Wednesday, February 12, 2014

brainstem tumor

How has it been a year?  I will never forget this day.  I was sitting at work - and I received an email from my mom around 8:30am.  She shared the news via email, because what I would later learn is her inability to talk because of the tumor.  At first I didn't believe her.  I was in shock.  This is what she said:

"So the doctor thinks I might have a deep seated brain tumor that they want to treat with chemo. It's in too deep for surgery. I'm staying in for a bit, for tests they say. So that's the story for now.  I'll let you know stuff later!" 

Then I called her...

I remember her voice.  It was scared, unsure - but yet she tried to sound strong and not afraid for me.  I remember her telling me to not worry about her - that she would be alright - and I needed to stay in Nashville.  I could barely understand her - which is when the news really hit me.  I immediately was crying...left work - and got ready to leave for MI the following morning.

Sandy Rogers - this is also where our relationship really started too.  She was the only one who was honest with mom's condition.  I remember her saying "you needed to be up here yesterday...get your ass to Bay City ASAP."

A year ago today,  I was thrown into a role I wasn't prepared for.  A role I didn't want for another few decades - but a role that I was proud to take on.  I was proud my mom wanted and trusted me.  If I HAVE to do this for anyone at 30 - there is no one else I would have worked so hard for.  God i love that woman...

I'm sad.  I miss mom.  I run to my car after work so I can cry.  I have mascara stains on my pillow cases.   I'm crying a lot - but I also know this is completely normal.  Mom and I's relationship was fantastic.  She was truly my best friend.  She was my biggest fan.  My biggest cheerleader.  The one person I could share the dumbest detail with - and she'd act like it's the biggest news she had heard all day.  I think my grief and sadness is a testament to our relationship.  I'm okay with that.

I'm functioning - I go to work - I keep up with my house.  I walk my dogs (almost) daily.  I'm just really sad and have changed significantly and am continuing to change...

The one thing that brings a smile to my face is using the work fuck as often as I can.  Horrible right?

See...i love this:


But really, fuck cancer.  Especially brain cancer.

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