Monday, May 20, 2013

My Mom


Here is a letter that I sent my friends to let them know about my Mom.

You have all been such a big part of the journey with my Mom and her brave and strong battle with cancer.  I want each of you to know what an amazing support you have been and how appreciative I am of your friendship. I never would have been able to get thru this without each of you. I am blessed.

My Mom was diagnosed 5 years ago and for the past 2 years been undergoing chemo and radiation to try and get the cancer out of her brain and spinal fluid. Our family started to notice some neurological and physical changes 2 weeks ago. I felt so strongly about the change that I put in my notice at work and to focus more time on her. We went to see her oncologist and got the news that her latest MRI showed the cancer had taken over a large part of her brain in just a few weeks. Her doctor felt that the chemo should immediately stop since it wasn't helping and would likely just make things worse. As we know, only God knows the time that she will be with us, but the doctor felt the time is very limited.

I was filled with shock and sadness beyond words, but am also comforted in knowing that my Mom no longer needs to suffer. My Dad and Mom have been thru so much these past few years and have given it their all. My Dad has gone beyond the imaginable to care for my Mom with compassion, patience and love. He has amazed me and I think everyone that has witnessed his care. In moments of sadness, I try to remind myself that the deeper the love equals the harder the pain, so I will take the pain as deep as it feels right now.

My Mom has been placed in the loving hands of hospice, which will allow her to be at home and out of  hospitals. My mom looks forward to being surrounded by the love of her family and close friends.

As most of you know, my Mom has always been my best friend. A day hasn't gone by that I haven't spoken with her, so the thought of not having her here is very scary and very sad. I am comforted by my faith and knowing that her body will be healed and she will be surrounded by her parents and so many other family that love her so much when she returns home to heaven.

I love you all so much. I have a feeling I'm going to need a lot of love and support when she is gone and I know I can turn to you to fill it. Thank you again for everything. I'm one lucky girl to have such wonderful friends.

2 comments:

Maya said...

I love you, Heather. I am so very sorry, my beautiful friend. My heart is glad to know that you have the comfort of faith, for that is an invaluable gift to have. Please let me know if there is anything I can do you for you or your family.

Love,
Maya

Jenni said...

Heather, you always have such grace and I am so impressed by your composure. I imagine much of that comes from the love between you and your mom.

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and I am sending you a big virtual hug.

Love,
Jenni