Passing of Pop Pop McLelland

Our Pop Pop passed away this past Sunday. A year ago, he found out that he had myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder (autoimmunity is the failure of an organism to recognize its own constituent parts as self, which results in an immune response against its own cells and tissues) that inhibits the normal neuron response from brain to muscle. The result is that your voluntary muscles do not work because they can't receive the brain signal (breathing, swallowing, and moving limbs can be affected). The initial treatment was very intense and while in the hospital, he had a stroke affecting his right side and speech.

It was a very difficult year for Pop Pop physically as he built back his body's strength and mentally/emotionally as he learned to speak again and attempted to deal with his new reality. He never "fully" recovered to the point where he could drive, run errands alone, take the boat out, that kind of thing, which was frustrating for him. But, he was blessed with many visitors over the year and of course the company and care of Grandma.

Bree, Jason and I will miss Pop Pop dearly. We will forever hold his memory in our heart. Pop Pop was always there for us and we will remember him for that. We thank him for his devotion to our family and for providing us with strength and guidance when we needed it. Be at peace Pop Pop. We love you.