My dear Aunt Corrine (my Mom’s only sibling) was diagnosed w/ a brain cancer in Feb 2007, and had endured many ordeals since. Throughout the battle w/ cancer, the family insisted she remain in her home, and they marshalled family and friends for around the clock care for two whole years.
Aunt Corrine proved VERY strong. She made it through another two Easters (her favorite holiday), several family weddings, and made it to her own 50th wedding anniversary.
Today, we received the following update from my cousin:
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Dear Family and Friends,
It has been quite awhile since I last updated you on Mom’s condition. The reason being is that her condition had stayed the same for many months. However, it is with a heavy heart that I need to let you know that Mom’s condition has changed dramatically over the course of the last few weeks. Mom has started to not eat much, if at all, nor drink. This is causing her to become very weak.
Mom has put up a very tough fight. She had a diagnosis that gave her 6 months to live, and here we are 2 years later, almost to the day.
As a family, we have decided to have Mom moved up to the Hospice House. We want to make sure that Mom is being monitored at all times, so that when the time comes, we can ensure that we will all be with her.
Our family asks that you continue with the prayers that you have so generously offered up for us. However, now we ask that you pray that Mom has the courage to let go, and that we as a family have the strength to say good-bye.
Thank you for all of your continued support and prayer over the course of the last two years. There are not enough words to let you know how much it has truly meant to each and every one of us..
Love you all,
The Fitzgerald’s
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Having experienced several drawn-out illnesses within my own immediate family, I totally get what Sharon has asked for: that Mom has the courage to let go, and that we as a family have the strength to say good-bye
I hope we all have the strength to say good bye. But you know, death is part of life. and I know that at her funeral, we will focus less on her death than on the life she led: a life filled with heartache, sacrifice, hard work… AND many moments of joy, gratitude, and happiness.
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