“Google It”
How many times have you said that? How many times has it been suggested to you, when you can’t find something? I know many of you feel that way about “Facebook” too…Looking for an old classmate, turn to “Facebook.”
Well, they’ve got nothing on “Our Cancer.”
I threw out my fishing line yesterday, hoping that some one from the community would be able to find Sasha for us and BINGO, Laurie Hirth made it happen…HOORAY….Welcome back, dear friend Sasha. We’ve missed you. It sounds like you could use a little lifting and as you know, from past experience, you’ve come to the right place. If there’s anything we’re good at, it’s “lifting.”
We all know that losing a loved one to cancer upsets the normal rhythm of our lives. We change our patterns. We reach out and act out…it’s not a normal life anymore. And when we come back to the fold, most times, our support team is there waiting for us.
Lean on us, Sasha. You won’t find a stronger wall anywhere.
Kathie…that goes for you too. Pancreatic cancer is a difficult cancer. Your sister is lucky to have you. Your understanding of how this disease will twist and turn your sister’s life will benefit her. Your guidance will have a tremendous amount of value as she fights day by day. I’m so sorry your family has to go through this again.
How do we find the strength to battle time and time again? We think we’ve done all that we can. It’s tough work being a care giver and going through cancer with a loved one or a friend, and when it happens a second or a third time, we wonder if we have the stamina to do it. And we do.
There is no choice. WE have the knowledge and that means we have the POWER to help.
Help is care. Help is being ‘here’ for anyone who needs us.
January 2, 2012 @ 2:30 am
My mother died on the first day of this new year. I sat close to her at noon on her last day. I stroked her hair with one hand and helped her with her french fries with the other. My mother had not been eating well and it was nice to watch her enjoy a hot, fattening snack. She stopped chewing long enough to calmly ask me:”Why can’t I just die?” I candidly told her she could-after the fries and when her time came. Later in the evening,after witnessing the first snowflakes of winter, she passed away. My family had a very anxious holiday season. We all knew my mother was fading and the only true smiles I saw were on my mother’s face. She was troubled, but she also would exhibit these brief, almost forgotten, radiant smiles.Those expressions reminded me of my Penny- after the cancer had lost its power.Penny held court in a hospice bed. She would not let anyone or anything take her freedom. Tonight cold, white flakes melted on my mother\’s uplifted face. Tonight the two women who helped define my life shared a glimpse and I am left out of the reflection. I am alone, listening to the familiar sound of a train in the distance. I often imagine these heavy blasts through a peaceful night are carrying my prayers to destinations that exist in the morning light-places at peace. Places I have visited with all of you.
December 29, 2011 @ 9:17 pm
Oh, Sasha, how wonderful you’ve checked in! I’ve missed you, too.
Offering what I can in the way of lifting and welcoming prayers for my friends with cancer, especially K. and T.
May blessings attend this group throughout the new year.
Kathie, please always know we’ll keep you in our thoughts.
December 29, 2011 @ 8:21 pm
Laurie and Sasha,
Thank you for the kind words. I hate that I have experience in this but I have reverted to caregiver mode and will stay there as long as I need to. My brother-in-law and nephew are devastated and they need guidance. I wish I didn’t need to do this but I’m glad I can be there for them. Thank God for a supportive employer and good friends. I have never thought about leaving here because you all are still my safety zone. I will continue to ask for your help because I know what a willing group you are. Come along with us Sasha.
December 29, 2011 @ 7:51 pm
Dear Laurie,
Thank you for you kind words. I’m so very glad to be back……..and yes, I can use all the support I can get. I always remember this being my ” Safe Place ” I also hope that I can help support and bring solace to others who are going through rough times. Kathie……..I will keep you and your family in my prayers. I know how very difficult this must be for you. Laurie, you are an amazing woman. You have kept Leroy’s family together. Again, wishing everyone a happy and healthy new year………..Lifting