11/11/2024
November 10th....
One year ago today. It seemed like it was going to be a pretty good day! Mom had just had her surgery to remove what we thought was Papillary Thyroid Cancer. The doctor walked in and said the words that would forever change our world. They found out it wasn't PTC, it was ATC.
We didn't know how much time we had, but statistics said we didn't have but maybe a few months. 6 at most. But here we are 1 year later. I know all the trips to Houston have made a difference. Plus that was extra time we got to spend with mom, even though the circumstances were less than ideal. We have had some fun times in Houston as well. Going on a Horse Drawn Carriage ride through downtown last Christmas has to be one of my favorite.
I learned a lot from when Lindsey was going through treatment. I think that was just setting me up for my next battle. If I learned anything I learned to take each day as it came. Be thankful that we had another day, and just pray we had a million more. I try to keep a smile on my face and joy in my heart because today my mom is still here. I can say "I love you!" and she will say "I love you too!" I try to live that each day, and I guess it does show! On our latest trip to Houston, our shuttle driver, Marcus, pointed that out to me. He came to pick us up from MD Anderson as he had done dozens of times before. He said "Hello, How are you?" I replied with, "You know just another long day at the hospital." Then Marcus said, "Man, I'm sorry! You are always smiling and joking with me that I forget you are here for something bad."
I have been trying to think of how to put into words how I feel about my hero, my mom. Like many of us, she means the world to me. Your mom is your biggest cheerleader. Your mom is your safe space. A hug from your mom would always make you feel better. A kiss on a boo-boo from your mom would always take the pain away. I actually got a little teary eyed at church this morning as I witnessed, in person, exactly what I am trying to say! I observed a couple of interactions between what appeared to be first time altar servers and their moms. There was a little boy and a little girl, from two different families. You could tell they were both nervous. I witnessed multiple times the look of comfort and relief on their little faces. You just knew by the look on their face that they had made eye contact with their mom's. The one person in this world that can make everything better. I glanced over at the little girls mom and sure enough, she had a big smile too! Her smile said "You've got this! You are doing amazing! I love you!" And that my friends is what my mom does for me.
My mother is the strongest person I know. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for her. She is good at everything. She always knows the answer to everything. She has the best handwriting! She has the most beautiful voice. She has the biggest heart. She is the best piano player I know. She is the best tour guide that you will ever meet. She always knows just the right thing to say. She is always there for you, no matter what. She has an excel spreadsheet for everything. She is the best source of information. She has the most beautiful smile. She is the best gift-giver, ever! She is the best listener. She provides endless support. She is, hands down, the best best cook! She gives the best advice. She always puts others first. She gives without expectations. She is a source of comfort. She is always up to play a game, and she usually wins! She has taught me what unconditional love is. She believes in me. She is my hero. I could go on and on about all the wonderful things about my mom, but you probably already know! If you have ever met her, then you know she is the greatest person ever!
I would love to hear from all of you! Leave a comment about something wonderful about my mom! Let's put a big smile on her face and let her know just how much she is loved!
I love you mom! You are and forever will be my biggest hero!
and I will close with, F**K YOU cancer!!
