It's Written In Stone

It's been eight months since we lost Glenn.  He has been gone longer than he was sick. Both seemed like an eternity and a blink of an eye all at once. While we are all trying to adjust to a new life, a life without Glenn, we have discovered one thing: life does go on.

This doesn't mean that Glenn has been forgotten--in fact, it's just the opposite. We are constantly surrounded by memories--things that will always remind us of Glenn and what an important and special part of our lives he is.  Sometimes those memories sneak up on us and are so overwhelming that it feels like our hearts are breaking all over again. We are still grateful for them, as painful as they are, because we never want to forget him.  We talk about Glenn often and we can feel him near us, especially when we are all together.  He continues to look out for us in so many ways.  I am so grateful for the special man that he is and for the love and joy that he still brings to our family. I don't think we will ever stop missing him, or that the hole he left in our hearts will ever be healed.  The pain has become more bearable and we are each learning how to move forward as best as we can. That's what Glenn wanted. He didn't want us to stop living, and he encouraged us to live a full life. He was a wonderful man that always wanted those around him to be happy.  And so, sometimes with heavy hearts, our lives go on.

This blog was started when Glenn was diagnosed as a way to keep everyone updated and informed. We wanted it to be about Glenn and, ultimately, the progress he was making. It was difficult to know what to do when things didn't end up the way we had hoped. The day the headstone was delivered was one of the toughest days yet. As I arrived at the cemetery and came around the curve in the road, I could see the gap had been filled in. After months and months of waiting, it was finally in place. It was a gut-wrenching, and yet at the same time, a comforting feeling to see the stone there.  I was overcome again by the finality. Somehow a big rock with an end date on it brings you to that reality. The reality of the finality. The reality is Glenn is gone. He will never be forgotten. He lived his life with compassion and tolerance. It's a legacy he has passed on to each of us and we will continue to strive for as we keep him in our hearts and live lives he would be proud of. He has blessed us for generations and we will always be so grateful to have had him in our lives. We love you Glenn!


"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues.  They are messengers of overwhelming grief...and unspeakable love."  --Washington Irving

They are much too young. All five of them are too young to have to go through this.
Saying goodbye is so hard. Having each other to lean on means everything.
As Glenn always said, "Family isn't about blood."
We are family.

JJ kisses Grampa goodbye while Addison cries on Uncle Brennan's shoulder.
We miss you so much Grampa Glenn.
You are our sunshine.

Glenn hand-picked the men that would stand by him at the end. Thank you to his sons, Jared and Brennan, his nephews Ty, Chad, and Cody, and his friend, Dave. He also loved the BMW casket.

Glenn's wedding ring had the Hebrew inscription of:
"I am my Beloved's, and my Beloved is mine."

When our new house was built, Glenn took the day off to be home when the concrete patio was poured.
I came home to the heart with our initials carved in the patio. The monument company was able to do a duplicate of the
actual heart in his handwriting. Seeing it both times made me cry.

The reality of the finality is written in stone.
We love you Glenn!

Daylight

Glenn always told me there are no coincidences.

A few weeks after Glenn was diagnosed, the song Daylight by Maroon 5 was released. We both loved it immediately. Many, many times we would hear it in the car as we drove to or from the Cancer Center for his treatments. We would sing the chorus as loud as we could--neither one of us being singers--but the "Oh-woah, oh-woah" seemed to make us both smile every time.

I had no idea at the time the impact the song would continue to have in my life.

Glenn had been drifting in between this world and the next for several days. It seemed like every time I turned on the stereo, this song would play. On Saturday afternoon, Glenn woke up and saw Brennan and Jared standing by his bed. His exuberant "Hey guys!" took us all by surprise. They asked him if there was anything they could do for him. He said, "Some potstickers would sure be nice!" We all looked at each other startled! He then saw me and reached for my hand. He said, "And you, I love you more than anything in this world. I don't want to leave you." We held each other so close until he drifted back to sleep. He never woke again and he passed away several hours later. As he left our home for the last time, the sun was coming up and the daylight shone through the front door as we said goodbye. I stood there knowing I was on my own.

