Monday Morning Musings!

Good Monday morning to ya' all, and welcome to the second edition of

my new series-Monday Morning Musings!

Last week's post went a 'bit' longer than planned! 

I have a tendency to do that from time to time.

Even when I was growing up-my step dad always had a question for me

every time I had something to tell him and my mom.

"Can we get the short story version this time, and not the novel?"

Maybe he knew something I didn't at the time.

I guess he knew even before I did, that one day I would

have a passion for writing!

With that said-a BIG thank you to all who read the entirety of 

my post-and sent emails, sharing your struggles

with being a good listener!

And I'll do my best to give you the short story version from now on.

(But there are no guarantees!)

Today I find myself thinking about a more serious subject.

The truth is-I haven't been able to think about

anything else since we were told some very concerning

news about a very special lady in my life.

For those of you who have following a long for awhile-you probably

have heard me mention my mom quite often.

As a young woman spreading her wings-I didn't always

see eye to eye with mom.  She had her way of doing things,

and I had mine.  But then-shortly after my own

daughter had gone off to college and was spreading

her own wings-something strange happened.

I started seeing my mom in a new light.  No longer

was she a parent trying to tell me what to do-but instead,

she was my confidant, my support team, my rock,

and yes, my best friend.

Unfortunately, sometimes, when we are given that kind

of unconditional love-we often take it for granted-until

sadly, something threatens to take it away.

  Over the last several years-mom has had a recurring

sore on the end of her nose.  Initially the doctor thought it was eczema, and

gave her a prescription cream.

But on a recent visit-he advised since

it wasn't healing completely-it could very well be skin cancer, and set

up an appointment for her to have a biopsy.

When mom called me that afternoon to tell me the news, she 

didn't seem at all concerned.  'Several of my friends have

had this done, and their just fine,'she'd said.

But two days later, as we sat in the waiting room, I could

tell mom was nervous, and it reminded me of

all the times she'd taken me to the doctor as a kid.

Even though those visits had been for nothing

more than a bad cold or sore throat-for a kid, they

were still scary.  Having mom there made it less so.

Which is why when the nurse came to get her, I did what mom had

done so many times before for me, and grabbed her hand

and began walking with her.

"You don't have to go in," she said. "I'll be okay."

But I knew she wasn't-and so I made

the long walk with her down the hallway-and into

the room where they would determine

if she had cancer or not.

At 75 years of age-other than cataract surgery and minor arthritis, mom has

been blessed with good health.

Until now.

This past Friday-the results came in.  Mom has skin cancer.

My hope in writing this post is-that if you, or any of your loved ones have

noticed a sore, or a bump, or ANYTHING that doesn't seem
to be healing properly

on your face, back, neck or arms-that you make an appointment

with your doctor immediately!

The truth is-the older you are, the more likely your chances of
being diagnosed with skin cancer.
But the good news is- most cases, if caught in time, can be treated successfully.

That is our family's deepest hope with mom's cancer.

I will keep you updated on mom's condition as soon as we here more, 
but until then- please keep her in your thoughts

and prayers!

Blessings and hugs,