miss her, but her gift of life shared with you will always be a rock to stand on. Much love from Doris and Bill

    Reply
  20. Janice & Bruce Juntunen says

    October 8, 2019 at 1:15 pm

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. I never met your Theresa, but in know you Doc, therefore, I know she was exceptional. She is in the loving arms of Jesus.

    Reply
  21. Jenny and Hank Kirk says

    October 8, 2019 at 1:39 pm

    Dear Dr. Paul and family,
    We know the Lord is walking with all of you as you and we mourn the loss of Theresa – a wonderfully brave and courageous woman, mother, wife, friend. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you also. We celebrate Theresa’s victory and move from this life to eternal peace. Love in Christ, Jenny and Hank Kirk

    Reply
  22. Kimberly says

    October 8, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    Dr. Paul-My Prayers are with You and Yours❤️ I’m So Very Sorry.

    Reply
  23. Kim Wamsley says

    October 8, 2019 at 2:36 pm

    You are all in our thoughts , prayers and our hearts

    Reply
  24. Craig says

    October 8, 2019 at 2:48 pm

    praying for strength with you and your family. just remember absent from the body and present with the lord.

    Reply
  25. Carol Irwin says

    October 8, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Theresa was such a gentle and pure soul and she will be missed so much. We are sending our prayers for you and your family.

    Reply
  26. Priscilla Christenson says

    October 8, 2019 at 3:14 pm

    Dr Paul and family I mourn with you in the loss of your dear wife and mother, I’m so glad she’s not suffering any longer. May God bring you much peace and comfort in the days ahead, wish I could be there on Saturday. Priscilla

    Reply
  27. Janet Andersen says

    October 8, 2019 at 3:53 pm

    So very sorry to hear this as I know that your hearts are hurting. There is also thankfulness that your precious Theresa is no longer suffering, but is now in heaven and free from pain and suffering. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! May you feel God’s peace and comfort.

    Reply
  28. Duane and Jeannette Smith says

    October 8, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    Our love and prayers are with you all! God will be your comforter and strength. Thank you Dr. Paul for sharing your story with us all. Her suffering is over and she is at peace.

    Reply
  29. Donna Rao says

    October 8, 2019 at 4:08 pm

    Dear Paul, Ben, Noah, Matthew & Ashleigh, I am truly sorry for your huge loss. It’s been a difficult journey for all of you but you can rejoice in the fact that your mom was able to see & share so many important millstones in your lives. She is at peace now and free of pain. Your wife and mom was an amazing testament to the power of faith and prayer. Sending love, hugs, and prayers. ❤️❤️ Auntie Donna

    Reply
  30. Candace Horch says

    October 8, 2019 at 4:29 pm

    I write this with tears running down my cheeks, not so much for Theresa, but for you, her loved ones. She is home. I will never forget this lovely lady who came to visit my Mama with Ashley, in her final days, and comforting and loving her. We pray now for all of you to have the peace that passes all understanding in the days to come when we all meet again.

    Reply
  31. Sherrie Conrad says

    October 8, 2019 at 5:11 pm

    So very sorry for you. Rejoicing with Theresa.praying for God’s comfort to surround you.

    Reply
  32. Andrea Elisa McPeake says

    October 8, 2019 at 5:30 pm

    Dearest Dr. Paul Williams:

    I am so sorry for your lost. I am lost for words. The lord will give you the strength to get through this great loss. It will take time. You all are in my prayers.

    Reply
  33. Kandy Harris says

    October 8, 2019 at 5:42 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss, prayers for healing hearts.

    Reply
  34. Christina Frias says

    October 8, 2019 at 5:49 pm

    Sending prayers and hugs to you and the kids! I pray you find peace and comfort at this time and the strength needed for your beautiful kids. Heaven gained a beautiful lady and you all gained an amazing angel to always watch over you! Sending love ❤️

    Reply
  35. Carolynn & Philip Gregory says

    October 8, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    Oh so sad but happy that Theresa is not suffering any more. God bless you, Dr. Paul and your family.

    Reply
  36. Robin Montgomery says

    October 8, 2019 at 7:32 pm

    Paul, Ben, Noah, Matthew, and Ashley—I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely wife and amazing mother. It was a privilege and joy to know Theresa during all the years you kids spent at CCS. I have been and will continue praying for your family. Love to you all!

    Reply
  37. Myrna Johnson says

    October 8, 2019 at 7:44 pm

    Paul,
    My prayers and love are with you, family and many friends with the passing of your sweet loved one, Theresa. I’m so sorry for your loss as
    Heaven gained a special angel. I pray for strength as all of you go through this difficult time. Theresa is at peace with her saviour.

