365 Day

365 days = 525,600 minutes = 8,760 hours = 31,536,000 seconds

One year ago today we were sat down by my Mom's best friend for her to share the unfortunate news. One year ago today we were told my Mom had a tumor (maybe multiple) that was cancerous.

One year ago today our thoughts of my "healthy" Mom, who would live forever to see Molly get married, meet her grandkids, etc., changed to thoughts of an "unhealthy" Mom.

One year ago today we embarked on the hardest journey that life has taken us.

One year ago today my Mom was diagnosed with stage four cancer.

We have been with this information now for 31,536,000 seconds. My Mom has fought for her life now for 8,760 hours. Each minute of the 525,600 minutes has been considered a blessing. It's been 365 days today.

As I reflect back on that day I remember thinking, "oh! this too shall pass! it's just an obstacle that is trying to get in her way! she will survive this and it will make her a stronger person." Though it has made her a stronger woman - it hasn't been in the physical sense. Her body is weak, her bones show through, but her smile and sense of humor remain (for she attempted to chuck her mashed potatoes at Craig last night after telling him that if he put vaseline on his face first they should just slide right off). We can't help but laugh with her and keep life as familiar as possible.

With decorations hung and Christmas cards posted on her wall, the hospice center has been a comfortable place for us all. The staff are incredible here and treat my Mom with royalty. She sleeps most of the time, which allows for me to catch up on 'what's new' in Women's Health & People magazines, as well as be familiar with everyone's Facebook status! Perfect creeping time!

Craig and I spent time down in Portland this past weekend, celebrating Christmas with Dad & Karen! We then trekked it north yesterday and spent all day here at hospice with Mom - watching Home Alone 1 & 2. We fed her some roast beef, which seemed to give her a boost in energy, enough to get her up and walking for 10 whole minutes! She has't walked in MONTHS!!! As Molly trailed behind with the IV pole, her feeble little legs carried her down the hall and back. We were extremely proud of her but then she came back and crashed.

It's been a long day today, seeing that it is now 5:19pm and I started writing this blog around 1pm. The Smith's arrived for an all day visit, followed by long-time family friends. I crashed on the couch for a bit - fighting a migraine! But all in all, it's nice to have family and friends support us through this hard time.  And the good news received this morning is that they think she can go home on Christmas! We just all have to be trained on how to operate her IV machine. What a wonderful gift that would be!!

Blessings during this holiday season!