My mom is my hero. Does that sound too cliche? Maybe, but I'm sure that many of my family and friends would say the same thing about their moms and mean it every bit as much as I do! I've always looked up to my mom, been amazed at her resiliency in life, at her faith, and her shining example. I've always wanted to be a mom just like her because all of her children love her fiercely (which is a little rare these days) and that is a miracle to me. She's been through so much in this past month and has proven once again, why she is my hero.
Breast cancer to me has always just been an obscure term - a horrible disease that I would hear about, a sickness that other people battled, a cause that someone else donated money to. My family has no history of breast cancer, so of course it was a shock when my mom was diagnosed with it. Stage one, so it could have been worse. But still extremely scary.
Breast cancer? Breast cancer. Breast cancer! Why her, why my mom? This would play over and over in my head as I tried to wrap my mind around this new reality. During one of these moments, as I was driving in my car asking myself this question, I reminded myself how strong and courageous and amazing my mom is. And then I thought, "Why not my mom? If anyone can successfully battle this, my mom can." She is the exact type of person that can bravely look this in the face and fight with complete faith and humility in the Lord. And with everything else she has gone through in her life, now she can tack on "Breast Cancer Survivor" to her list.
I was able to go to Oregon for two and a half weeks and help her through one of her surgeries. It was a busy time full of many decisions and prayers. But every day my mother astounded me with her courage and faith. When I had been there a short time, she asked, "When do I get to wear one of those pink pins?" Almost like she was eager to show her cause. Luckily we happened on some and I bought her one. She wore it almost every day. Her mantra was, "At least their not cutting off my hand." And we would laugh. That's how she would get through it- realizing that it could be worse and that others have gone through worse. She would also make jokes about it when none of us dared to make light of her situation. She saw the rays of sunshine in her life and embraced the challenges she was going through.
In our society, with breast cancer becoming so common, this term "Breast Cancer Survivor" carries with it a sense of respect, admiration, and awe. So I'm proud to tell the world that my mom is a survivor.
Posts
5 comments:
I've always thought that your mom was pretty wonderful and this is just more evidence. She's one amazing woman. So glad she's on the mend and that things are looking good.
I had no idea this was happening. I love your mom and think she is wonderful! Please know that my prayers and thoughts are with her. She is a survivor!
Your mom sure is one neat lady! I'm sorry to hear about her breast cancer diagnosis and I'm happy to hear that it's been caught early! It sounds like she has a great sense of humor considering the circumstances and a positive attitude to make it through. I hope all continues to work our for the better. She will be in my prayers!
Big Hugs!!!
Grandma is so awesome! We are all so relieved that she is ok. We were all praying for her and wondering what was going on. I am so sorry you guys had to go through this first hand. I can't imagine how mush scarier it would be if it was me or my mom! You guys are so awesome! I am so happy that we got so lucky to be part of the same family. I love you guys!
Thanks Kim for putting into words what I've been feeling these past several months. I kept wondering at what point is someone considered to be a "survivor," but reality is you are a survivor after day one. Our mom is amazing and I have also looked up to her and have followed her example in raising my own kids. She has stood by my side during all the years I've battled my own health issues. A few days ago I had I mentioned to her that couldn't imagine having to move back in as an adult with children because I had no other choice. She then told me a few years ago when I had become so ill, to the point that I was afraid I'd be considered disabled the rest of my life, that she was preparing herself and thinking of plans for me and the girls moving back so that she could help take care of us all. Of course my doctors came up with something and I've been in remision ever since (fingures crossed it continues), but still it amazes me that she is still willing to put everything in her own life aside to take care of her kids. That is what I love about her. I also love the fact that she realized at an early age (when I was a young adult making not the best choices) that she raised us and she has to now let us live our lives, regardless of how we choose to do so. She told me that when I was 23, followed by "but you can never stop me from praying for you." That hit hard and has several times in the years since, and has helped me to make good choices so that she doesn't have to always be praying for me;) She is a survivor and I consider her the the greatest mom ever, and always will. Love you, Steve
Post a Comment