The song continues to play at times in my life when I need to know he is there, and the "Oh-woah, Oh-woah" always makes me smile.

Daylight

Here I am waiting, I’ll have to leave soon
Why am I, holding on?
We knew this day would come, we knew it all along
How did it, come so fast?
This is our last night but it’s late
And I’m trying not to sleep
Cause I know, when I wake, I will have to slip away

And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go
But tonight I’m gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah

Here I am staring at your perfection
In my arms, so beautiful
The sky is getting back the stars are burning out
Somebody slow it down
This is way too hard, cause I know
When the sun comes up, I will leave
This is my last glance that will soon be memory

And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go
But tonight I’m gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah

I never wanted to stop because I don’t wanna be stuck alone babe, stuck alone babe
I was afraid of the dark but now it’s all that I want, all that I want, all that I want

And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go
But tonight I’m gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close
And when the daylight comes I’ll have to go
But tonight I’m gonna hold you so close
Cause in the daylight we’ll be on our own
But tonight I need to hold you so close
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah, oh-woah, oh-woah
Oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah)
Oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah (yeah), oh-woah!

4 months ago.....

It's been four months ago today that I lost the love of my life. It seems like a lifetime ago, and like yesterday at the same time. It is still just so hard to believe that he is gone. I'm surprised at the things that are comforting, and at those that are so much more painful than I would have dreamed. The grief comes in waves; sometimes rippling, and at other times, crashing.

I'm so grateful to have our amazing kids in my life. They have been there for Glenn and for me since Day 1, and they continue to be my strength and my joy. I'm also thankful for all of you that have provided so much love and support. Glenn always said, "Family isn't about blood." Thank you for being family and for being by our side throughout this journey. Some days the pain of missing him is unbearable. I feel blessed for having had something and someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. Having him to love was such a gift. His legacy continues on. I love him and miss him so much every day.

Go Grey in May!

Go Grey in May!

It's been 1 month today since I lost the Love of My Life to this horrible cancer. This picture made me smile because Glenn loved Betty Boop. He would be happy to know she was advocating for Brain Tumor Awareness. 

I had thought about passing out grey ribbons at Glenn's funeral service, or finding a way to make more of a statement about how more needs to be done to find a cure. I was reluctant to because I wanted to honor Glenn by the way he LIVED and the wonderful man that he was, not by the horrific disease that took him from me.

But more does need to be done. May is Brain Tumor Awareness month. During the past seven months since Glenn was diagnosed, I've met too many women that have had the same short journey watching their husbands die. A cure does need to be found. In 40 years, the survival rate has only increased by a few months. Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive brain tumor. As the doctor told us at diagnosis, "survival will be virtually impossible." It's not that he didn't have hope, or that we ever gave up hope, it just is what it is.

In honor of Glenn, I'm encouraging all family and friends to Wear Grey in May, and specifically on May 22nd, Brain Cancer Awareness Day and the 100th Birthday of the American Cancer Society. Go grey in May!

I miss you so much Babe! It's still just....One day at a time.

