Today is a milestone day

This is my mom:

Through the years, she has been the calm water that keeps the little boat that is me afloat.  If I had a fan club, she'd be president: 

She thinks I'm funny and clever and she worries about me constantly.

She is also, without a doubt, my number one cheerleader in all things Critter Farm-related.   I truly believe that she loves our little farm as much as I do.

She was on-hand (and so excited) to unveil the grand opening of our brand new chicken coop in April of 2008:

She was overjoyed when the first six donkeys arrived on Critter Farm in May of 2008:

She fell in love with them instantly:

And delighted in getting to know every one up close and personally:

To this day, almost four years later, she remains always willing to help with any farm task (as seen in the goat-hoof-trimming photo below...and, yes, Reggie is sound asleep on her lap):

My animals love her.

Even grouchy Chester will stop whatever he is doing for a bit of momma-love from her:

So...what makes today a milestone day, you may be wondering?

At the end of December, my mom was diagnosed with cancer.
In January, she started chemotherapy.
And every three weeks since then, we spend half a day at the hospital, where she receives her chemo treatments. She has made so many new friends (here she is, photographing her chemo nurse, Robin, who is humorously flexing her "chemo drug muscles" for her)...:

and she has somehow remained upbeat and enthusiastic every step of the way.

A few weeks ago, a package was waiting for me on my doorstep:

It was from my mom.

Inside was a headlamp...because she was worried about me being outside in the dark on the property:

Despite all that she is dealing with, she is still worrying about me.

 I love wearing my new headlamp:

But Roxy hates it. She has been pretty clear that I should be the sole-wearer of it:

So be it.  However, we both agree it was a lovely gift.

But the milestone today? 
Today is my mom's final chemotherapy treatment:

I can't tell you how incredibly thankful I am (and our whole family is) that she is responding so well to her treatment.  These last four months have been a strange time of appreciating the moment, while planning for the future, yet not taking anything for granted (if that makes sense).

My mom, though, just seems anxious to have this period behind her, so she can return to focusing on the things so very important to her...:

One of which is the family she loves so well:

My mom has her own blog - one that she hasn't posted to in quite a long time - however, if you happened to feel the urge to wish her well, her blog can be found by clicking: HERE.