It had been about 4 years since she had radical surgery. In the course of a weekend our lives were changed dramatically. Mom had stage 4 ovarian cancer and she needed surgery, like now.We celebrated her remission after a long course of chemotherapy, followed by radiation. She was an amazing testament to strength and resilience. Her faith never wavered. It was a confidence that defied the world's reason. She was so brave!
Life seemed normal. Holidays shared, family parties full of her wonderful dishes. We knew it had taken a lot out of her, but she rallied and climbed each health mountain with grace and resolve.
Last Thanksgiving all seemed well. Singing with joy for my daughter's birthday — gratefully enjoying another holiday together. But by Christmas, things had changed. She was not well.
As noise makers and midnight kisses rang in the New Year, she was slated for medical tests. An MRI revealed lesions on her brain. After a lengthy brain surgery they were confirmed to be cancerous — only weeks before her 60th birthday.
Fast forward to July, her health continued to wane. Cancer was taking over and there was nothing anyone could do. My mother-in-law lost her courageous battle on July 25, 2012.
The Five Minute Friday prompt was "stay". And all I could think about was her. Knowing she is celebrating her new life with her Lord and Savior, but missing her terribly.In all our gratitude for the life she lived and her faithful example, in selfish grief…
I wish she could have stayed.
Linking today with Lisa-Jo…
This is such a beautiful post. It is way too common for us to lose loved ones way before their time... I lost my best friend in a car accident six years ago. It still feels like it was yesterday. Everything in my heart wonders why she wasn't able to stay.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. I hope that God surrounds you with peace and grace during this time.
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Oh Christy,
ReplyDeleteTears.
I'm so sorry for your loss. The depth of your pain and love is palpable in this tribute to your Mom.
If you haven't checked them out already, there is an organization (www.griefshare.org) which is bound to be meeting near you. It's a tremendous program that has helped millions (including me) work their way through their sorrow. You may not be ready today, but when you are ...
May His love and peace cover you always,
Felecia
oh how my heart goes to you in your loss this year. As you and your family face this first round of holidays after your loss, my prayers and thoughts are with you. I am so sorry.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful testimony to the battle of losing someone that went home to be with Jesus and still wanting them here with us. I know the struggle :0(. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind comments! The coming holidays will be difficult. No one escapes the pain of death and loss. Thanks for the "love"!
ReplyDelete