I want to thank everyone that was able to come to my mom's memorial service. It was beautiful, like her. Thank you for all the love and support!
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away...
This is how Donna, my mom, lived her life. Everything was an adventure... I remember when we were little she would take us "out for breakfast". This consisted of making a piece of toast and walking around Hope and picking fruit off the wild trees that grew there. Sounds kinda strange, I know, but that was one of my favorite ways to ever eat breakfast! Somehow mom always turned something small into something great. Her sense of humor always got her into some kind of trouble. She would find something to laugh about even in the most difficult situation...
The last month of mom's life was a miracle in it's self. I never knew how strong the human spirit is, and how amazing friends and family really are.
Since spring of 2008, mom started complaining of a weird cough. "I feel like someone is breathing heavy beside me, but then I realize it's me that sounds so weird." The symptoms slowly progressed, and of course, she never complained. I didn't even realize she was really sick. She said her leg was weak but she didn't know why. The symptoms continued to progress. She went to several doctors... they all had different and very wrong diagnoses. After several very frustraiting months and her physical condition visibly declining, she was able to schedule an MRI.
November 21, 2008 - Lesions on the spine, oncologist, radiation, pain... and never a world of fear or a complaint. The day after she found out about the cancer, we were talking and she looked at me, laughed and said, "I knew this pain wasn't all in my head!!!"
The Breakies - I have to just let everyone know that if you want to know what the angels are like, go spend some time with Tawnya Breakie... and Mike too! :) They completely opened their home to us in this incredibly tough time for my family. There were also some amazing meals cooked, feet rubed, and emotional support that could not have been more needed. I just want you to know that I love you and you will always be my family. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
December 31, 2008 - Strength, dignity, peace... These are the words that come to mind when I think of her last day.
When you were born, you cried and the world rejoiced. Live your life in a manner that when you die, the world cries and you rejoice. - Native American Proverb
I miss you mom. You are the strongest woman I have ever known. We will see you soon. Your strength still takes my breath away...
Please feel free to leave any stories, memories, or anything you wish to remember about Donna. I'm sure there are so many stories that we all want to hear and share. Thank you everyone for all your love and support through this hard time.