Linda

Thank You

Now that all of the family has left, and we have had a chance to say our goodbyes- both to Glenn and to each other- there has been time to reflect. Although it was one of the saddest days I've ever experienced, Saturday was also a day of family, remembrance, and peace. In short, it was a day of Glenn. There are so many people our family wishes to thank. The first are the wonderful hospice team that were there for Mom and Glenn and who helped guide them down a very difficult and uncertain path. Not only were they there with Glenn until the end, they all attended the funeral service, once again providing us comfort at a difficult time. Thank you Steve, Cynthia, and Connie for being so caring, comforting, and supportive. Also, we want to thank the wonderful staff at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, especially Nate. He made a very difficult day a little easier by anticipating our needs and always going the extra mile. We were very impressed by the respect and kindness that was shown and I can't imagine things going any better. Thank you. Finally, we want to thank all of the wonderful friends and family who made the effort to attend the service. Some of you went to great lengths and traveled great distances to be there, and we are truly grateful and humbled by your love for Glenn. He was a really great guy, and I think that is evident in not only the quantity of his friends, but also in the quality of his relationship with each of you. I'm sure he was a little disappointed to have all of you in one room, yet unable to visit with anyone! So, thank you again for being such an important part of his life, and for making him important to you as well. I know he "deeply appreciated" it. It is said that time heals all wounds, and I am hoping this is true. Right now there is such a hole left in our hearts, especially Mom's, that seems too vast to ever be filled. I know we will never stop missing him or stop loving him, and that some days will be harder than others, but we will just take them as we have been- one day at a time.

Services have been scheduled

Obituary from the Idaho Statesman 4/18/13 Glenn A. Haar 1957 - 2013 Glenn Albert Haar left this life far too soon on Sunday, April 14, 2013. He was diagnosed 6 months ago with a brain tumor and he fought this battle the same as he had lived; with valiant determination, dignity, and self-less love for others. He was 56. He was born March 16, 1957 in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Milton and Irene Haar, the youngest of five children. At the age of 5, he moved to Triumph, Idaho. He attended schools in the Hailey/Ketchum area, graduating from Wood River High School in 1975. He attended Boise State University, majoring in Business Administration Information Sciences, graduating in 3 ½ years in the Honors Program. During his studies, he began an internship program with the State of Idaho. Upon graduation he was offered employment with the State Auditor's Office. He served 35 years as a dedicated employee for the State of Idaho, the last 31 years being with the State Tax Commission. Glenn loved his work and enjoyed the people he worked with. He was a true professional and had a strong work ethic. In 1999, Glenn married the love of his life and his best friend, Linda Rasmussen, and became dad to Lindsay, Jared, and Brennan. As part of his marriage vows he promised them that he would love them as if they were his own children. And he did. His greatest joy however came later when he became Grampa to Jonas and Addison. Nothing made him happier than having them in his life. Glenn was an amazing, peaceful warrior. He had such a profound effect on everyone he touched. His life values were compassion and tolerance, and he taught them by the example he lived his life. He was kind to everyone he met and was loved by all. He will truly be missed by everyone who knew him. He loved cars, computers, and conversations. He loved to laugh and had a great sense of humor. Glenn was a life-long learner and a voracious reader. He loved to travel whether it was throughout Idaho, the United States, or foreign countries. He loved people, but most of all, he loved his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Haar, his children, Lindsay (Jared) Stanger, State College, PA, Jared (Jamie) Waters, and Brennan Waters, all of Portland. He also leaves behind his precious grandchildren, Jonas and Addison Stanger and their soon to be born baby brother. Also surviving Glenn are his siblings, Gaylon (Beckie) Haar, Houston, TX, Gary (Peggy) Haar, Boise, Shirley (Frank) Teuscher, Challis, ID, Sharon Williams, Hailey, his beloved brother, Mike Williams, Caldwell, and also his parents-in-law, Gary and Carma Rasmussen, Mapleton, UT, whom loved him as their own son, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be Saturday, April 20th, 2013 at Alden Waggoner Funeral Chapel in Boise, ID. A viewing will be held from 11:00-12:45 and the service at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to attend. Burial will be at Dry Creek Cemetery with a luncheon to follow at the LDS Chapel at 2650 S Five Mile Road.

In Our Hearts Forever

Today I lost the love of my life, my sweetheart, and my best friend.

After a 6 month 6 day battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme brain cancer, Glenn Haar peacefully passed away early this morning. Throughout this battle he fought the same as he had lived; with valiant determination, dignity, and self-less love for others. He was loved by all who knew him and our hearts are broken. His life values were compassion and tolerance and he lived them by his daily actions. May we all honor this great man by following his example as we continue with our own lives. He was a peaceful warrior and we will hold him in our hearts forever.

