Monday, October 19, 2009

Gramma

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I would like to introduce you to my Gramma Maxine.  Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993, she battled and won.  I do not recall her ever being depressed or discouraged other than commenting that everything tasted like metal while she was undergoing chemotherapy.  (I remember her saying that the only thing that tasted good was French fries. )  She took that diagnosis like a soldier and asked what the best battle plan was, then followed it-- mastectomy, chemotherapy, wigs, bone scans, and all-- until she prevailed.

grammasmall

She remained cancer-free for a number of years.  On the day this photo was taken in 2003, she told us that the cancer had returned in her other breast.  She also told us she would not be fighting this time.  It was hard for us to hear, and harder to accept.  But she was ten years older now, and I believe she wanted to enjoy the time she had left.   “Chemo was too hard,” she said.

She made it until September of 2004.  Long enough to see our youngest born.  Long enough to hear Jeff’s diagnosis that August and tell me she had peace that he was going to make it.  She died a couple weeks later and went home to be with Jesus. 

I miss her so much. 

I ♥ Faces is celebrating survivors and honoring the fallen this week.  Clicking on the badge below will direct you to their site where you can view other photos and read their stories. 

PinkWeek

12 comments:

LisaBE said...

Very beautiful.

Alice said...

what a beautiful photo! such a wonderful lady - i can tell you love(d) her very much and miss her! thanks for sharing her story with us :)

heidiannie said...

Your picture is beautiful- and so is your Gramma! We need to keep remembering the strength and fortitude the women who nurtured and bore us showed to keep going in our own trials. Thanks for sharing your Gramma's story along with her loving face.

Melanie @ Whimsical Creations said...

beautiful photo and such a precious memory of a strong woman.

Monika said...

Beautiful picture and story.

Julia Spencer said...

Lovely photo and story.

Unknown said...

She is so beautiful Adrienne! I am sorry for your loss. And I am thankful that you and your family are fighting the cancer battle and WINNING! Much love!

Melanie said...

Thank you for sharing her story. Such a very beautiful photo. I can tell she was such an amazing woman.

Drew said...

Adrienne,

This entry reminds me to keep you in my prayers daily. I'm praying for your family. I know things have been very tough for you lately.

Tracey said...

Oh that made me cry. Thank you for sharing her story and your story and also for sharing that beautiful picture.

Taylor said...

Adorable shot. I am so sorry to hear about your gramma. It must have been extremely hard on you and your family. I am glad she is at peace.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

That's a good photo of your grandmother. My mother-in-law fought hard against her multiple myeloma, but toward the end, was ready for the battle to be over. It was hard seeing her struggles.