How much life changes in one year

It is so hard to believe that just one year ago mom went in to the hospital for what was supposed to be a routine surgery. I talked her to her that morning on my way to work and her way to the hospital. I reminded my boyfriend to say an extra prayer for her that morning. I got to work and taught my students Spanish something. I was trying to be engaging, but kept thinking about mom. After my second block class let out at 11:10, I checked my phone to see if I had messages. I had a text from Katie saying mom was out of surgery. A little while later during my planning block Katie called me right as two of my students came to my room to ask me some questions about a project I had just assigned. She told me the doctors had found cancer. I was sitting in my classroom chair flabbergasted. I felt my face getting hot and I didn't want to flip out in front of my students. Katie told me that dad wanted her to wait until after I left work to tell me so I wouldn't have a tough afternoon, but she knew that I would want to know right then and there. I hung up quickly and just started crying in front of my students. I don't know how I made it through the rest of the day, or the three-hour teacher seminar after school. That day was so gut-wrenching. Every day since then has been gut-wrenching to one degree or another.

Just a few days before mom's Monday operation I was on the phone with her as I was getting ready to go to a friend's wedding. She was trying to sound upbeat and interested about what I was wearing and who would be there etc. But in the middle of talking she burst into tears and said she was just in so much pain. I remember telling her that Monday was just a few days away and wasn't it good that she would be having the operation so her pain would go away. Little did we know that it would only go away after a hellish year of treatments, all to end with her moving on to the next life. I would probably have spit in anyone's face if they'd told me that then.

Life changes so quickly. One second can determine the rest of your life, let alone a day, week, month or year. I am so bitter about cancer and always will be. One thing despite it all that I'm happy about is all the time I got to spend with mom this past year. Thank God for my teaching job and the schedule that allowed me to go to Florida so frequently. We had some bad times and some good times and some fun. We got to talk a lot about what matters most in life.

Don't put off for tomorrow what you can to do today. Tell your family you love them. Call up an old friend. Let go of grudges. Try something you've always want to. Help someone. Smile. Laugh. Live. Because next year you-or they may not be around anymore.

Attention all Floridians!

Celebrating Martha

She lead an amazing life on earth
and is now tending to new gardens in her heavenly home

Come celebrate her life, her journey, her legacy ...

Saturday, September 19, 2009
10 a.m.

The Pavilion on Lemon Bay across from Englewood Beach
Behind 1855 Gluf. Blvd.

Refreshments and fellowship following
at Martha's favorite local spot:

Gulfview Grill
2095 N. Beach Rd.

Aloha wear encouraged!

Walk to Break the Silence 2009

Saturday Katie and I went to the National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month run/walk in South Boston. It was the most beautiful 5K I have ever participated in. There was a wave of turquoise and so many people supporting the cause. Unfortunately the supporters significantly out numbered the survivors. Everyone had a great attitude and it was so awesome to see so many people (I have no idea how many) come together to fight against this nasty disease. The course was all along the waterfront and there was a nice breeze. There was even a Chowda van from Legal Seafoods dishing out chowder to the participants at the end of the event! Jake, Katie's dog huffed it with her and stretched out in the backseat of the car on the way home.

Happy 51st, Mom!

We know you are celebrating in a much better place! Miss you!