Still another of my dear friend diagnosed with cancer. You. That just sucks. You have 3 little ones. My heart is hurting for what I know lies ahead for both you and your family. Speaking from experience, I know you worry about your kids as you all go to hell and back. I really don't mean to scare you, it is just the way it is. Make sure you pack marshmallows if you get too close to those flames, then laugh in Beelzebub's face as you make s'mores.
You will beat this. Hey if I ~ who was the biggest wimp in the county~ could do it, then you, Super-Mom, can! I will be there for you ~ holding your hand, listening as you need an ear, that kind of stuff~ you can bet on that, but I also plan to do as much as I can for your kids. I may not be able to tend them since they are so young, and I don't have all my strength back yet, but there are a bunch of things I CAN do. One thing I can handle is to
I am re-posting a PDF but it is also on my side bar as well. It is a great bunch of suggestions. I am also asking everyone I know, "PLEASE ~ if you know someone with kids who is battling this terrible disease, take time to read this.
Some of the kind things done for me AND my kids were:
When Miss Haley took my boys to the park so much. She rode bikes with them and got them to laugh. Carly Sue made them giggle with the green milk and cupcakes that tricky little leprechaun left on St Patty's day. She put frosting on their noses and made special treats for their lunches. Aaron made them laugh until they nearly peed themselves when he would wrestle and tickle them. All three of those wonderful people made sure the routine of everyday life stayed the same. And for kids struggling with autism, that was HUGE.
My mother in law came down and took the kids to the pumpkin patch, bought them Halloween costumes and just generally spoiled them rotten! They LOVED it. One sweet friend, among other things, took my kids out to pizza, gave them an Easter egg hunt, and let them come over to her house to pick out the "good" cereal off her pantry shelves. Another friend took all my kids and gave them haircuts. Many friends have stepped forward to pick up kids from school, and when emergencies rear their ugly heads, have even let the kids have a "sleep over". And on a school night!
My father in law dropped everything to come help with the kids and the house, not once but twice. My sister lives far away, but sends "care packages" for the kids. One of the last ones she sent had Halloween tattoos in it and the kids had a WILD time just out of the tub one night covering almost every inch of their bodies in thin plastic imaging induced madness! I was less stressed because I knew they were having fun, and the boys knew it was really ok to laugh.
In this life, I know a parents first worry is their kids. If they are happy and well cared for, then we sickos can concentrate on the business of getting better. It doesn't mean it will be easy, for the parent OR the kid. But it makes it all do-able. There are some things on that list that are completely free. Some things take an afternoon. And the "helper" gets the added bonus of being added to a bank of good memories the child is building! And the gratitude they receive from the parent is immeasurable.
For all those who allowed me that privilege, I will be forever grateful and take every occasion I can to thank them from the bottom of my heart. I feel immensely blessed that my family and I have such a strong support system.
May you, my dear Janet, feel the same love and peace knowing your kids are well and cared for as you begin this nasty battle.
May I be part of your support system.
All my love,
Me
