Happy Birthday Mombosock

October 21, 1955 - my mom was born.  Today she would have been a young 56 years old.  Although she died way too young.. she lived every day to the very fullest.  Today- on her birthday I want to reflect on all the great things I loved about my mom- and be happy for the times we shared together.  My mom was truly my best friend- when I was little I would dress up in my spandex tights mom made for me- and do aerobic videos in front of the TV along side her.  I idolized her.  As I grew older we grew even closer.  From mother daughter National Charity League meetings and events in high school- to trips around the world - Japan, Greece, Turkey, Mexico, Australia.. we always enjoyed each others company.

I love the way mom...

Always (yes! always) had a positive attitude

Took her passion and made a career out of it.. 3 times! (Baby furniture rentals, Spandex "Sussex Sport" and Real Estate

Put her family first- and always wanted the best for us

Believed in me and encouraged me to pursue my passions

Lived a healthy lifestyle- and made daily exercise a (fun and social) priority

Taught us to give to people less fortunate- especial during the holidays (delivering sack lunches downtown)

Lived in the moment

Lived spontaneously- she was up for anything anytime

Loved animals (especially adopting peoples used pets- Sandy, Cosmo, and my two gerbils that bit)

Dressed 80's - probably for way too long

Sang out loud to whatever song was on the radio- even when she didn't know the words

Substituted missing items in her recipes.. for what ever was in the pantry (but still made a great meal)

Loved the water and sailing- especially with her dad, brothers and cousin

Never gave up on her dreams and the dreams of those closest to her

Totally blurry- Ill have to find the original photo somewhere
Gilda's club fashion show- mom threw her wig off at the end of the catwalk- and everyone cheered!

Mothers and Daughters

So mom- on your birthday- I am going out... on the water- "soaking up the sun" - living in the moment- eating birthday cake and enjoying your day!

Happy birthday to Grandpa Sussex too!!  They shared the same birthday- pretty neat.

Heading down to catch the Ferry from Manly to The opera house to meet Dan 

Manly Wharf

On the ferry- with Manly Wharf bar behind

Dan waiting for me to arrive - at the Opera Bar

The sail boats were out- on mom's birthday!

The harbor bridge at sunset

I took the jet cat (18 min fast ferry- as opposed to the 45 min ferry- cause i was running late.. oh surprise) We passed the ferry- as well as a pirate ship (on the far right of this photo)- NBD

See the opera house in the distance?

Pulling into Circular Quay- not a bad time of night to be out on the water

We met up with Stacy and Bushy at Opera Bar for some drinks- apparently we weren't the only ones with this idea.. but we got super lucky and snagged a table with a great view 

Congratulations to Stacy and Bushy!  She is now 17 weeks pregnant- and they are both glowing!

The lemon poppy seed cake I made in honor of mom's birthday- yum.

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!

Busy Body

Hanging out with uncle Sean at the Casita

Big Hugs for Poppy and Grandma

Dyllan has been such a busy body lately.  Her days are filled with constant attention, as guests have been flooding the house to see mom and also getting set up and ready for my cousin, Chris's wedding.  Mom is doing ok, she has taken a bit of a turn for the worse over the past week, and is no longer able to talk, walk, eat..  She is such a strong person, its unbelievable.  She continues to bring joy into the house, even when she cant communicate. 

Her friends and family have been so supportive- and its been really nice having everyone around in these precious moments.  Dyllan has not missed a beat- she rides in the wake of mom's attention, and enjoys being passed around from friend to friend- as they spend time with mom.  Dyllan probably assumes everyone is here to see her.  I keep joking around with my Aunt Elaine that Dyllan isn't going to know who her real mom is after all this.  And Elaine gets a kick out of my catch phrase "do you want to hold my baby?!"  (hey, lots of free babysitters, do you blame me?)

Grandpa (now Great Grandpa) Sussex

We have been so lucky to have a house filled with the best, most wonderful, supportive, enjoyable friends this past week.  2 Thursdays ago Bill and Grandpa Sussex came up from LA to visit- and stay for the summer run.  Elaine joined us all on Friday with their dog Frida.  We always love having Elaine and Bill around the house- they are such a help, and so fun to hang out with.  Grandpa only comes up once a year- so it was a real treat having him too.  He is recovering from his second knee surgery, and doing a great job getting around!  Bill and Grandpa are now up in Blaine spending some time at the Yates house.

Best Baldy Friends

Mom's best friend growing up, Debbie Regis is in town now to spend time with mom.  She has been amazing.  She is so calm and helpful.  We have been going through old photos from their days in Japan... as well as other photos- like mom's college days.  Jody Wes, one of mom's best friends from college- who mom has been close with since then- has been over here every day- with stories, crafts, recipes, and most importantly her time.  She has been so great to our family- and we are blown away by her support.

Val and Chad came to play some music for mom.
Debbie is on the bed.

Back to Dyllan- she is awake again- and crying.  She had been sleeping through the night for quite some time now- and all of a sudden, when things get chaotic around the house- her ability to sleep through the night goes down the drain.  The last 3 nights in a row (of course when we have company staying downstairs next to her) she starts crying at 2am.  Dan usually brings her into our bed so she doesnt wake anyone else up- but that means that we dont get much sleep either.  The little princess is going to learn that crying in the middle of the night, means she gets to come into our bed... uh oh, hope we're not in for trouble.  I swear, as soon as the company is gone- its "cry it out" girlfriend! 

Since Dan got up with the Bug so early- I decided I would take a shift at 6am.  First, I tried to put her back into her crip- but she wouldnt have it.  She does this thing where when I set her in her crib (usually for naps not at night) she knows whats up- and will start crying so hard that she cant breathe... kinda like if I would have slammed her finger in a car door or something.. its so funny.. the minuite she hits the mattress, the tears turn on...and she works her self into a tizzy.  The good thing is the tizzy only lasts a few min- then she settles down.  This used to only happen occasionally- and only at nap time- not in the night- so all I have to do is put her down, tuck her in, and walk upstairs where I cant hear her cry.  Then 10 min later- come check on her, and 90% of the time she is fast asleep in the starfish position (hands raised high over her head, both legs kicked out- and no covers on).  Anyway, its now 8:43am, and there is no point in going back to sleep.. so I guess Im up.