    Reply
  38. Greg and Beverly Raappana says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:12 pm

    Oh, may the Lord hold you tenderly and relieve your grief with the joy that comes from knowing Theresa is enjoying the glorious presence of God.
    You and your whole family are in our prayers.

    Reply
  39. Bob Hughes says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:51 pm

    Paul, Jan and I send you our condolences at this very sad time. We are so sorry for your loss but rejoice that she is now living a pain free heavenly life with her Lord. We will continue our prayers for you and your family during this sad and emotional time. May you and your family find peace and comfort resting in the hands of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

    Reply
  40. Vickie Jackson says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:29 pm

    Paul, Ben, Noah, Matthew, and Ashleigh,
    There are no words that can truly ease your heartache right now, but knowing Theresa bravely fought the good fight, is finally free, and yes, is in the loving arms of Jesus, can bring you comfort. Sending loving prayers for peace for you all during this sad and difficult time. We know, even in loss, God is always Good.

    Reply
  41. Jim and Jane Miller says

    October 9, 2019 at 12:38 am

    We will continue to pray that God will comfort you and give you His peace.

    Reply
  42. Debbie O'Connor says

    October 9, 2019 at 4:43 am

    Dear Paul, Ben, Noah, Matthew and Ashleigh,

    I am so terribly sorry for your loss. Theresa was one of the strongest women I’ve ever known. She was so intelligent, determined, brave and fiercely loyal. She was my best friend through high school and college, and while I moved far away and we had many gaps in our correspondence, I have never-for a second-stopped loving her and I never will. My prayers are with you and they will continue. I so wish I could do more.

    I am grateful her suffering on earth is over for her sake, but I know she would have gladly suffered more to be here with you. She loved you all so much and I’m so thankful she was blessed by you. I know she’s loving you still, and that in a little while, we’ll all be together forever.

    With all my heart,
    Debbie

    Reply
  43. Debra Stone says

    October 9, 2019 at 5:52 am

    Paul, I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

    Reply
  44. Valerie & Paulino Santa Maria says

    October 9, 2019 at 7:32 am

    We are very sorry to hear of your loss. Sending so much love, hugs and prayers to all of you. There is also thankfulness that your precious Theresa is no longer suffering, but is now in heaven and free from pain and suffering. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you! May you feel God’s peace and comfort. ❤❤❤

    Reply
  45. Jennie Brandt says

    October 9, 2019 at 8:09 am

    We are so sorry for your family’s loss, knowing that Theresa is pain free and in Gods loving hands will hopefully make your heartbreak easier to bear. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers

    Reply
  46. Toni Belveal says

    October 9, 2019 at 8:10 am

    I am so very sorry. May you truly feel the presence of our Savior. Praying for peace and comfort for you, your family and loved ones.

    Reply
  47. Renae Hamshar says

    October 9, 2019 at 10:16 am

    Words cannot express my profound sorrow at this news, Dr. Paul. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your children as well as your parents and Sheri and Dan and all those affected by this loss. Your recent messages have been so full of love, compassion and caring for Theresa. Those messages are an example to all of us of what a pure and perfect union is meant to be. May you and your family find peace in the light of Theresa’s continuing presence in your lives.

    Reply
  48. Shirleen Long says

    October 9, 2019 at 11:10 am

    I am so, so sorry. My thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

    Reply
  49. Dell & Lessley Hillger says

    October 9, 2019 at 11:40 am

    Dear Paul and family,

    We are holding you in our prayers and in our hearts. Words can’t describe how sad we are for you. We are so thankful that Theresa is incredibly happy now and not suffering. What a wonderful hope we have in Jesus to be reunited again one day. We are really thankful for the little bit we got to know Theresa. You all have been such an amazing example to us. Please know we are praying for you and your family in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

    Reply
  50. Kevin & Mary Grindrod says

    October 9, 2019 at 12:24 pm

    Dr Paul, My heart aches for you and your family. Many prayer will be with you from us and so many. ❤️❤️

    Reply
  51. Nannette Hoile says

    October 9, 2019 at 1:13 pm

    Dear Dr Paul and family,
    Daniel and I are truly sorry for the loss of Theresa. May you be comforted by peace that only comes from Him at this difficult time. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply
  52. Julie K. says

    October 9, 2019 at 1:53 pm

    Dear Dr. Paul,

    Thank you for your baring your heart and allowing us this very very special invitation to walk beside and pray for you, Theresa, and your family. My prayers will continue for you and your family in the hours, days, future ahead. Your thoughts and entries have been an incredible encouragement and blessing to me. May the God of all Comfort cover each of you with all He sees that you need. In Christ, our Only Hope,

    Reply
  53. Julie Gamewell says

    October 9, 2019 at 2:14 pm

    Theresa’s testimony of faith and courage will live on through those she knew. May we also let the light of our Savior shine through us all the days of our lives.

