My Mother

My mother...My Best Friend.

She found out she had IBC not even a year ago. Like everyone else diagnosed with IBC she has been through so much. She had two series of chemotherapy, radiation and a mastectomy.

In December of 2003 she was told that everything looked great. That the surgery had taken care of the cancer and that she was on the right road. We had a wonderful holiday.

In January she had some tests done (bone scan, PET scan, MRI) to verify what the doctors had told us. They discovered that in fact it had spread to her bones, to her remaining breast, and into her blood.

Today, the doctors have told her that it hasn't spread anymore. That she looks like she's doing pretty good.

It seems like whenever we get good news, bad news follows. I just ask that everyone who reads this please include her as well as all IBC patients in your prayers.

My mother is my inspiration. She refuses to give up the fight. Though the outlook is grim, she only sees hope.

For everyone out there, don't give up. Your strength, your encouragement, your hope will carry not only you through this difficult time, but it will carry those around you as well.

For all those affected by this, my heart is with you.

Mom, I love you, and I will always be here for you like you have been for me. There is no mountain high enough to climb and no river too wide to cross.

Dad, Your strength, your determination, your love for mom, and your children; will be there for you.

I love you, and we will beat this!

Sincerely,
Bobbie

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Linda

Dear Linda,

Have I told you how much you have inspired me with your unbelievable strength and positive attitude? I don't think I have. I can only hope that should I ever have to deal with the challenges that you have been dealt, I can do so with the dignity and the strength that you have.

I thank god that we were able to find the relationship that I had wanted for so long before all this happened. That is very important to me. Keep fighting one day at a time. Each day will turn into a week, a week into a month, and a month into years. Know that I am here for whatever you need, unconditionally.

Bob, I can only imagine how difficult all this is for you. Your strength gives Linda strength. Your love gives Linda what she needs to get through each day. Thank you for that.

I love the both of you very much.

Judy

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Ma

Ma,

I love you so much, and I want you to know what an inspiration you continue to be for me. Our lives are like the weather. Some days the sun comes up, and it's a beautiful day and things just seem like they couldn't get better. On other days it's cloudy and rainy, and we are like AAHHHH!. We ask God, "Why Me?"

One thing I have come to learn and try to remember is that on those cloudy and rainy days, the sun is still shining. We just can't see it because it's hiding behind the clouds... So it is with our lives.

I know the road you are traveling is so hard, and I wish I could lighten your burden. But remember, ma, that the same God who makes the sun rise everyday, is the same God who watches over you and will never give you more than you can handle. I think you know that, and I think that is why you are such a fighter and so positive.

Thanks, mom, for being someone so wonderful that I can look up to. See, God is watching over me, too; and so is grammy. I love you and dad very much. Keep your chins up and keep fighting. I am here for both of you.

Love,
Bobbie

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Ma

7/18/05

Ma,

I am so proud of you. Through this rollercoaster ride you continue to be such an inspiration. How could I have gotten through this much college without your (and dad's) encouragement and support?

So many times I wanted to give up and just be by your side, but being my mother, you pushed me harder towards my dream. I have but two semesters left, and I can't wait to stand on that stage to receive my degree and look out in the audience and see your face.

When times get tough for me, I just close my eyes and think of you and see your face. As I have said for so long now, you are my right hand and dad is my left. Thank you for always being there for me.

Though it tears my heart apart that I can't sit at your bedside 24 hours a day, I know the pride in your heart at seeing me accomplish something so huge. So, I dedicate my last year in college to you and dad.

In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future.
In my daughter's eyes I am a hero.
I am strong and wise and I know no fear.
But the truth is plain to see,
she was sent to rescue me.

I see who I want to be,
In my daughter's eyes.
In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal.
Darkness turns to light
and the world is at peace.

This miracle God gave to me
gives me strength when I am weak,
I find reason to believe.
In my daughter's eyes.

And when she puts her hand around my finger.
Oh, it puts a smile in my heart.
Everything becomes a little clearer.
I realize what life is all about.

It's hanging on when your heart has had enough.
It's giving more when you feel like giving up.
I've seen the light,
In my daughter's eyes.

In my daughter's eyes, I can see the future.
A reflection of who I am and what will be.
Though she'll grow and someday leave.
Maybe raise a family.

When I'm gone, I hope you see,
How happy she made me.
For I'll be there,
In my daughter's eyes.

This song you gave to me (along with Helen Reddy's 'You and me against the world'), and I will cherish them forever. So much I have learned from you, ma. I hope I can make you as proud of me as a mother, as you have for me.

You have set the bar high, and I can promise you that every value, every moral, and every bit of love you instilled within me, I will in turn, instill that within my own daughters.

I love you, ma. Stay positive. Keep smiling and don't give up the fight. I am always here for you.

With Love,
Bobbie