We love you Glenn!

The Last Supper

We have been blessed the past week with so many wonderful memories that will be cherished forever. Having all of the kids home has made the challenging days so much easier. They have been able to spend one-on-one time with Glenn, keeping him company and as he likes to say, "Chattin me up!" He is very weak and his speech is very labored. Although he still loves a good conversation, he now listens more than he talks. I think for some it may be the first time they actually have been able to address their full opinion!

Several nights ago we were getting ready for dinner. Having dinner together as a family has always been an important ritual for our family. When the kids were home we made great efforts to have family dinner together every night. It was a time for all of us to connect at the end of the day and share our day. This particular night, as each person was completing their duties, the table was set and the dinner was ready to be served. Each person had taken their place, places that had been marked decades before, now with leaves added to the table and chairs filled in for spouses and the next generation of children, but we each still had "our" place. We then brought Glenn in to take his place. His place at the head of our table, the head of our home, and the head of our family.

The meal was delicious, the conversations just as appetizing, and the feeling of normalcy delectable. We had our family, and we had everything.

As the kids began clearing the table and cleaning up the kitchen, removing chairs one by one, Glenn put his hand to his heart and looked at me. He said "Do you feel that?" My mind immediately raced to all of the horrific medical nightmares we have experienced the past six months. I panicked that maybe it was too much to get him out of bed, that he had been sitting for too long, that he had eaten something he shouldn't. My first response was "Are you okay? What are you feeling?" He calmly took my hand and put it with his to his heart. He said, "Can you feel that? Can you feel all of the love in this room? Everyone here has so much love for each other. You can feel all of that right here (pointing to his heart). My soul is happy and my life is so complete."

This would be the last dinner Glenn would be able to join us for.

Later that night before falling asleep we were talking about how blessed we are. We have a great life. We have been very blessed with many things. Not once have we talked about what we "own". Our conversations are about who we love, what brings us joy. What we will miss can't be purchased. When the most important thing you have is the love for each other, you cling to it with all that you have. Love makes your life complete.

No news is good news.....

We have had an interesting week. It has been a week of contradictions in a way. All of the kids made it home by Wednesday and we have had such a good time being together. It has been a week of happiness and of sadness. There have been ups and downs, chaos and calm, rallying and retreat, laughing and crying, praying and cursing, acceptance and denial, joy and sorrow.

Glenn has really enjoyed having all of his family around him. It has boosted his spirits and he has rallied as best he can. Sadly, overall he continues to decline. He continues to cling to us and we cherish every day he is with us.

Our Peaceful Warrior

It seems we've turned a corner, and not the direction we had hoped.

Glenn has had declining strength the past week. He has been sleeping most of the time. The tumors have caused swelling on his left side and he has again lost most of his mobility. They are also causing problems with vertigo and nausea.

On Saturday he said he didn't think he could hang on any longer. He asked to have all of his family come so he could tell them goodbye. Words can't begin to express the pain of the reality we are facing. Glenn then went to sleep and woke up a few hours later in pain. We have felt so blessed throughout the journey that he has not had any pain. Watching him experience it is such a helpless feeling. We do have an amazing hospice team and they have guided us each step of the way. The pain medication was started and he was able to take it every 15 minutes. After about 3 hours he was able to sleep. Gratefully, he hasn't had any pain since then.

Glenn is so kind and loving. Even in his hours of pain and suffering he was thinking of others. Saturday was our daughter Jamie's birthday. He kept telling us he didn't want to ruin Jamie's day. As he would drift in and out of consciousness, he would come to and ask what day it was. I told him it was still Saturday. He said, "I can fight a little longer."

He has restlessly slept most of yesterday. He did wake up suddenly and ask for ice cream. As I fed him ice cream in bed, he took my hand and held it. He said, "I love you. I love you more than anything. But I am dying."

