One year ago on August 13, my mother left this world for one free from pain and sorrow. In July 1994 my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer the doctors felt they had gotten everything, but they wanted to give her chemo. In November of that year they said that the cancer was in remission. For 12 years that was the answer when she went to have her yearly bloodwork done. In the early part of 2006 she discovered that it was back and this time it had metastasized into her bone along with that they found a tumor behind her left eye. This time she had a feeling she would not be recovering from the cancer. She went through 12 radiation treatments and several rounds of chemo, but at the end they decided not to put her through anymore of that. She got to see her first grandson (Bradyn) on August 7th. We spent the rest of that week with her. We left Saturday afternoon the 12th to go back to KS, we arrived back early morning on Sunday. That evening while getting ready for campmeeting I received the call from my brother with the news. Our emotions ran in several directions we couldn't wish her back because of the pain she was in, but yet we didn't want her to go she was too young, only 49. A song that helped me in the months following was one she and my aunts sang together "He Giveth More Grace"
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase;
To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,
To multiplied trials He multiplies peace.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
Fear not that thy need shall exceed His provision,
Our God ever yearns His resources to share;
Lean hard on the arm everlasting, availing;
The Father both thee and thy load will upbear.
His love has no limits,His grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
We've been praying for you! Your Mom was a great person and one of my Mom's best friends. Your mom and Grandma Slagenweit are probably up in Heaven right now looking over us. Grandma used to tell me after Grandpa died that he could watch over us from Heaven. I don't know if that's true but it sure has been a comforting thought this past year!
ReplyDeleteMaria,
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's been a year already. I know you already know it but your mom was a very special lady. She helped our family more than I can say: she was mom's best friend and gave so much encouragement and support during some very dark days. My grandmother would not have been able to live independently for so long had it not been for your mom getting her groceries, taking her places and just being available. Your mom was my first employer - I worked for her while she was getting ready for a craft show (she was pregnant with Mark but hadn't told anyone). She's also the one who taught me the basics of cake decorating and was there the day I did my first cake. The first of last summer she even e-mailed me when she heard I had a wedding cake and told me to let her know how it went. She had so much creativity and could do just about anything her hands set to do. When I look at my mixer, toaster, and can opener covers that she made me for a wedding gift I'm reminded of a very giving, selfless, friend. Although she was my mother's age there were times when I talked to her when I couldn't talk to my parents. She always listened but would tell me, "You need to tell your mom these things...she'd want to know." I think of you're family often and pray that all of you will know God's peace. She blessed the lives of so many and because she was such a large part of so many people her passing has left a large hole. I'll always remember her with fondness and remember her laughter! I'm thankful for the memories I have of a wonderful woman! Blessings on you all - your little guy looks just like you!
Marianne Brown