Having eight kids, my mother was a stay at home mom. There was a sign over the kitchen door, "Grand Central Station." The amount of traffic that went through that door was surmountable. Neighborhood kids were a household staple. She was a typical mom, loving and caring, beautiful inside and out. All friends envied me, for I had such a hip, fun, Mom. At age 68 years old, she was diagnosed with cancer. Sharing her story of courage, character, and influence is a source of pride. "My mother is my inspiration; she fought a courageous battle with cancer. Her determination was profound and left an imprint that will remain with me for the rest of my life.".
Sitting in the doctor's office with my mother and hearing the words, "You have lung cancer," was a minute in my life that I will always remember. I recall hearing my heartbeat as loud as a drum. I looked at my mom, and she said, "Don't worry, I got this!" The doctor proceeded to tell her that the cancer was Small Cell Lung Cancer, Stage IV. The diagnosis was terminal even with treatment. The doctor continued to discuss her treatment options and informed us that the treatment would not cure the disease. The treatment would only help the symptoms. She asked the doctor, "Can I still go to my grandson's graduation?" She then looked at me and said, "Well, I want to go out the way I came into this world, living life!" That day, I realized how courageous my mom was and how I admired her. Being a mother of eight children (full-time job) built her character. She was patient, loved unconditionally, and was strong in heart and soul.
Throughout my mother's illness not once did she selfishly speak of dying. I later learned from Hospice workers; it was her way of protecting her eight children, 23 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The funny thing is; none of us spoke of her dying either.