"Happy trails to you", Tom.

Tom passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family at 3:15 in the afternoon on Saturday April 24, 2010.


Funeral arrangements are through Ware Smith Woolever, located at 1200 W. Wheeler in Midland. There will be two visitations on Tuesday April 27, from 2-4 and 6-8.

The funeral will be held on Wednesday April 28, at 3:00 at First United Methodist Church in downtown Midland, 315 W. Larkin Street (the corner of M-20 and Main Street). Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

There should be obituaries listed through the Midland Daily News - http://www.ourmidland.com and the Ware Smith Woolever site is - http://www.waresmithwoolever.com/

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Tom Gilstad Lancer Spirit Award c/o Bullock Creek Schools, 1420 S. Badour Road, Midland, MI 48640
or Midland Cancer Services, 220 W. Main Street, Midland, MI 48640.


The family wishes to express our gratitude for all of your prayers, love and support that you have extended throughout Tom's journey. We will miss him greatly.

Coming Home

Tom is coming home today. Preparations are being made to make him comfortable at home. We're not sure home much Tom has left on his journey, but we're going to make sure it is the best time possible. To that end, we want life to go on as "normal" as possible with laughter and sharing of good memories, so short visits from close friends and family will be welcome--please just call first to see if Tom's awake and that it would be a good time.
We appreciate everyones prayers, positive thoughts, encouragement and love that is being sent our way.

~Peggy and family

Ducks in a row

Getting all the ducks in a row isn't easy. Tom's pain is under control, his blood pressure is finally back to an acceptable range, but we've had recent issues with his sodium levels and electrolytes, which need to get back to normal. We think we're getting there and if the doctors' reports today (April 16) agree, then we should finally be able to get Tom back home. The blockage in his bowel is still there so he continues to get his nutrition through an IV and he is able to drink clear liquids and eat ice chips and popcicles which promptly go out his PEG tube in his stomach into a vacuum jar. This creates great amusement for our grandson, Carter, who likes it when Grandpa eats different colored popcicles. "What color next, Grandpa?"
Overall Tom is feeling good and in good spirits.
Your prayers have helped immensely.

~Peggy and family

still...

Tom is still in the hospital. We've had many ups and downs working on getting the pain in control as well as his blood pressure ( a new issue to deal with). We think that we are making progress and will get Tom back home soon.

a broken record?

Tom was readmitted to the hospital on Wednesday April 7 in the morning with severe abdominal pain. The doctors are working to get the pain under control and get Tom back home again. As of Thursday night, he was resting comfortably, enjoying the start of baseball season and we are looking at him getting released from the hospital within the next couple of days.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

~Peggy and family

Good Friday!

Hallelujah! For our family, never has a holiday name held such great/true meaning! Friday April 2, after almost four weeks in the hospital, Tom finally came home at about 3:00 in the afternoon. In Midland, Michigan it was also the nicest day of the year. Tom was greeted at home by his entire immediate family as well as Peg's sister, Connie. It was a very special event for us all!
There is a great deal of learning and adjustments to be made for Tom to be living back at home, but so far we seem to be on the right path!

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support!