Noah greeted Grammy with a big hug and a bottle of very good wine. He said, "Congratulations - cancer free... you are cancer free!" The words were slightly mumbled but it sounded like a song from his precious little mouth. He turned to me after saying it and asked me if that meant Grammy wasn't sick anymore.
I said, "nope - Grammy is all better!"
We are so proud of my Mom for the way she handled the last nine months. From the initial diagnosis, through her surgery, the chemo, the ER visits, hospital stays and daily radiation treatments she never gave up hope and just operated with a no non-sense approach to the process.
"You just have to get on with it..." I can hear her voice ringing in my ear. She just pushed through and skipped the pity party or "why me" moments. She is one tough cookie - just like her name-sake, baby Cecily.
We are so grateful to have this chapter closed and while the check-ups, oncology visits and tests will continue... we know she can beat this! We are so lucky that Mom had such a great medical team caring for her on her journey - led by nurse-in-training, my Dad!
Cancer is evil. It has taken too many lives - including Brien's Mom Judith - for whom baby Cecily is also named. Today we raise a glass (or two) to everyone who has fought the disease, to everyone who is still fighting and to those that are no longer with us. It is a good reminder to live each day to the fullest and not to worry about the silly things in life.
Thank you Cherice for the picture in this blog post. My Mom is, (and for the record has always been - a princess!) And even with a bald head she is the picture of strength, hope, love and true beauty. Hair is simply over-rated! She is an inspiration to me to never give up, to always believe and to just keep putting one foot in front of the other because at the end of the day there is nothing to do but "just get on with it!"
We love you Mom and we are so happy that this challenging time in your life is over. We are proud of you and today we celebrate you and your journey. You have once again showed us how to face down adversity and win.
Onwards and upwards!