Sad, but there is laughter too…..

Hello to all my friends who have offered kind words and made me smile over the last 3+ years.

I am sad tonight to say that my mom, Barbara - a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on January 20th aftr a 3+ year battle with peritoneal cancer which began as gallbladder cancer 5+ Years ago.

I can tell you that she listened to no-one's time-frame and lived her life as she wanted to - with strength, independence and a tenacious and stubborn spirit that allowed her to set her goals and who was determined to meet them.  Her last 8 days, when we brought her home on hospice were an amazing gift to her children.  We laughed, we cried and there were no words left unsaid or no tear left unshed.  In the middle of it all, we laughed as we have in every dark time of our lives.  She did this on her own terms, in her own home, surrounded by those who loved her. 

I wish you had all gotten to know her- she was tenacious and stubborn when it came to cancer but filled with love and laughter when it came to her family.  I came to these boards as the primary caregiver and tried to learn as much as I could from those on the front lines.  I remember the first words of encouragement I received from many who are no longer with us.  Those words were to remain strong and help to navigate the ins and outs of chemo, doctors, insurances and the impact of cancer on family and friends.  This is why these boards were made.

I want to thank you all for your kind words and I offer you my continued support.  My journey does not end here as I will be back to check in on you all - and provide the support that has been given to our family over the years.  

I wish you all peace on your own journeys.

Much love always,

Jessica