Let me start by thanking all of you that have sent cards and thoughts and prayers my way. Those expressions mean so very much to me.
My mother was described as “Tough” at her funeral, and that she was, a very Tough woman. In some ways I guess it helped her deal with hard times, but in the long run it pushed people away. It also made her think that she could “tell” God how things were going to be. That because she suffered here in this life, she deserved Heaven. There are some ways that I would like to be like my mother, but not in this way. As some of you might know (especially my daughter who makes fun of me) I cry at the drop of a hat, so maybe I'm not like Mom in that respect. I pray that I will not repeat her mistakes. I pray that God will give me the strength I need to handle tough situations, and not think that I am tough enough to handle them on my own.
I thank God for my friends here on Pleo, though I may not know you all face to face, I feel as though I know you heart to heart.
You may not be 'tough'.....but you are strong. Being strong isn't the same because toughness to me means it's unyielding, perhaps brittle but always hard. It would be a shame for you to want to be a 'hard' woman. Being strong yet sensitive is a good gift and fits you well.
It is all right to feel pain...just do not let it over come you entirely. I totally fell to pieces when it was the last few minutes at my mother's casket before they put down the lid for the last time. I do not know where all that grief came from...but it appeared from every part of my being. I still grieve deeply, but not like that. Yes, there is a difference between tough and strong. I do not know you but can say I feel you are strong. People say that about me as well...it doesn't help, but maybe it gives me the courage to keep on keepin' on.
Have a Happy Turkey Day ! ! I hope you enjoyed cooking all day yesterday, and I hope you enjoy cooking for 6 hours this morning. And after we eat, I hope you enjoy doing all the dishes. I promice to keep you entertained with conversation. I'll be right here on the couch. Thanksgiving day is so pleasant and peaceful....Don't you agree?
Oh dear sister Beth...I am so very very sorry to hear about your mother. My prayers are with you this first Thanksgiving without her. My dad is also dealing with his mother being gone, earlier this year. I love you all dearly and the French's said hello today and they missed you all!
oh, I'm so sorry. We'll be with you in our hearts every mile you drive and every step you take through this....some know better how you feel and they will be of great strength. We love you!!
Mine went fast too. She was doing so very well, and was happy again since the passing of my dad several years before. It was a total shock to me. So untimely. So very hard to take and deal with.
Well, here I am back from yet another “less than happy” road trip to Louisville. My mom was hospitalized last week with blood clots in her leg. Jeff and I drove up Saturday, leaving Ben, Noah, and Anna running everything.
Mom was pretty much incoherent most of the time, as they have her on quite a bit of pain medication. On Monday morning the vascular surgeon told us that Mom's right leg would have to be amputated above the knee. Seems as though the blood clots had cut off blood flow to her foot and gangrene would be setting in soon. My mom has always been a very strong willed, independent, (loud mouthed) woman. To see her reduced to frail and whispering was very difficult for me. She never was obedient to the gospel which is even harder to deal with.
Then Jeff and I had to make the difficult decision to leave Louisville to get back to our children and business. We drove home last night.
Now, after all of that. I get a phone call this morning from another Dr. who suspects that Mom has pancreatic cancer. “If” that is the case then they won't be amputating her leg, they will just keep her comfortable to the end.
I've been through this before with my Dad. He also died from pancreatic cancer. I know that God will give me the strength to get through this, but even still I ask for your prayers.
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Update:
My mom was moved today to a Hospice facility. Her oncologist told my brother that with the 2 conditions she is suffering from, we could be looking at losing her within 2 weeks.
I appreciate all of your prayers more than I could ever say.
You've got all of us to lean on. I know the trip was hard on you, but I'm glad you were able to be with your mom for a while. These are days we never want to face, but there is a time for everything. Give me a call if you need an ear to cry in. Love you.
Beth, I am so sorry to hear about your mother. Having lost both of my parents and my youngest sister, I understand how you are feeling. Just know that there are many who are keeping you in their prayers.
Made it home with no trouble. Thanks for all the thoughts and prayers. I had to come home alone though, as Anna finagled her way into staying with Jeff's parents!!! Lord willing they will be heading down here next week to bring Anna home and spend a week with us.
I made it through the whole ordeal with just a few tears. But not with out a whole lot of sweat! Boy, did we throw LOTS and LOTS of stuff away! Then I brought a van load of stuff back with me too!
We're usually always excited about road trips at our house. But Anna and I are embarking on a road trip that not so fun . My mom was placed in a nursing home yesterday in Louisville, Ky. So now her apartment must be cleaned out. Anna and I will be heading north this morning to help my brothers go through stuff and clear out everything.
I feel emotionally strong at the moment but I'm thinking I may have a melt down before it's all over.
Please keep Anna and myself in your prayers for our safe passage.
Wow, this is a biggy and of course it will get to you. I hope you WILL cry when and where you can. Be safe and may the Lord protect you and Anna on the journey. And may you find peace of mind as she is given closer care.
Everyone of us adults hate the thought of this day coming towards our parents. We will keep you in our prayers as your emotions are surely on a difficult roller coaster. May God wrap his providental care around you!
Hi. Just came over from Anna'a blog. Wanted you to know that I am thinking of your situation and have been through something very similar. If I can be of any help in any way, please do not hesitate to ask. I am certainly willing to do what I can for a sister in Christ. May God keep you in His care as you go through this very difficult time.