He continues to hold on and fight his battle the way he has lived, peacefully. Brennan has been with me since Thursday, Lindsay and Jared and the grand babies will be here today, and Jared and Jamie will be here tomorrow. We all know our days are numbered, we just don't know how many of those days there are. Glenn's seem to be fewer than we had hoped. There are so many selfish things I want to pray for but reluctantly I pray for what is best for Glenn. Comfort and peace. Please pray for him also.



Linda

A Very Happy Birthday!

For those of you who didn't know, today (16th) is Glenn's birthday! To celebrate, Jared and Jamie flew over from Portland to celebrate with Glenn and Mom. They have spent the day relaxing and enjoying being together, which is exactly what Glenn wanted.

Happy Birthday Glenn!

He has appreciated all of the cards and emails to help him celebrate. We also are so grateful for all of the acts of service, the delicious meals, the prayers, and so many blessings we have received. Your kindness has been so needed at this difficult time. Thank you so much!

Enjoying the day

A Grand Wish Granted

 Last week Glenn was visiting with the hospice social worker. They were discussing memorable trips and experiences we have had and she asked him about things he would still like to do.  The topic of food came up and he told her of all the wonderful food he's experienced, the best was at the Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker City, Oregon. He said the prime rib there had set the high mark as the best of all he has tried.

About 13 or 14 years ago we had taken the kids to stay at the Geiser Grand for a weekend. The hotel is beautiful and grandeur. It always reminds us of the luxury touted from The Titanic. It has to be seen to be believed. Baker City is only about two hours from Boise and is perfect for a change of pace when we want to feel like we've taken a mini vacation or just do something different than a weekend at home. Many memories were made that first weekend we stayed there as a family. The prime rib was seared into Glenn's memory as the best ever. Whenever he's had prime rib other places he will say, "It's good, but it's not Geiser Grand good!" The kids loved the luxurious, plush, white bathrobes (and still remember the threat that they better still be there when we leave!) and the surprise when Glenn had room service deliver ice cream to them in the room for a bedtime snack.  We knew it had a memorable impact when Jared and Jamie called us one weekend to let us know they had snuck away for the weekend to the Geiser Grand--just to get away! We have strategically planned our trips back and forth to Portland to coincide with lunch or dinner time in Baker City so we can stop at the Geiser Grand for a meal.

As we shared our experiences, Glenn told her just thinking about going there made him wish he could have one more opportunity to relive such enjoyable memories. She said if he was feeling up to it she would see what she could do.  We received a call from Doug at Wish Granters. Wish Granters of Idaho grants Wishes to adults 18 and older who have terminal illnesses and who live in Ada and Canyon counties.  They come into the lives of these individuals and give them something to look forward to and something to hold on to, at a time when they need it the most.  They also give their families a memory they can have forever. Glenn had the option of wishing for numerous material goods. What he wanted most was to create memories.

We spoke with Doug the middle of the week and by Saturday we were on our way to the Geiser Grand! They had arranged for two nights, meals, and incidentals for the weekend.  They were so generous and considerate of our needs.  The hospitality of the Geiser Grand is always outstanding but I can't thank them enough for the special attention they gave Glenn and me while we were there.  Barbara and her staff were above and beyond amazing.  She had arranged for a private tour and narrative of the hotel which we really enjoyed.

Sunday activities included a horse-drawn carriage ride around Baker City. The carriage driver was a charming, long-time Baker City cowboy that had worked on the movie "Paint your Wagon" that was filmed in Baker.  He told us many antics of working on the movie and with the crew, as well as interesting stories and information about Baker City. We enjoyed snuggling as we toured the city with our wonderful tour guide.



Thanks Ron!



And then there was the food. I think Glenn told me forty times, "The food here is to LIVE FOR!"

And it really is! He could hardly wait for dinner to have the prime rib. It made him so happy when the chef, Gary, came to our table to see personally how he would like his prime rib. He explained the preparations and the attention to detail that ensures the quality and consistency for each meal. Dinner was followed up with one of the many delicious desserts they offer. (Hint: Try the bread pudding!)

