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My Schedule these next few days |
jeff 5/29/2015 4:54:55 PM | As some of you know I'm in Arizona right now visiting family.
My mom is a remarkable woman. She and my father raised three children, all college graduates, and all with successful careers and lives in their own right.
After my father passed in 1985, my mom met her second husband, Marty, at a support group for people who had recently lost a spouse.
She and Marty hit it off right away and a year later he asked for my blessing before asking my mom for her hand in marriage.
After getting married, both wanted a fresh start and a clean slate. They decided to live abroad in a pocket community of expatriated Americans they discovered in Gudalajara Mexico where they lived for 20 years.
I tell you this because I want you to know that my mom has been truly blessed and has lived a rich full life. She recently told me so. She also said that given the chance, and knowing what she knows now she would do it all over again in a heartbeat. (Her words not mine.)
She's been a cancer survivor since 1997 and has bounced back from several surgeries, radiation, and chemo treatments, etc.
Her last surgery was in 2004. She quickly recovered from that and has lead a completely normal life these past 11 years - for which we are thankful.
In March this year she developed and was treated for pneumonia. Her chest x-ray was seen by a radiologist who knew what he was looking at.
Further tests revelead stage 4 lung cancer.
At the age of 79 she made a decision in favor of quality of life as opposed to longevity. She opted to not undergo more surgery, radiation, chemo, etc. - but instead decided to get her affairs in order, and spend as much time as possible surrounded by loved ones and family.
I've been dreading making this post. But feel the time has come to make it.
She is in a Hospice facility in Scottsdale, AZ where I am currently visiting her. She is sleeping peacefully (and Mozart is playing in the background) as I type this.
They are keeping her safe, comfortable, and clean - and I am truly grateful for the incredible level of care they are giving her.
Visiting hrs are 24/7 and I have spent many a night here.
The time has come for me to step back a little and focus on family and loved ones.
I'll still check the message board and emails - but for the next week to 10 days - I'm asking for a little leeway and understanding if I do so less often than normal.
-jp
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JackB 5/29/2015 8:04:50 PM | Jeff, I rode about 99% of the roller coaster you're on now in '04. The similarities are uncanny. If you need to talk, let me know.
Hospice care givers are angels in disguise as for as I'm concerned.
~Edited by: JackB on: 5/29/2015 at: 8:04:50 PM~
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richc 5/30/2015 7:11:30 AM | Jeff,
Your mom sounds like a wonderful person. She is very fortunate to have her family at her side. We are thinking of you.
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joe_muller 5/30/2015 5:31:44 PM | Jeff, Am hoping you can find some peace in this unpeaceful time. Having recently lost a son, I know the agony you are going through. Your mother sounds like a loving, wonderful person and ultimately that will be sustaining for you. You are in my prayers.
Joe M Seattle
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TPW 5/31/2015 10:37:09 AM | Jeff,
My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Terry
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Acorn54 6/2/2015 8:18:48 AM | jeff, so sorry to hear of your mother's cancer. my sister in law succumbed to lung cancer 10 years ago. you have my best wishes guy
~Edited by: Acorn54 on: 6/2/2015 at: 8:18:48 AM~
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NYMike 6/2/2015 11:18:28 AM | Jeff, My prayers go out to you and your family. In spite of losing your dad, and a long bout with cancer, it appears that she has been doubly blessed with Marty for many years.
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand … For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, “Fear not, I am the one who helps you.” Isaiah 41:10, 13
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Since you are in AZ and can't make a bet, if you want a flyer on the Belmont just for a distraction, call or text. I'll be at Belmont Saturday for the race and would be happy to help.
Blessings,
NY Mike
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Caveat 6/3/2015 8:39:41 PM | Jeff...
My prayers are with you and your family... My wife and I are both cancer survivors and know what a strain it puts on ourselves and others.. Take all the time you need..we'll try to keep up on the boards the best we can...
Mike
~Edited by: Caveat on: 6/3/2015 at: 8:39:41 PM~
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watwell 6/4/2015 12:17:54 PM | Jeff, I’m sorry to hear about your mom’s condition and my thoughts are with you and your family. Having lost my mother in June of last year, I know what you are going through. Let us know if there is anything we can do.
Wayne
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endearus 6/5/2015 8:15:55 PM | My prayers for you and your family.
Your mother is strong, and like my mother would pick quality over quantity. My mother had a stroke and hated the 6 additional lives she 'lived.' As heartbreaking as it is for you now, love her as you are doing, and respect that decision, as I am sure you do.
Eric
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CalvinJ 6/6/2015 9:31:52 PM | Jeff
A prayer for you all: "HE gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
There is strength "beyond us"...
Isaiah 40:29-31
~Edited by: CalvinJ on: 6/6/2015 at: 9:31:52 PM~
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jeff 7/22/2015 10:39:01 AM | My mother passed away a few weeks ago. I'm heading back to Arizona this morning. Our family is having a celebration of life get together on Thursday and a funeral service on Friday. I expect to be back in San Diego early next week.
I want to express my sincerest thanks. You may not know this - and I want you to know - that all of your kind words, emails, phone calls, and cards have helped me get through this.
Again, thank you.
-jp
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Acorn54 7/23/2015 1:28:51 AM | sorry to hear of the passing of your mother jeff. you have my condolences. glad to hear of your having a celebration of life. guy
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Cole 7/23/2015 3:20:10 AM | Jeff--its not easy losing a family member especially your Mother. Our condolences and prayers go out to you.
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Tom C 7/23/2015 12:34:13 PM | Jeff,
Sorry to hear that your mother has passed away.
Please accept my condolences to you and your family.
Tom C
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joe_muller 7/23/2015 6:44:45 PM | My thoughts and prayers are with you Jeff.
Joe M Seattle
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dartman51 7/25/2015 2:30:39 PM | Prayers to you and your family, Jeff. So sorry to hear the news.
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buzzy 7/26/2015 3:31:30 PM | Jeff, So sorry to hear, my prayers go out to you and your family
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bill2010 7/27/2015 3:59:53 PM | My thoughts and prayers are with you Jeff.
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