This is dedicated to my Aunt Lynn!
I’ve been sitting here all day thinking about my aunt and the fact that I’m complaining about a common flu and it disgusts me. My aunt died yesterday of cancer. 5.5 years ago, she was diagnosed with terminal stage 4 breast cancer and was told she would be lucky to live for the rest of the month. When she made it to Christmas family members told me it would be her last.
But no, she lived. She chose to live.
She had more life in her than anyone I have ever met. She was a prayer warrior and believed she would beat it. She never complained and through her example she taught me more about faith and living in grace than anyone else ever has. She was always thinking about someone else reminding me of needs all around me. She learned a lot about cancer and found unique ways to treat it, she had determination like no other. She was even in remission. I think she was in remission twice but that evil thing we call Cancer is relentless and kept coming back. I don’t want to get any of the details wrong (I just don’t know what all she went through) but I still want to share just how courageous a woman she was. She DESERVES to be remembered! Surgery after surgery, treatment after treatment. She was AMAZING.
My stepmom (I hate using that word, but I confuse everyone when I don’t, she’s my mom in so many ways) said it better than I can,
In the 5.5 years since she’s had this illness, she has had 2 breast surgeries, surgery to implant her port, liver surgery, brain surgery and countless scans and chemo/radiation treatments. She has fought this illness with more grace, dignity and faith than I could ever hope to have. God is waiting for her. She deserves the rest.
My regret is that I didn’t live closer to her to absorb everything she had to give the last five years, because she gave a lot. When I did have the privilege of spending time with her, she was always happy. She spent much of her time baby sitting her grand daughter and shared her knowledge of cancer, her love of life, and most importantly her STRONG faith in God. I know God gave her those extra years of life to show us all how to live in spite of pain, or anything bad that comes our way.
I agree with my stepmom, I can only HOPE to have the grace and dignity that my aunt Lynn had. She is already missed.
I’m going to remember to Cherish every day that God gives me and enjoy every second I have with my family. I Choose to Live!
I’m so sorry for your loss but glad it wasn’t in vain…I’m sure your aunt would LOVE that you’ve learn to live every minute from her!!!
What a beautiful tribute – and you’re right, we should not take any day for granted, even when a day seems horrible and terrible, there is always SOMETHING good in it that we can be thankful for, rejoice in and be happy about.
Thanks for sharing
so sorry for your loss of an amazing spirit and life filled person in you life. She really sounds like she was CHOSEN to teach from this horrible sentence she was given. Some people use adversity to cry and be a victim…
others use it to SING and use it to gain strength. Lynn sounds like she did just THAT! You sound very lucky to have had her in your family and to have great memories of such a great force in your life. Sorry you have to deal with the sadness though. It’s always hard to say goodbye…even when you have weeks, months or even years to prepare for it.
I know I told you on twitter, but I’m just so sorry. She clearly was a wonderful lady, and a truly special part of your life. I love what your stepmom said. That does provide some comfort. Rest well, Lynn. No more pain, no more struggles, just joy in heaven.
that was a beautiful tribute… I am sorry for you and your family’s loss.
Thank you for sharing this little bit of your Aunt Lynn with it. This was a lovely tribute to her. She sounds like a very special lady.