Every meal was delectably scrumptious. We have never been disappointed with anything on the menu. Glenn especially loves the steel-cut oatmeal they serve for breakfast. A big thank you Barbara for sending him home with a bag to make and enjoy at home! You have made him very happy this week!

Perusing the menu (Loved the beef stroganoff!)

Relaxing in our amazing room



Looking at the view from the Cupola in our room

On the drive home we reflected on the wonderful weekend we have had.  The memories are priceless. To everyone that made this wish happen, we can't thank you enough. Glenn has said many times how glad he is that we were able to go. Many people were extremely generous in making this happen, especially in such a short time.  We truly appreciate it!

http://geisergrand.com

http://wishgranters.org

The Vision List

Many people make a bucket list--things you want to do before you "kick the bucket". For those of you that know Glenn, even if only casually, you know there would be no bucket list for him. He would not count the days, he would make the days count. 

Glenn doesn't talk about "kicking the bucket". Every day he lives to keep "The Vision". From the beginning of this journey he's talked about keeping the vision of living life to the fullest, having hope, and his life motto: Enjoy Life!

Those are the things that are on Glenn's Vision List. Things he wants to do that create hope and give joy to his life and to others. Not once has he mentioned material things. Everything about The Vision involves family and friends; spending time with people you care about. (Although food does seem to be a pretty prevalent theme too!) When he starts getting bored or restless he will say we need to keep "The Vision" and comes up with a new insight in what we should accomplish.  Some of them are:

Celebrating his sister Shirley's birthday.

 Shirley has taken care of Glenn since he was born and he calls her his other "Mother Bear". She has looked out for him and made many sacrifices for him. She was on her way to Arizona to snowbird for the winter when Glenn was diagnosed. She instead stayed close by, enduring the worse winter in a long time, and has looked out for him the past few months. We love you Shirley! And a special thanks to our niece Kim for having such a fun party. It was just what we needed!

Having dinner with friends
Steve and Rosemary have been our friends since Glenn and I met. Thanks for the fabulous food and the Mexican Fiesta.
Wonderful friends and delicious food. Ole!

"Going for a little ride"
Valentines Day
Ended up in Idaho City for a fabulous prime rib dinner and a good time together as sweethearts.
Smooth Mr. Haar, very smooth!



McCall, Idaho
The ice sculptures at St. Lukes hospital in McCall
Glenn wanted to get away from all the "activity" that was going on at home with the increase in visitors, hospice, etc. (We love you hospice!) It seemed like there wasn't any time for just the two of us. So off we went to McCall. It was quite a production to get there. We want to especially thank the Cancer Care Center for sending Glenn's information to the hospital in McCall and making arrangements so they would be prepared if we needed them. We made a trial run to check things out "just in case" but everything went smoothly. Glenn is such a warrior. He was determined to keep the vision and it was a wonderful three days for us.



  

Dinner at Lardo's

Breakfast at the Pancake House



Skyping with the cutest grandbabies on the planet!
Having cupcake time with Addison and Jonas

Jonas






The Boise Philharmonic
WOW!!!
This was the most amazing performance we have ever been to. Talk about keeping The Vision alive, this was more than we ever would have imagined. The Philharmonic was amazing but when the Master Chorale joined the stage the  performance was to live for! An amazing night.



We were able to share the Boise Philharmonic with our friend Dave and our nephew Chad thanks to an amazing gift from a friend of Glenn's. This was such a generous gift and we can't thank you enough! We were truly blown away by your generosity. Thank you doesn't even begin to cover it. We all enjoyed it so much.

Loving the hot tub!
Who knew something so simple would be sooooo good! Definitely keeping THE VISION!



Enjoying the movies

Enjoying lunch after a doctor appointment

There are so many things that we look at each day that have kept The Vision alive.  Glenn loves having Friday night dinners with our friend Dave sharing Chef Lou  prime rib dinners from Westside Drive-In. He enjoys the visits with family and friends, the fantastic food that has been shared, the emails and cards, and especially all of the prayers. We are blessed daily and appreciate everyone that has contributed to the Vision List.

