What a day! Maurice got a phone call early this morning. His Mom passed away. She was 75 years old and had breast cancer. Maurice says if she had gone in for regular check ups with her doctor, they might have caught it sooner and been treated for it. She was diagnosed within the past month with stage 4 and all the doctors could do was send her home to die. He's waiting to hear from his sister what the final arrangements are. I'd like to ask you for two things, first, prayers for Maurice and his siblings and second, that you get a mammogram this year! Mine was already scheduled for next month. Remember, men get breast cancer too so even you, Dennis, get checked by your doctor regularly.
When I got here to Cute tonight I read Hightechgranny's post about Ben and just about cried! There is so much love there and sadness, grief and also celebration.I guess that I've been through a range of emotions today and feel exhausted. Jan and Willie's strong faith totally blew me away as it isn't often one gets to actually feel so much for someone else simply by reading a few words. Those words soothed my soul and give me hope and the overwheming responses of love and support for them within our Cute community makes me very humble and very small.I apologize for beeing so down tonight. It's been a very rough winter for us. Maurice was in a car accident on January 2nd and has been home since. He broke two bones in his foot but is healing very well. We've been carless since then and have had to depend on my son and dil to take us everywhere. I babysit for the grands in exchange for all the trips into town and to the doctors. My daughter in law just started a second job and now I'm babysitting more than I'd planned on. I dearly love my two grandsons aged 5 and 8 but I also need to be with Maurice, specially now. I think Grandma is getting tired! lol
Please remember to get your check-ups! I hate them too but it is so necessary these days. If we don't take care of ourselves then who will?
Thanks for letting me rant. I don't want to feel any more loss for a very long time!
Meri
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Sorry to hear the news of your Mil's passing. Try & remember the good times. I think you need to rest a while with everything that has been happening in your life. Sending prayers for the family during this sad time.
12407In Australia, the Government pays for a free Mamm for everyone 50-70 year old. We get an invitation in the mail to make an appointment. Our area usually arranges a busload of women to go together. We have lunch and go shopping etc. Fun with a serious message.
16529Dear Meri, sending prayers and Angels to watch over you and Maurice at this sad time. It is so painful losing one's Mum and Grandmum, but even more so when you know it could have been prevented. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
hugs and blessings, Meganne
122864Meri, my prayrs are with you & your family. I think you've had your share & someone else's of problems this year! Praying things will get better quickly! And, I'm glad you reminded gals to have their mamog. I always stand there & say to myself "It's better than cancer & will be over quickly!" Hold on, dear friend. Cuties are praying!
35675Meri, I had you and Maurice on my prayer list from his accident, but am adding your request, with great honor. I, too admire Jan and Willie and hope that we can all look at them and see what faith is capable of doing in our lives.
I always schedule my mammogram for my birth month. It makes it easy to remember WHEN it's supposed to be and IF I have done it. Although there is no breast cancer history in my family, I know that cancer isn't prejudiced.
1 comment
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
What a great idea Jrob! I never thought of using my birth month like that. Actually, June is my birth month and am scheduled for it then this year. It will make it easier to know though for next year! Thank you so much for the prayers! They are very much appreciated! Hugs!
Meri
158714Meri I am so sorry for your loss. So young to pass & so quickly from the diagnosis. You are so right get your regular testing done every year & do your self examinations all the time! You can never take this for granted you must check yourself all the time. It could save your life! Meri it also sounds like you need a break...................perhaps mentioning that to your family might give you the time you need to recouporate. Otherwise you may come to resent them & that isn't good for anyone. ~hugs & prayers~
1 comment
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
Actually, I did just that this afternoon on the ride over to their house. It was my son, me and the grands and I casually mentioned how tired I was. My son immediately said I didn't have to do this and he was actually going to call out at work if I had agreed to it! I told him today was fine, just that I didn't expect her to take a second job and he understood what I meant. Actually, all the recent trips over and back have given me some one-on-one time with my wonderful son! I have always loved him and it is so awesome to get to know him as an adult person now, if you know what I mean. I wish I had the same opportunity with each of my four boys. Being with my grandsons is why we moved down to this area five years ago the end of this month. I tend to get down on the floor to play with them and they just love it! Last night we played with the leggos and we've done play dough and they have even taught me to play some of their wii games! We wrestle and have tickle sessions and craft things and even garden together. But you are right, I need a break from being the babysitter but not from being Grandma! Thank you so much for understanding the situation. My son is off the next three days so I will get a break, a much welcome one!
