We got in a short trip to the beach. My husband doesn't like me to announce in advance all over the Internet we are leaving. We had planned to go to the beach for a week until Mom was moved into the hospice care facility. She appeared stable so I felt it was important for my husband, the kids and I to try to go on some sort of trip. We cut it down to 3 days and went Wrightsville Beach about 3 1/2 hours away rather than the Outer Banks being at least a 5 hour trip.
When I got home Saturday, Dad called and said I needed to come see Mom. I'm not going to post all the details but she passed away last night. My brother, his wife, Dad, Mom's brother and I were there. It has been a tough 12 months. She was diagnosed with lung cancer last July.
My message is: if you smoke please quit. If you have children, educate them to not smoke. Most lung cancer is not detected in the early stages. Mom had stage IV without any symptoms.
I appreciate all your kinds comments and emails over the course of the year. You are great!
7 comments:
Joan - lovely internet bud - my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lost my Dad a few years ago, and I know it is a tough time to lose a parent. We'll be listening as you need to talk - and will be quiet when you need still.
Thoughts - Shannon
Joan,
i follow and celebrate your blog & the rich life you share with us through it.
just want to let you know i'm holding you and your family in my heart.
lisa
oh Joan...I am SO sorry. it was a long fight with your mom's cancer. No words I can say will make you feel better. Just know that you are in my prayers.
I'm so deeply sorry for what you are going through now, for what this upcoming year holds for you. Having lost my own mom last year, I know the complicated and confusing feelings that can occur. You're glad she's not suffering anymore, but that doesn't mean you're relieved or glad that she's gone. Again, I'm so sorry.
If and when you're ready, a book that helped me through it all was "When Parents Die, A Guide for Adults", by Edward Myers.
http://www.amazon.com/When-Parents-Die-Guide-Adults/dp/0140262318
I wrote about it here:
http://jellyjules.com/?p=1815
You are in my thoughts at this difficult time.
Joan, so sorry to hear this. I wish you and your family peace.
Joan, when I first read your tweets I didn't believe it. I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary
I am very sorry for your loss. It is very hard to lose your mother. Cancer is such an evil.
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