Written by wife, Heather Cyr
My husband, Alec Cyr, was diagnosed with colon cancer at age 33, we had just celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary.
He had changes in his bowels, which prompted him to go in for a colonoscopy. The doctors found a large tumor in the lower part of his colon—a stage 3 colon cancer diagnosis, at that time it had not metastasized to his organs, only a his lymph nodes—6 months later we would learn that it had spread to his liver and lungs.
Alec lived two years after he was diagnosed, and he LIVED! We did not let cancer define us or stop us from living life to the fullest. We never took a single day for granted, and squeezed as much love, happiness and joy into two years as some couples have in a lifetime. Not a day went by that Alec felt sorry for himself or asked, “Why me?” He held his head up high, prayed to God, and took one day at a time—always hoping for the best outcome.
Alec was an outdoor enthusiast. He loved to mountain bike, snowboard, hike, hunt, but his favorite activity was fishing. He owned a boat and would fish for stripers off the coast of Maine all summer long. He would fish all day, from before the sun came out until after dinnertime. Some days, I would intentionally not pack enough food so we would have to come in early. But, we both loved to be outdoors, whether it was running marathons or simply walking the dog on the beach.
He was also an incredible carpenter and a “do-it-your-self-er.” He renovated our entire house—all by himself—from custom cabinetry, to wood floors, to crown molding. He was very talented. Before our son, Chase, was born he handmade a very special cradle, which we will always cherish.
Since Alec loved to fish, one of his friends started a fishing derby in memory of Alec. It is an all winter long ice fishing tournament, which can take place in the entire state of Maine and is three months long. This summer, we plan on having a striper fishing tournament.
I fell madly in love with Alec. He is my hero. I feel so blessed and grateful that I can call him my husband. I only wish he was still here with us; however, my relationship with him is still on going. I know he is always watching over Chase and me. We are very lucky to have our very own guardian angel protecting us from heaven.
If Alec or I had a “reason” or “mission” in this life, I am not sure if I know what it is yet, but I am figuring it out. I feel that many people learned from us to LIVE every day to its fullest, LOVE like your life depends on it, NEVER lose HOPE; every DAY is a GIFT, don’t let a single moment pass without being GRATEFUL; CHERISH all you DO, HAVE, and hold on TIGHT to FAMILY, FRIENDS and your FAITH.