kamataca

There was obviously so much love between you and your mom. That love will help carry you through these next few difficult months. Please know that we are here for you when you need us. Kelly

Good for you. She obviously gave you a good example to contiue to live by. Kelly

She was such a great fighter, and you were so good to her. I know those final moments around the bed can be so difficult, but I believe it is a comfort for our loved ones. You are in our prayers and please check back with us often. We are here for you. Kelly

We lived in Mpls for 10 years. I know the odds are against it, but I have been trying to contact friends from the area today. My prayers are with all the families, and all of you guys affected by this. Kelly

I don't think Mom could have continued her tx w/o her port...her veins were so weak and kept collapsing during chemo. It was a wonderful tool for her. Kelly

I remember the baby monitor--an object bought in hope and excitement over new life, now used to monitor last days. I remember staying awake at night, just to be sure I heard each breath Mom took. I remember doing the same thing when my first child was born as well. There is a strange kinship between the miracle of life and the process of death. I pray for peace and strength for you annd your dear mother. Kelly

On birth certificates: We had to laugh, b/c a section on KS birth certificates when Mom was born is "Are the parents married?" I know it is all about stats, but that made us laugh when we saw it. Kelly

What a journey. I'm sorry that hospice was such a train wreck for you. What should have been helpful in your darkest hours just made those hours worse. How lucky for your dad that you were there for him. I'm glad you shared all of this with us. Sometimes it helps me to write it all out. Sometimes it helps me to read others' shared experiences. Take good care of yourself. We will be holding you in our hearts on the 4th. Kelly

So, I finally decided the other day that I need some help. I'm not sleeping, on the verge of tears at odd times (never actually allowing myself to cry, of course), and I'm terrified of starting the school year with no passion for life. How can I teach with half a heart? I've fought the idea of getting help--"Talking about it won't change my reality--I just need to learn to deal with it." In our church bulletin there was a blurb about a small grief support group that was forming. I told myself that this would be good for me--close by, at the church perhaps, and maybe folks I know would be in the group. Making the call was a huge step for me. That was last week. The woman in charge has still not called back. I called again today....no answer, left message again, no call back yet. I'm frustrated, but I'm trying to be patient. Hopefully this is all a misunderstanding. I know I could find another group, but this just irritates me. I'm back in "why bother" mode. The grief support group won't even support me. Bleh. Kelly

I've missed seeing that picture. Seeing it today made me smile. So glad you updated us. Thrilled that you are recovering well. I will say lots of prayers for your son. Kelly

Mary, There aren't words for losses such as yours. I hope you can find some help here. I don't know what I would do without this place. Kelly

Mom's said LC. I thought it was very odd (and I was offended) b/c there is a section on OK death certificates that asks, "Was the death caused by smoking/tobacco use?" Mom's was marked "Yes". I hope that answer came from her dr., and not just an assumption. I was also surprised that they wanted to know her highest level of education completed. Does that explain her death in any way? My brother said that this is all for statistical info, but it still seemed unnecessary to me. Kelly

((((Stacey)))) I truly do understand. Even though I absolutely believe that my Mom is in a better place, and that she can see us, it still is unbearable at times. Hope you get some peace soon. Kelly

I was reading here about one of our friends who had streetlights go out overhead when she passed under them, like a sign. That day, I went to pick up my daugter and niece at volleyball practice. On the drive home, I was thinking about signs. There had been a truck parked on a busy corner here for weeks. It annoyed my daughter and I because it had been cut so low that one really wouldn't be able to drive it over railraod tracks, bumps, etc. As I was stopped at the intersection, looking at the annoying truck, its lights flashed. I thought nothing of it, thinking someone was just uunlocking it. It flashed again twice more as we sat and watched it. No one was anywhere near it, and then it stopped. The girls thought it was really odd. I told my daughter a week later what I had been thinking of when we saqw it flash, and she thought it was cool. The truck STILL sits at that intersection, and it has never blinked since. Kelly

Exactly... You can't go back and recreate those moments with other people. For crying out loud, I bought a really good cantaloupe the other day. Mom HATED when she bought home a cantaloupe that was not juicy. My first thought was that I had to tell her to run out and buy a cantaloupe. It's just a cantaloupe, for crying out loud, but I hated not being able to tell her. I miss laughing with her over things that others would probably consider inappropriate as well. She got it. Kelly

((((Michele))) What a gift your mom was. No wonder you miss her so darn much. Kelly

No....never felt guilt about it either. Is tht something people do? Maybe I've been remiss... Kelly

Tarceva is a wonderful tool. There are many other good options out there as well. I pray your Mom will continue to do well. Please remember to take it easy on yourself and take care of yourself. Kelly

I learned the hard way, if we don't take care of ourselves, we can't take care of our loved ones. Enjoy your time off w/o guilt. I used to plan trips with my best friends as a get-away. I needed them. Kelly

Have her talk to the dr., certainly. If nothing else, it will hopefully ease your mind. I know Mom's vision changed remarkably when she was on chemo. She even went and bought new glasses. I pray this is taken care of very soon. Kelly

I think this is so amazing. I feel an ancillary pride, somehow. I wish I could be there...I really want to hear those answers as well. Go Lance! Kelly

He was one cool cat. I miss his posts...I can't imagine how much his family misses him. Kelly

Grace, Time moves so quickly--I can hardly believe it has been 5 months for you. Holding you all in my heart. Kelly

Well, nice to meet you...again! Form my experience, Bevs are pretty tough. Hope yours is doing well. Kelly

That dehydration is a real booger. I know he doesn't want to be in the hospital, but I am glad they are taking care of him. I'll keep him in my prayers. Kelly