Wednesday, March 22, 2017

SOLSC Day 22 - There Is Sadness This Week




Slice of Life Story Challenge -- Day 22 #SOL17
There is Sadness This Week








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Sigh. I have a lot of thoughts going through my head right now. I'm still on my Spring Break, but I'm not as joyful about it as I was during the first two days. There is a large dark cloud over this week now. 

"Why?" you might wonder. Maybe I've become jealous of colleagues who are vacationing in places warmer than Ohio? Maybe I'm not accomplishing all the things I had hoped, and I'm starting to get depressed about it?

No, those aren't the reasons. I'm not envious of those who are currently enjoying warm sandy beaches; I was perfectly content to spend my free time here in Ohio. I actually haven't accomplished very many of the things which I had planned, but that's not what has put a damper on my celebration. The event that ended my beginning-of-Break giddy glee was the death of a wonderful woman... a friend, an almost family member.

On Sunday night, my daughter-in-law's mom died.

Her family knew that it was coming. Barbara had been diagnosed last summer with Multiple Myeloma, a type of incurable cancer, and she knew that her time on Earth was limited. She tried treatment for a while in an effort to prolong her life a little, but had recently given up on that. She spent her last few weeks living in the home of her oldest daughter, and that is where she passed away on Sunday, peacefully, in her sleep. She was just 67 years old.

The past two days have been a flurry of activities for Barbara's family: Finalizing funeral arrangements, purchasing funeral outfits, and dozens of either details. I spent much of the past two days babysitting my grandchildren, and occasionally one of their cousins, so that my daughter-in-law could take care of family matters, while my son was still out of state working. My son is home now, and my help isn't needed at the moment, so I am at my own house today.

And I am now alone with my thoughts and feelings.

I feel so sad for Barbara's children. They are all adults -- the youngest will be 30 soon -- but their mother has been their rock for so many years. Even though most of Barbara's six children are married and have children of their own, Barbara was still a big part of their lives. And now their mother is gone, and that is hard.

I admired Barbara. She was a strong woman who was a single mother for many years. She brought up  the youngest four children single-handedly, no father in their lives at all. Times were tough for her, but she raised her children herself, and she raised them well.

And now she is gone. Gone at such a young age, from that horrible, unfair disease we call cancer. Her children, grandchildren, and one great-grandchild already miss her terribly. And I miss my friend.

Today, my writing is in memory of Barbara. She will live on in our memories, she will live on in our hearts.

Rest In Peace, Barbara.

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JudyK  March 22, 2017




11 comments:

  1. Prayers for Barbara's family and friends

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    1. I know that Barbara's children and grandchildren will need prayers in the coming weeks and months, so thank you, Diane. ~JudyK

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  2. Im so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a wonderful bond. I'm sure your daughter-in-law really appreciates your support during this difficult time. My thoughts are with your family.

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    1. Thank you, Mallory. Barbara and I did have a special bond because we shared seven grandchildren together. Our mutual grandchildren will be missing her. I hope to keep her memory alive with them for as long as I can. ~ JudyK

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  3. I am sorry to read of this loss. Cancer sucks. I do t know if it's because Imlost my husband a year ago from cancer (he was 60), tu I keep hearing about so many men and women dying I. Their 60s from some form of cancer. I can't help but think we need stronger EPA regulations not weaker.

    Sending prayers and hope to you and your daughter-in-law and her family.

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    1. Thanks so much, Mary Ann. I'm so sorry that you lost your husband to cancer....my condolences. I lost my own mother to cancer as well, when she was just 62. I have lost too many friends and relatives from this horrible disease. The day that a cure is found for cancer will be the best day on Earth. ~JudyK

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  4. Oh, Judy. I'm so sorry. I lost a beloved mentor to multiple myeloma and it is a cruel disease. What a gift that you cared for children so parents could work on the sad but important tasks of funeral planning. I'm sending you prayers for the rest of your week and as your family misses this important strong woman.

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  5. So sorry to hear this. It is never easy, even when expected. Wishing you all peace, especially her children and their families.

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  6. You're right, Adrienne, it is never easy. Thank you for your kind wishes. ~JudyK

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  7. I'm a cancer survivor and teared up reading your slice. My heart goes out to you and your family. So glad you're there to support them.

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Comments are welcomed, and very much appreciated! :-)