    The Lord brings songs and scripture to my heart when I need them most. He gave me
    “The Strife is O’er the Battle Done”…the victory of life is won; The song of triumph has begun. Alleluia!”

    For Jesus has given us, who accept His grace, victory over the grave, for eternity.
    We sang “Victory in Jesus, my Savior forever…” at my husband’s celebration of life.
    Though so difficult is the loss for us, so wonderful is the Life to Come, for those who love His appearing!
    Wonderful Grace of Jesus!

    I am praying for you and your children and extended family…

    “The Lord bless you and keep you,
    The Lord lift His countenance upon you,
    And give you peace, and give you peace.
    The Lord make His face to shine upon you,
    And be gracious unto you, be gracious,
    The Lord be gracious, gracious unto you.”
    Amen (Numbers 6:24-26)

    Reply
  54. Dee Birchard says

    October 9, 2019 at 2:21 pm

    Dear Dr.Paul and family,

    We are among those who, at the most, briefly met Theresa, but knew her through your postings and our prayers said for her, you and your family. Without pain and suffering she is now enjoying the rewards of the redeemed. May your sweet memories and God’s loving presence comfort and guide each of you now and throughout your lives.

    Blessings, Dee and the late Carl Birchard and family

    Reply
  55. George & Rhonda Flanigan says

    October 9, 2019 at 5:02 pm

    Our hearts go out to you and your family. God Bless you all and praise the Lord that her pain is gone and she is in a better place.

    Reply
  56. Karan Olson Meilhan says

    October 9, 2019 at 5:36 pm

    On behalf of the Ralph and Bonnie Olson family we are so very sorry to hear this. Blessings to your family…

    Reply
  57. Rod and Dianna Samuelson says

    October 9, 2019 at 6:03 pm

    Dear Paul and Family…you are precious in the sight of the Lord. May He lift you up as only He can ., and make His presence felt in your hearts. Bless you.and love you. Dianna and Rod

    Reply
  58. Jim and Michelle Ecklund says

    October 9, 2019 at 6:20 pm

    Our hearts are broken. Heaven received one of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever known. We may be miles away, but our hearts are right there with you.

    Reply
  59. Margie Briscoe says

    October 9, 2019 at 6:36 pm

    I will never forget the day I met Theresa. I knew instantly, she was a kindred spirit. I feel so blessed to have shared even a brief visit in this world. She was a beautiful soul. Heaven gained an angel. My deepest sympathy, love and prayers to you and the family.

    Reply
  60. Bill and Jan Bearse says

    October 10, 2019 at 1:36 pm

    We can’t begin to fully understand your pain and sorrow as Theresa’s suffering has ended; but we know that as she left the room, she entered the presence of Jesus, and her joy unspeakable began. We do know, from your own testimony, that this brings you joy, comfort, and peace. Thank you for showing us, through your writing, how to live well, love well, and die well. May God hold you and your children close through the days, months, and years ahead. He loves you and we love you.
    Bill and Jan

    Reply
  61. LaVerne Haslett says

    October 10, 2019 at 6:24 pm

    We are so sorry for the loss you feel even as we rejoice in the going home for Theresa to be forever in the presence of our Lord…May HE comfort you during this time and his love and grace surround you and your family, keeping you in his will.

    Reply
  62. Krista Olson-Verdin says

    October 11, 2019 at 11:43 am

    Dear Paul – I remember meeting your beautiful bride nearly 20 years ago. Courageous woman. Wonderful mother. Loving partner. We lift you and your family up in prayer and take comfort in knowing we’ll see our loved ones again in glory. Please know that you are remembered by so many at this time of healing.

    Reply

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About Doctor Paul

Dr. Paul Williams, MD is a small-town family practice doctor working in Centralia, Washington. He works from the same office where his primary care practice was established by his father over 38 years ago. He believes strongly that the art of the old-fashioned primary care doctor is an important feature of our medical system that should be preserved and protected from excess interference from insurance companies and government regulation alike.

Due to changes in the health care industry and regulations affecting it, and in an effort to preserve the art of old-fashioned primary care, Dr. Paul has shifted his practice to a Direct Care model, meaning that patients pay an affordable monthly fee to purchase primary care health care services directly, rather than having their services billed through an insurance company.

This blog is intended to help Dr. Paul's patients (and anyone else!) understand the changes the medical industry is going through, and to provide information about the Direct Care model of primary care.

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