By: Neva Marjory

Neva Marjory — Fri, 26 Nov 2004 03:14:13 +0000

Herb and Jodi have the support of your family and your doctor
helping you to get through the days. I ache for you. I
have had to walk that hard and lonely road and my
knowledge of your grief is keen. My precious
granddaughter cancer)took her from us. She was my daughter Shellie’s only
child and best friend. Shellie moved in with me the day
Rachael died in my arms. We keep each other afloat. Less
than one year later, my son’s daughter, Shannon, a
beautiful, brilliant figure skating champion was diagnosed
with Rhabdomyosarcoma. Shannon turned 18 yesterday.
She has endured 14 months a chemotherapy and
radiation and still maintains a sweet smile, positive
outlook and amazing courage. I lost my colon and

developed diabetes in the midst of my grief. I also lost my
mother and sister to cancer during this time. If it were
not for the prayers & encouragement of friends and
neighbours and the loving support of my family, I don’t
think I could have survived. But I have survived and I
think about Rachael every day with loving memories
instead of bitter tears. I measure good days and bad days
according to Shannon’s platelet counts and pain or comfort.
I treasure every day that she is still here with us
and we all make each day count by rejecting
negativity and rejoicing in our love for one another. Work
on one day at a time! Break the problems down into
little steps and focus on them one by one. Know that you
are not alone. You have many caring friends. Don’t
forget to take good care of yourselves. You can make
sacrifices for your kids but you cannot sacrifice yourself;
you need to stay well for the next time they need
you.

Comments on: Memorial weekend

By: Neva Marjory