Hey,
Yea, you don’t deserve a formalized greeting like Dear, there’s nothing dear about you.
When you showed up at my mom’s door in September 2012, I was in shock, we all were. You weren’t supposed to come, you definitely weren’t welcome or invited and no one else in our family had ever experienced you before.
We thought that after the surgery we had gotten rid of you…but you hung around, lurking in the background, fooling us into believing that we wouldn’t see you again. Yet here you are, spreading throughout her body, ravaging her with no mercy. Oh how I hate you.
As if she didn’t have enough to deal with her Parkinson’s disease for the past 12 years. Your arrival and subsequent stay has devastated my family. You have rendered a once ridiculously strong woman helpless to your ways. Do you know who she is? She’s the strongest woman I know, she’s feisty, she’s a firecracker, she’s a loving wife of 38 years, she’s a mother to two daughters, she’s a grandmother to two granddaughters and two grandsons, she’s a first born daughter, she’s a sister to two brothers and three sisters, she’s an aunt, she’s a cousin, she’s a church sister, she’s a friend. You are robbing her, stealing precious time from her and her family.
My heart aches, I feel such pain, such anger. I just cry, I cry because my mom won’t be able to help choose my wedding dress, she won’t be there when her grandchildren graduate, she won’t be celebrating any more milestones with dad…the list goes on but it is what it is, isn’t it? Eventually….and soon…you will win. You disgust me.
No matter how much I loathe your existence, I will prevail, our family will prevail! Why? Because I am strong, and who do I get my strength from? The same woman you are taking away from me, my MOM. We will continue her legacy, we will be the love she sees in everyone, we will take care of our families without prejudice, we will live life fully and we will do everything we can to get rid of you, so that no one else in our family, or in the world for that matter, has to have you in their lives…EVER. That’s a promise.
Sincerely,
Regards,
just Natalie
I was sadden to hear of the lost of your mom. Your mother was a very strong, kind and humble woman, my prayers are with you and your family. I pray that God will give you all strength.
I am sorry to hear of the loss of your mother she was a very strong,humble and kind woman, my prayers are with you and your family
Natalie, teary eyed I read your story. I have lost a few special people in my life to this “visitor” and both my parents have survived thus far but have battled. It is heart breaking and it’s not fair. I send your strength and peace. I pray for you and your family. Hugs.
Huge hugs, I don’t know you but we have the same visitor and although ours is called Melanoma, which I thought was only on the skin only to find out it’s the most aggressive kind of visitor you can have when it visit’s the organs, even the chemo makes it worse, it spreads it’s hatred faster. It is taking an oldest brother, son, grandfather, friend and my father, who was in better shape than most in their 40’s and never sick, his visitor will take him in a few short weeks bringing down a mentor for a huge industry and family. Yes if I could slay the family of visitors we are experiencing I would do it in a heartbeat. So I hope we both have strength in this time of our lives and know I will keep you in my thoughts and the visitor is at a million peoples homes as I type this, if this was a person it would have been wiped out by now! Sending you peace, love and understanding.
Your family is lucky to have her and she is lucky to have you. No amount of words can express the anger and sorrow of this disease but you did well. (Hugs) prayers and strength to you and your family during this difficult time.
I wish I had the right words to say. I just wanted to let you know that I read this letter. I can hear your sadness, your anger. But I also hear your strength. Thinking of you …
Take that, C#$CER! You continue to wreak havoc in the lives of loved ones but I can speak from experience when I say that you can never take away fond moments and memories. The battle is never done and cancer, although you can boast casualties, you will never be the victor because the spirit of those you shamelessly attack, will live on. To you, my dear Nat, I have known and loved your family for years and I lift you all up in prayer. Remember, our God is awesome, and he can do the impossible.
Prayers to you. I don’t know you….but I am very sorry to hear this.
Your mom is so lucky to have such a wonderful daughter like you.. Thanks to your MOM and dad…
Hugs. Sorry, hard to write through the tears. My heart aches for you and your family. Please let me know if THERE IS ANYTHING YOU NEED. Your mom is an amazing woman and it shows through you. Being strong is ok, but allow yourself to cry and scream. Cancer sucks!
Sending my prayers to you and your family
You know my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and especially your mom! Much Love! <3
That’s so true – thanks for sharing.
Hugs to you and our family during this time
Oh sweety…the Keith/Ramdeen family are thinking of u all during this difficult time. Xoxoxoxooooo. My heart breaks for u all. Sending my luv from afar. Sincerely, Kim Keith
You made me cry… 🙁 Like I said, tough times never last but tough people do… Take one day at a time and make every day with ur mom counts. Hugs for you and for ur mom for being tough and strong!
Such a well-written piece, Natalie. My heart aches for you and I’m so sorry to read about the battle your mom is faced with. Your mom sounds like such an amazing lady. You made me cry…and reminded me of how very lucky I am to have both my parents who are in their 80’s. ((Hugs))
oh sweetie, I cry for you! I we would all love to punch cancer right in the throat, that evil bastard! Hugs and peace for you and your family, especially your amazing mom