OT-My daughter is graduating today, against the odds

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Comments

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member

    I'm sure cancer, while being

    I'm sure cancer, while being so very tough for her growing up, has taught her so many valuable lessons she will take  with her all her life. You have done a wonderful job raising her, given all the circumstances. Every negative, be it cancer, alcoholism, etc. can be an invaluable lesson for kids!!!

    <3 Judy

    That's true, Judy,

    and a good way of looking at things.  I try to think of it in terms of a piece of pottery that has to go through incredible heat to come out with a beautiful glaze...sometimes the hardest things in our lives can do the same for us as human beings.  I wish more than anything that my kids didn't have to have a mom with cancer, but I do think the experience has given them more depth and compassion than might be the norm for teenagers.

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    wolfen said:

    A True Fighter

    Ann,

    You can be proud that you have raised a true fighter, just like yourself. High schools is hard, even in the best of circumstances. She was travelling her own unknown road and trying to travel yours at the same time. She has shown the strength that you have instilled in her.

    Please let her know that your CSN family will be right there in the audience cheering for her when she receives that diploma.

    Luv,

    Wolfen

    Thank you, Wolfen.

    That you can take the time to write such a kind comment in the midst of your own sadness brought tears to my eyes.  I shared my thoughts on my daughter's experience here at CSN in part because of the people like you, who make this a special place.

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    Sundanceh said:

    A Truly Heartwarming Story...

    What makes me really happy about this story is the fact that you were "dialed-in" to your children's needs and insecurities, even though you were undergoing your own personal trials.

    Children do look towards their parents for many things....

    What a turnaround!  And tonight, you celebrate a moment that you had wondered about....I'm so glad for you both...and may you have all the years there possibly are:)

    You 'done' good, honey!

    Thanks for sharing this story as I'm sure it will resonate with the other parents out there, who may have experienced something similar to what you described.  I think this could be a hotbed for good discussion - how children react and what they think and fear when their parents are in active treatment.

    Anyway, just wonderful and enjoy your evening!

    And I think I get which one is yours:) 

    Thank you, Craig!

    And yes, the "big one" is mine (although she would kill me if she heard me calling her big).

    She did her Senior Project at the YMCA, working with kids.  Made that fishing game herself for their "Healthy Kids Day".

    It's the kind of thing that she would have proclaimed "STUPID" a couple of years ago, so just one more sign that she is growing up.

    And as I said to Wolfen, your taking the time to comment has extra special meaning to me, given all that you are facing.  Big hugs to you, my friend!

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member

    Love the Picture!!!!
    I am so happy things are going great for you and your family. It is nice reading stories like this. I hpoe to make it to my twin boys graduation, they will be Juniors this year. Have a great night tonight!!!
    Sandy:)

    Two more years?

    You'll make it, Sandy!  And you've got one quite a bit younger too, don't you?  I've still got that almost-9 year old to see through high school.  We both have to make it (and then meet up for drinks afterwards).   Hugs from one mama to another.

  • Annabelle41415
    Annabelle41415 Member Posts: 6,742 Member
    Proud

    Oh you have to be so proud.  What a beautiful daughter you have and a strong one at that.  She has seen much courage by her mother and has gained a lot of confidence from you also.  What an awesome day.

    Kim

  • herdizziness
    herdizziness Member Posts: 3,624 Member
    Oh Ann

    What a wonderful outcome, your child is so beautiful with that gorgeous smile and laughter in her eyes.

    You must be so proud, and I know she is as well!!!  I bet you were just bursting with joy when she did the walk to get her diploma!

    Just wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

    Winter Marie

  • thxmiker
    thxmiker Member Posts: 1,278 Member
    Congrats

    Tell your daughter Congrats, and the first of many victories and accomplishments in her life. 

     

    Best Always,  mike

     

    PS We are sending our thoughts and prayers that you can maintain the strength for yourself and your family. 

  • MaryCarol5
    MaryCarol5 Member Posts: 102
    Happy Days

    Congratulations to you both! 

    Thank you for sharing, Mary Carol

  • Miss Cindy L
    Miss Cindy L Member Posts: 34
    So glad you shared this beautiful story...

    This is really what cancer is about it is how we struggle to keep going and try to be a "normal" as possible for our families and loved ones. You have done a wonderful job with your daughter and the strength you have shown her will always be there in her heart and she will be able to draw upon that strength thruout her life as she needs too. I know this is true because I lost my mom to cancer at a very young age. Your post has made my day as well as others and I will remember it always. Blessings...love and health to you my friend!!

  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    Wow Anne!

    What a beautiful, moving story. 

    We all know how difficult cancer is on US, and there are the Caregivers in our group who know hard it is on them as well as (mostly) grown children too but few, if any, children. I've always felt that it's harder on the others at times.

    I'm so happy for you, your daughter, and your entire family! 

    Hugs!!

  • wawaju04976
    wawaju04976 Member Posts: 316 Member
    I'm having my colostomy

    I'm having my colostomy reversed tomorrow, and I will take pics of the little bugger today. My 24 year old son could not understand why I would take pics of "Oscar." I told him when you think life is getting tough, or your kids are getting tough, pull out Oscar and remind yourself of the obstacle(s) your mom/grammie had to overcome. "Oscar" has been just one small piece of this long journey, but he was a rough one that I have overcome. I know your daughter has become the strong young lady she is today because of all of the experiences she has had, both negative and positive. Your (and her) cancer experiences have been a very big piece of her life, and she would not be who she is today if she had not had that experience!!!!!

    Judy

  • taraHK
    taraHK Member Posts: 1,952 Member
    Congratulations!

    Congratulations and thanks for posting (sniff, sniff).

     

    Tara

  • hippiechicks
    hippiechicks Member Posts: 509 Member
    Thank you for posting this

    Thank you for posting this story .... tears of joy for you both!  She is a fighter like her Mom ... and a beautiful young woman.  You have given her great strength and endurance.  Congrats to you both! This story has touched many lives ... the real challenges we face.

     

  • lauragb
    lauragb Member Posts: 370 Member
    I have been meaning to

    I have been meaning to respond to this posting.  It is so great to see your daughter doing well.  I can relate, although my daughter is older.  When I was first diagnosed, she had just passed her nursing boards and was moving an hour and a half away into an apartment, interviewing for jobs.  What should have been a happy, exciting time wasn't.  She did get a job and eventually thrived but not without tough times, professional help and medication.  I hated seeing her go through this.  Your daughter's story speaks of strength and resilience as does mine.  But it is tough stuff. 

    To a bright future for our children.

    Laura

  • annalexandria
    annalexandria Member Posts: 2,571 Member
    lauragb said:

    I have been meaning to

    I have been meaning to respond to this posting.  It is so great to see your daughter doing well.  I can relate, although my daughter is older.  When I was first diagnosed, she had just passed her nursing boards and was moving an hour and a half away into an apartment, interviewing for jobs.  What should have been a happy, exciting time wasn't.  She did get a job and eventually thrived but not without tough times, professional help and medication.  I hated seeing her go through this.  Your daughter's story speaks of strength and resilience as does mine.  But it is tough stuff. 

    To a bright future for our children.

    Laura

    Congrats to your daughter as well, Laura...

    it's really sad how our illness can be such a blight on our children's lives, making times that should be wonderful into something altogether different.  I'm glad to hear she's doing well now!

  • Luckygirl2
    Luckygirl2 Member Posts: 308
    Beautiful daughter
    Congratulations! I'm thinking she has come thru this stronger and wiser!