I spent the time sobbing my eyes out (literally, my cheeks are so wet...not just saying that for dramatic effect) while reading about a woman from my home town. I kind of knew her when I was younger, through my church. Her mom was a teacher at my high school, and then Sarah became a teacher too.
She passed away on Monday at the age of 31. From colon cancer, after being diagnosed in 2008, just 5 weeks after giving birth to her second baby. Can you imagine??
In the back of my mind, I always know that I need to treasure every moment, because life is too short. So, with everything I've been whining about, this is a SLAP in the face to really start acting like it again.
Horrible sleeping habits, stomach flu, tantrum-y baby... that doesn't matter. I get multiple smiles from G a day and I can hug her. We have a happy day most of the time. Sarah's kids have a great memory of their mom, and people who will tell them about her...but physically, they don't get any more hugs from her. I think it's our job to hug our kids in honor of her memory.
Reading all of the things posted to Sarah's facebook made me cry. People had such nice things to say about her. Her husband posted a message after she passed away...and it was the sweetest thing ever written. I'd copy it here, but I don't think that'd be appropriate. Suffice it to say that it was more romantic than any movie you've ever seen.
She tried so hard to fight off the cancer, but it spread basically everywhere, and nothing worked. I feel so bad for her family, because they have to carry on. I know that they are happy for the time they had with her, and that she is in a better (pain free) place right now...but as a mother, I just can't imagine baby G's life without me in it. Her kids were preschool age. I guess I am selfish to use her story to motivate myself, but apparently she loved inspiring other to live their lives to the fullest.
So I hope that she is looking down on me, and everyone else she touched, knowing that her job was well done.
Thanks for sharing. This is definitely a great reminder to not waste any time and truly enjoy every moment we get so spend with our little girl. Very sobering as well as encouraging.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. That's so terribly sad. I can't even imagine knowing I was going to die while my kids were so very young.
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