I look at the picture above often. It was taken in early October. My family had come to Auburn for the weekend for one of Teryn's last showers before the wedding. In this picture, we see everything as it is-- seemingly "normal". What we don't see is the cancer forming in my mom's body that almost killed her 3 months later. The cancer that has turned our world upside down.
Every aspect about our lives has changed. Our whole focus through each week is to put a little more strength into the woman who has given us so much. Although I am home from school, I wouldn't trade this time with my mom for anything. Leaving her will be terrible. Every day, I admire her more and more. Though she has had to let go and give up so much she has still found her foundation to be strong and keep fighting. I could tell you a million reasons why she should give up, feel sorry for herself, and let this cancer win. She'll give you one for why she keeps going: her family.
While at our recent family trip to the lake, she told me her favorite quote was from the movie Braveheart. "All men die, but not all men truly live." She followed that quote by saying, "...and I have truly gotten to live." Though cancer is not the diagnosis that we could have ever wanted, it is a tangible illness that she is now able to be treated for. She has not felt this good in years. She loves food. She is doing things she has always wanted to do. She is getting pictures made every chance she gets. She is living and loving like never before. I know we owe these months...days...hours...all to God. I've seen my mom grow closer to Him with each sunrise. He isn't finished with her. We have truly been so very blessed. Blessed by all the giving people who continue to provide meals and prayers. And blessed by the God that continues to watch over us.
Thank you everyone who has donated to Headbands for Hope or my Susan G. Komen fund so far. Words can't express how thankful I am. I still have needs to be met, if you feel led to give please visit my page for more information or to donate at www.the3day.org/goto/sagehutch
