Marlin had his first chemo treatment on December 30,2008. We laughed, we cried, we prayed and we came together in faith and in love to travel that journey together - as a family. That day of his first chemo we set up a blog and we just called his illness -
the cancer. After some very rough times through chemo and its side effects; a variety of infections and surgery or two we got the good news. On April 5th, 2009 got the news that Marlin's cancer was in remission. Little did we know that just a year later we would hear the news that Momma had the cancer - only this time the journey would be short - so very short.
We learned of Momma's cancer on April 6, 2010 and she stepped into the Promised Land on April 22. There was no time to start a blog - there was no time, no need for chemo - very simply, there was just no time at all. We rallied family and friends and even strangers who would become friends - we brought Mother home - to die.
Ann & Cassie took care of Momma day and night - along with the caring hearts and hands of Hospice. Words are not adequate to express the depth of my gratitude for all that Ann & Cassie did - tending to mother's every need - anticipating, reading her every expression, hearing every little noise and doing everything they could for Momma. Momma was surrounded by family and friends. She got to hear the noises and feel the energies of all the activities that had come to symbolize her life. Cooking in the kitchen, setting out plates and cups and napkins, picking over the food before it was ready to serve - the hustle and bustle of all who gathered together because of a common bond. The bond of the woman who had loved and cared for us all - the woman who was a mother to so many.
The day before she died on of her grandsons, Phillip, sat with her quietly for several hours. He simply held her hand - a simple but powerful gesture of his abiding love....a love that represented what we were all feeling. He got up to leave a couple of times but he kept coming back to her - to feel her touch, to share his love - to share our love.
Each child, each grandchild, every friend - passed through our lives in those four days - touching us with love and care - many feeling their devastation at the impending loss of this beloved woman. I miss her so much as I know many do. May we all find comfort in the arms of God and in the memories of my Momma.
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| Momma's chair |
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| Samaritan Ministry Booth - CBF, Memphis |
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| Jones County High School, Class of '44 |
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| Candle light vigil - Sam's Voice/In Our Best Interest |
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| Cape Hatteras Light |
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| Two of her favorite children - Marlin & Ann |
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| Oh what a love! |
Ann & Cassie took care of Momma day and night - along with the caring hearts and hands of Hospice. Words are not adequate to express the depth of my gratitude for all that Ann & Cassie did - tending to mother's every need - anticipating, reading her every expression, hearing every little noise and doing everything they could for Momma. Momma was surrounded by family and friends. She got to hear the noises and feel the energies of all the activities that had come to symbolize her life. Cooking in the kitchen, setting out plates and cups and napkins, picking over the food before it was ready to serve - the hustle and bustle of all who gathered together because of a common bond. The bond of the woman who had loved and cared for us all - the woman who was a mother to so many.
The day before she died on of her grandsons, Phillip, sat with her quietly for several hours. He simply held her hand - a simple but powerful gesture of his abiding love....a love that represented what we were all feeling. He got up to leave a couple of times but he kept coming back to her - to feel her touch, to share his love - to share our love.
2 comments:
what a beautiful blog - I know your mommy was proud of you! You are quite talented! Lucy
Just sitting here...crying. I miss her so much! I've been missing her all day. She always kept on keeping on-remember? So, that's what we'll do. Hang in there sis and keep writing. It helps.
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