My Journey through Breast Cancer

On October 11, 2013, I was diagnosed with Stage II Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) ... or as we like to call it, extreme measures for a nap (EMFN). For a while, this blog will be my cancer journal. Enter at your own risk.

06 August 2008

what a weekend

First of all, you'll all be glad to know that my cousin's daughter Kayla was released from the hospital on Sunday with a clean bill of health (she's the one who swallowed 35 Excedrin gel caps). The whole family was able to get their flight switched to Monday morning, and so were able to be a part of all the family gatherings for my grandmother. We praise God together for taking care of little Kayla ... who is now not allowed out of her mother's sight until she's 21. Maybe 25.

Secondly, I just wanted to say what a wonderful weekend it has been. Its weird, but it really was a wonderful weekend. I'm not saying I don't miss my grandma or am not still so sad that she is gone. There is still part of me that can't wrap my head around the fact that she is gone. My memories of her are still so clear. I can hear her voice in my head and remember the feel of her hand in mine.

But in the last five days, my family and I have had the richest of times. We have laughed, we have cried, we have prayed, and then we laughed again. We have eaten too much together, lost sleep on account of each other, and spent time accepting condolances and more food. As we have come together to grieve the passing of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, we have also basked in the love and care that she helped foster and create. Though seriously emotionally and physically drained, it was one of the richest weekends I have ever had.

And now the new world order sets in, "the new norm," as my mom has become fond of saying. There is the coming birth of babies, my sister's upcoming wedding, and the holidays. Our sadness at her absence will be present at these happy times, probably more poignantly this year than in the future. But there is great peace and rest in the knowledge that she is whole now, dancing and singing as she always loved to do. It is the greatest blessing to be able to grieve with hope. I will see her again. We all will. Oh, and what a family reunion that will be!

2 comments:

Knitting Keep Me sane said...

I am so glad that you are getting through this so well.

Sarah

Michelle said...

Praise the Lord for He is worthy of it, thank you Jesus for such a marvelous woman. I never had the pleasure of meeting her but after reading your postings my heart is touched. Praise for the hope we have in Jesus, you to see your grandma and me to see my dad. Heaven will be so sweet but today is still so great. Hugs and love to you and yours.