The last two months would have been impossible without my Mom and Dad. Heck, I’m not sure how I’d have gotten through the last two YEARS without them. Mom has been to just about every doctors appointment I’ve had since the first week and Dad had been at most of them. If he wasn’t at the appointment it was usually because he was taking my son for me. They drive, pick up lunch, pick up kids, take me to run errands, let me nap… I am so blessed and fortunate to have the both, to have them both close by, for all their support in so many ways. Since I started radiation in MARCH at least one of them has been here everyday during the week, to help me get the kids up, fed and off to school, keep me fed and rested and take me to treatment, get kids picked up and together until my husband got home and if my husband had something he needed to do that evening, Mom or Dad generally stayed and helped get everyone to bed.
Keep in mind, my parents divorced when I was 10 and it took a long time for us all to be close like we are – and we are unusually close for a family that has divorce in it. My Mom lives about 10 minutes from me and she still works full time. Fortunately she is in a job that allows her to work remotely and they have let her work from here. My sister installed a secured wireless network in our house as soon as I was diagnosed so anyone in the family and my husband could all work from here. Mom is an early riser and has gotten here and often actually cooked breakfast, and given how my daughter loves bacon and they both love french toast and pancakes, that has been popular.
My Dad lives about 15 minutes away with his beautiful wife and my teenage brother. Dad retired right after I was diagnosed and while he has stayed busy he is also always available, all I have to do is say the word. Dad, one of his friends and my uncle from Texas did a ton of the work on our kitchen last fall. He has a great time with the kids and he has come over and gotten them off to school and sent me back to bed, taken me to the grocery, the doctor and anywhere else I need to be.
I know that either of them would give anything for our family to not be dealing with this. I know it is hard for them to see me when I am feeling sick and I’m sure they hate walking into the doctors office just as much as I do. Don’t get me wrong, my doctors and nurses are great, they take excellent care of me and it isn’t anything personal but I’d prefer to not need to know any of them. Mom and Dad have been amazing through all of this and are such great role models for me. You do what you need to do because you are the parent and that is how it works. I know they love me, I tell my kids all the time that they will have some idea of how much I love them when they finally become parents themselves. I look at my kids and I know how much my parents love me. It truly is walking around with your heart outside your body. I thank God often that it is me and not one of my kids who is sick, but for my parents, it is their kid.
We are kicking it out. NED is still my friend. I’ll meet him – SOON!
I’m so grateful you have the support of your parents, Ashley! What a wonderful blessing! I’m sure this has brought you all even closer, which is a gift despite all the challenges you have been through.
The times I’ve met your parents I’ve always thought how remarkable they are. So true that the cycle of love continues with the way we are with our own kids.
I love this post Ash! B&J are awesome; I’ve always thought so ever since I met them. What a blessing to have such a beautiful and loving family.
What a lovely post. I’m sure it is really hard for your parents to see you being sick, but I’m also pretty sure they are happy and grateful to pitch in. They sound amazing. Sometimes I get really sad my mom wasn’t here when I was diagnosed and around during my treatment. I know what a great support she would have been to me. Then I also feel relieved she was spared. Parenthood never ends. They are being great role models. Your family sounds awesome. Hope you are feeling alright.
And being a parent yourself, in spite of the circumstances, you know there is no where else on earth your parents would rather be than with you, helping.