A Day At Work

I believe there are angels among us. We were able to spend time with some of them last Wednesday at the Idaho State Tax Commission.




Our good friends Carol & Linda

Glenn went to Boise State University and majored in Information Science. While a student, he worked as an intern for Senator Mike Mitchell of the Legislature. He graduated from college in 3 1/2 years in the Honors Program and continued working for the State of Idaho. He has been a true Public Servant to the state for 35 years, and since May 1981 it has been with the Tax Commission.



Certificate from the Commissioners

To honor Glenn, the Tax Commission had a retirement party on February 6^th. Glenn had been apprehensive about having a get-together for several reasons. We had met with the doctor a few days before and she told Glenn one of the greatest blessings was that he would be able to say good bye to those he cares about. With that, he was ready to make it happen. A huge thanks to Roxanne for organizing it with such short time frames!



We love the amazing Roxanne!

One of the hardest things for Glenn since he was diagnosed was leaving work. It was a big motivator while in the Rehabilitation Unit to regain his strength and mobility so he could get back to work. He loves his job and the people he works with. He knew it would be very hard to say those good byes.



Some of the amazing IT staff!

The night before he was wondering what he would wear. After four months of living in sweat pants, I thought Dockers might be going all out! The next morning however he went into his closet and instead of getting what I had suggested, he chose his dress slacks, shirt and tie and his suit coat.  When I looked at him with that “Are you sure?” look, he simply said, “Well, I am going to work!”  I’m pretty sure Glenn has worn a tie and suit coat to work for the past 35 years. This day would be no exception.

The party was just what the doctor ordered! Although the steroids are doing an incredible job relieving the swelling in the brain, they are havoc on his emotions. It was so good for Glenn to visit with his friends and co-workers and he was deeply touched and appreciative of everyone’s kind words and expressions. I must admit, it was very emotional for me, and still is, (which is why this post has been so hard to finish!) that I was wishing I could blame my tears on steroids too!



Mark with the "Cliff Notes" version of Glenn's proposal

Thank you seems inadequate and too simple for all of the kindness shown to us. When Roxanne told Glenn that the day she sent out the email, the maximum hours of leave were donated immediately. When those from other agencies arrived at the party with leave slips of donated time from people at their various State agencies she told them thank you, but they would not be able to use them. We are so grateful for your generosity and appreciate this beyond words.




Brandon Woolf, State Controller
Siroos, IT at Tax
Steve Wilson, Controller's Office

Glenn received a sledgehammer award from his co-workers. The certificate says, “For his service, example, and dominating spirit at the Idaho State Tax Commission on this day, February 6, 2013. “There are two types of people in this world, there’s hammers and there’s nails,”—Jeff Choate, Special Teams and linebackers coach for the Boise State Broncos.  This hammer represents hard-nosed work ethic and domination. As a tradition, the Boise State Bronco with the biggest hit gets to proudly lead the rest of the team onto the field carrying a sledgehammer. We recognize Glenn Haar as a leader and an example for his years of hard work and dedication as a co-worker, a manager, and a friend.”  The sledgehammer was signed by his friends. This has meant so much to him. What a creative and thoughtful gift. It’s easy to see why he loved his job and his co-workers so much. You are an amazing group of people.

The Sledgehammer Award



Thank you wonderful co-workers!

We are touched daily by thoughtful acts from the many connections Glenn has made through the years with so many at the Tax Commission and others throughout the state. The thoughtful cards from vendors he has worked with, emails from many he may not have ever met face to face, cards and visits from so many that were not just co-workers but are friends. Our hearts are so full of gratitude. Our tears are tears of joy. It is truly a blessing and a gift to be able to meet and say “See ya later!” one more time. It has given us a source of strength and peacefulness we had not known. Thank you.



Thanks for the ride Cisco!

Linda