Meri
299559Meri, I agree. Continuous loss really pulls one down, and makes one have a difficult time functioning. I recently lost my oldest sister and youngest brother less than six weeks apart. I have lost a nephew to brain cancer, and three dear friends to breast cancer, all in the past year! Now, my heart goes out to Jan and Willie in their loss of Ben, too. Life is constant challenges, but too much really takes a toll on one emotionally. I second the need for all to get their mammograms, as one of my friend's cancer was stage 4, when it was discovered. So sorry about Maurice's mother, and hope you and your family will see better days and get back to a nice norm soon!!
Hugs, Angel
2 comments
by pldc
23 May 2014
Angel you have suffered many losses this past year I am offering up a prayer for you that God continues to give you the strength that you need to get through these everyday challenges. ~hugs~
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
Thank you Angel! I fully understand. I feel emotionally drained and need some sewing time and gardening time to get back to feeling positive again. We moved to this place last September so I have to put in all new flower and veggie gardens. I found five climbing rose bushes out back and am so excited! I can't wait to find out what colors they are! I can only work on them for about an hour each day so it's taking time but I don't want to hurt my wrists anymore than they already are. I wear my braces to weed and dig and it helps somewhat. I think each of us have a special something we do to relieve stress and it's been such a long, cold winter here. Thank you Angel and may God help you through your own great losses.
Meri
12500Beautiful letter. Beautiful Reminder. Love what Leaha said about getting the "teacups turned into saucers". That makes me think a few girlfriends could make a day of it... set appts, get their "mammys grammed" then lunch to celebrate after. Wishing you strength Meri and Maurice, I am very sorry for your loss.
1 comment
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
I didn't mean to come across as being pushy about everyone getting their mammograms. Too often people get carried away living that they forget to take preventative measures for themselves. I don't want anyone to find out they have cancer when it's too late to stop it. Making it a girls date sounds like a wonderful way to get them done and enjoy the time spent with good friends too! I think it's a lovely idea!
Meri
13216Please don't hate having to have this done. Do as three elderly ladies, I chanced to meet do. They all came strolling in arm in arm, dressed to the nines! When asked how they could be helped; one piped up saying, "We've all come in to have our 'Teacups turned into Saucers'!" Needles to say that had everyone ROTF, as well as brightened the day. So faithfully once a year...go and have your 'Teacups turned to saucers!' :) Leaha
Prayers and sincere condolences to your husband and the whole family
2 comments
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
It sounds like those ladies knew how to live! I know I am one of the many who hate having it done and tend to put it off until before you know it, another year has slipped by! I guess those gals knew how to make a fun time out of a not fun but necessary thing!
Meri
by Leaha
23 May 2014
Yes, they did. Oh I wish everyone could have seen how beautifully they were dresses, how serious they were and how utterly adorably. I think they were all together for this as an adventure. They did make a day of it and were much happier after the 'ORDEAL' was over.
35301111375My prayers for you and Maurice continue dear Meri. I am so sorry for all the pain and heartache you are having right now. Hugs
57675Meri I am thinking of you with positive thoughts. Take care dear
115746sorry to read this, my sympathie and prayers in these hard times. . thank you to remind all of the importance of check ups. A big hug for you , hope you feel the comfort. Babysitting can be good now too, to get your mind on other things. But I do hope you will have some time for yourself too. Take care and hugs.
743281Hi Meri, my heartfelt sympathy for you and Maurice's mum's death. 75 is far too young and you are right we need to have regular checkups. Please be assured of my prayers and I pray for that sense of peace that only God can give us for you all. I also know what you are feeling with the babysitting duties. We all need some respite, make sure you look after yourself too. Love Chris
1 comment
by eyeztodiefor10
23 May 2014
Awww, thanks Chris! All of you ladies are awesome! When I was 20 something, I used to think 75 was antique but next month I turn 60 and now 75 feels too young to die from something that can be treated if only we took better care of ourselves! I think all the pressure of having to do everything myself all winter is finally catching up to me! I've had to do all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, shopping, getting to doc appointments, taking out the trash, caring for the animals and babysitting and gardening and sewing etc since January. There are many blessings during all this like being closer to my son and grandsons and Maurice but I think I'm just tired emotionally and physically. I have COPD and tend to get pneumonia when I get worn down and I don't want to be sick again either! Thank you all so much for letting me vent and specially for your kind words and prayers for us. It is wonderful to know there are folks who care and understand the situation and I feel so much better after reading all the posts. May God bless each of you and help you with your own struggles. I am so grateful to have this group of selfless people here on Cute. Thank you all!
Meri
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