Cancer Sucks

That's the best title I could come up with.  Sadly, today, we lost Granny in her battle with Cancer.  Granny, like mom, put up a darn good fight.  Never one to complain or to ask "why me?" - Granny showed us what it took to be strong and fearless as she fought for her life.  Confident that there is something better for her just around the corner, Granny assured us that she would be ok.  She promised me that she would say hello to mom in heaven- and I believe that they are up there, together right now.  They are both now in a place - free from pain and suffering- and for that- we, down here are thankful.  Granny, you will be missed.

I love this photo.  I think Granny stopped talking for a split second.. but that was it.. you can tell she wasnt going to stop for long.

Looking for treats (or wet wipes) in her purse.

Outing with Granny and Gaga.  Granny couldnt stop singing or clapping even for a picture.  Dyllan was sure amused.

Granny- we will never forget...

Your endless stories - and endless energy in telling them

Your creativity and all the handmade gifts we have received 

Your cooking and overall excellent hospitality

Your fruit cakes around the holidays

Your sense of humor

Your sarcasm and friendly banters 

Your cleanliness- and your endless supply of hand wipes in your purse

Your ability to savor things 

Your important life lessons and words of wisdom

Your memory- you never forget a birthday, holiday, or celebration

You have inspired everyone around you to live life to the fullest- and enjoy every last minute.

With the passing of Granny, and the Summer run just around the corner- today has been a day all about cancer for me.  I finally got on the ball and signed up for the summer run- created a webpage for fundraising for the event and organized the annual after party at the Casa.  

Team Sussex after party 2010- more from last years event here

Team Sussex 2010

To view my page (and more photos)- sign up and join me in the run and/or donate toward my fundraising goal- click the link below.

http://community.swedish.org/netcommunity/runningforkerry

Its amazing the support out there- as I was writing this- in a matter of just a few hours I have managed to already raise $325!  I am blown away by all the support out there- and everyones generous donations.  

Today- with cancer on the mind- I decided to take a trip down memory lane- and visit mom's blog.  I am so glad I did- It was fun to look back as mom took us all on her journey with cancer and inspired so many people along the way.  She had some great quotes- that I just couldnt help but share.. I hope you enjoy these as much as I have.

"Spirit"  June 17, 2007 I have over booked my calendar. Can I be somewhere else in spirit?I think about the days immediately after my Mother departed this world and how I talked to her aloud and could feel her answer me if I would just quiet myself and listen. Her spirit was still close by. I wondered how I would ever get beyond the hurt of being left behind.


"Routines" June 12, 2007 After my surgery, my routines got turned upside down. Like anyone in crisis, I was in despair  didn't know which way was up. Gradually, I return to those old comfort routines, but with new passion for life and renewed purpose with clarity about why these things have meaning-each breath is a gift, each day an opportunity to create a memory for both myself and someone else, make it a good one. Stay healthy.


"Know your Maker" December 20. 2007: Somewhere along the route we take a bigger interest in knowing our maker and getting in touch with our purpose. The reminder that we are not invincible or forever on this earth can draw us closer to more meaningful relationships. 


"Mrs. Doubtfire" November 17, 2007:  I have to add that I had a significant dream the Wed nite before my final CT scan. I dreamed that I skateboarded right past the pearly gates of heaven and didn't even slow down. I waved and said I would be back later, but not now. Fight on!


"Return to Life" November 10, 2007 : I am still at Cancer College and reading many books-I have a big library right now if you need any info, trying new healthy recipes, and all sorts of natural remedies to avoid ingesting any more cocktails into my system. 
.....
Real life intrudes in the fantasy life of college football-I am watching the Oregon State vs Washington Huskies and Jake Locker on the Husky team has just been injured on the field-it just reminds me that none of us know when we will be knocked down or if we will get up again. 


"Life After" September 6,2008: ...I appreciate LIFE more fully and feel each precious minute and want to encourage those who are suffering through life to find the positive and move towards that which lift us up not pulls us down. Attitude is what gets us through life with a smile on our face, or with a frown. Keep it good. You can choose a fear or love. My advice-Embrace your fear and choose love.


"Words of Wisdom" June 11, 2007  Self talk is important and keeping it positive is imperative on a daily basis.


"Out of the Fog" May 14, 2008:I have discovered that after treatment (and this should be a life lesson for anyone after hardship) one needs recovery time. Time itself is healing if taken with the right attitude (that one can be challenging also). 


"Rainbows and Butterflies" May 7, 2008:  Every decision I make is a choice between a grievance and a miracle. I choose the miracle. When I focus on the abundance and the miracles I am rich! 


"God is Love" May 31, 2007 My own truth about God has never waivered. God is Love. When I have felt most alone I need only remember that if I give love I will receive. It doesn't matter what religion you are, everyone has love. I know what a powerful thing prayer is. I learned that when I was 5. My mom sent me to my room and I prayed to be sick so she would feel sorry for me. I got good and sick and the lesson has stayed with me all my life. Be careful what you pray for. My new mantra for this year (I make one every year) was and still is "dream big and pray for the results". So if you are wondering what you can give to me, give me your love and your prayers and I will be made whole. God is Love.




"Life's a Bitch " May 29, 2007 Some would think that Life's a bitch means that it is the pits. I am having a stare down with my favorite friend right now, Bailey, our yellow lab-it's 3 am and she follows me around wherever I go whenever I go. She's a bitch (a female dog).... Every day is "the happiest day of my life" for her. She has a bitchin' attitude and I am taking notes from her. Life's a bitch-it's just how you interpret it.


"Girls Night Out" May 31, 2007 Till we meet again ladies, your presence is my present.


What to do with Limes" June 30, 2007 The other day, Susan delivered a huge bag full of limes from a party she had catered where limes were used as decoration. One can only cut up so many for your Coronas, and I still had a juicer that I hadn't used yet, so Margarita party it was! 


"Links" June 17, 2007 I have a friend who was delivered the death sentence about the same time as I was given hope of survival. Most likely the same odds, just a different delivery of the message-you have cancer. I hope I get the opportunity to walk and talk with her so she can know there is hope in each day of our lives, no matter how long we have on this earth. Who tells you how long you have on this earth? Don't miracles happen every minute?


"A Childs Perspective"  June 10, 2007 My children were only 4 and 6 years old, my Mother died of breast cancer. ...We read lots of books, and I choked up many times and wondered how I could ever survive my Mother's death or even get out of bed the next morning. I routinely picked up Sean from preschool and hand in hand we walked down the road as we talked about Grandma's death. "I don't think you understand". "You will never see Grandma Nancy again", I said."Oh yes we will". he responded happily, "In Heaven". That day I began to heal.

Girlfriends

Yoga Buddies

2007 Family Vacation to Hawaii- just before Dan arrived with his bright pink cast

Girlfriends- and princess mom

Guilda's Club Fashion Show:  Mom actually tossed her wig as she walked down the catwalk.  She got quite the standing elevation.

Mom and I - posing for our John L. Scott photos

Mylola Maria Sussex-Newton (AKA Lol, Lola, Princess Ovaltine, Loli, Worm, Roo, Rupert, Salmon, Lol Barks-a-lot.. and the latest.. Shadow (because she follows my uncle Bill around like a shadow)

Loli Marie as a Pup.. So cute!