Friday, April 13, 2012

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.

43 comments:

  1. YEAH! That's a huge milestone! I'm glad it's behind all of you and that she's done so well.

    It makes you look at life in different ways, doesn't it. Mum was only 56 when she died. There were things she wanted to do when she retired. She didn't live that long. I wait for nothing. I've learned and done so many new things I don't even remember them all. This summer I'm going to white water raft (three trips!) and zip line into a pond.

    You know all those things you wanted to do? Go do them.

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  2. Beautiful post...Sending healing thoughts and cyber hugs to you both!

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  3. I am so sorry your Mom has been ill, but so glad she is getting better. The best medicine is an upbeat nature and a loving support system. She obviously has both, so I can't help but believe everything is going to be okay. Prayers and best wishes are headed her way. Love the headlamp she sent you. I don't understand why Roxy doesn't like wearing such a cool item.

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  4. So many of the blogs I follow have people dealing with cancer this last year.
    You have a wonderful mother. ♥

    And that is a fantastic chicken coop!

    *hugs* God bless.

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  5. Yeah for the LAST treatment! Cancer is terrible. My mom had colon cancer, it was an awful time, but now, 10 years later, she's doing great! If I was near I'd give your mom a great big hug! I feel like I know her from reading your blog. Wish her well from your blog followers!

    I attempted to go to your mom's blog, but the link didn't work. I'll try it again.

    Thanks for sharing something so personal, Danni. Hugs to you!

    ~Lynn

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  6. A great post about your mom. I'm glad to read that her treatments are coming to an end and that she had your companionship. From one animal lover to another, congratulations and best wishes for speedy and strong recovery!

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  7. I am pretty sure that attitude affects outcomes. Keep holding each other up with your wonderful love that shines right off this page. Hugs.

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  8. congratulations on this milestone! I can only imagine the weight that is being lifted although I realize it is not completely lifted....I can imagine life is a litte lighter

    thanks for sharing, Danni

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  9. I am so very happy for you and your Mom. I think prayers have been answered. Have a wonderful Day.

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  10. Danni, what a sweet tribute to your mom. She sounds like everything a mom should be. I cracked up over the headlamp! Thanks for telling her story and giving us the link. I will hop over there to congratulate her and wish her well!

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  11. I wish her healing and days free from the disease:-). She looks strong and a woman with a wonderful spirit.

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  12. Love, hugs and blessings to your mom and to you. Your post today is so beautiful and it's a reminder of the treasure that each moment truly is.
    XO

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  13. You made me cry reading this it is such a heartwarming tribute to your wonderful Mom. YAY NO MORE CHEMO and I send all my "cancer stay away" energy her way. I love the photos and your Mom looks like she is a HOOT!

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  14. I am so glad to hear that your mother is responding to treatment so well. I lost my mother to cancer when I was 18 and she only 45 so this post really got my attention. It is good to hear that some people beat this terrible disease. I hope you all can move on from here and get on with living.

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  15. Oh Danni, I had no idea! I'm so very happy that she's responding so well to treatment and today is the end of the awful chemo treatments. Wishing her all the best on her blog in a minute. ((hugs)))

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  16. I knew something was not well with you when you stopped posting but I had hoped it was simply one of life's little tangents and not a mountain. So sorry to hear you have all been going through this, but so grateful that this phase is over and you are all moving on together. You have all my support and virtual hugs.

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  17. Oh, Danni! Hoo- RAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  18. Beautiful post Danni. I've always loved the constant smile and twinkle about your mom through your great photos. She's such a trooper! Congratulations on this milestone day, it's really a big one and your whole family must be celebrating.

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  19. Sending prays for your Mom and family. So glad that she has had her last treatment. Thank you for sharing the beautiful pictures of her.
    Linda in MS

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  20. I love your Mom! And I had no idea that you all were going through this stressful time. I know how difficult it can be to share this kind of thing with others, especially in a public place like the web. I am so glad that you shared it with us, your blog family.

    Every time I see your Mom's face, I think of sunshine. She radiates warmth and love. Makes me miss my own Mom even more. Makes me appreciate my life even more.

    Sending you all healing energy and good thoughts and prayers. A milestone day!

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  21. What a beautiful treasure your mum is. So pleased to hear your mums treatment has gone so well. ♥♥

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  22. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful milestone. I took your advice and went to your Mom's blog and left my best wishes. Oma Linda

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  23. A very heartfelt and touching post, Danni. I wish all the best for your Mom. I know she is facing this with strength, determination and love. Take care.

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  24. Go Mom!! Lovely reflection piece on your mom, Danni! I am happy to hear she is on the mend.

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  25. Oh Danni - I'm so sorry to hear that your mom has been going through this, and so glad that the chemo is over and she is responding well to it. What a stressful time for you, too. As always, I love all your pictures. The first, of your mom, is just beautiful and the last, of your family, made me smile. Beautiful post about your precious mom, Danni. I'm sending prayers and healing thoughts her way.

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  26. hi danni! what a trip you have all been on! i am so happy to hear your mom is responding well and on her last treatment! good luck to all of you! i had a mom for a real short time long long ago! we should all cherish them!

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  27. I'm here in Arizona cheering for Danni's mom! My mom is having health issues, too, and you pegged the thought process exactly.

    And, Roxi, if you don't want to wear that light on your head, you can just scrape it off in the dirt. The things your mama makes you do . . . You're such a good sport! Lovin' you and your mama and her mama from far away.

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  28. As a recently diagnosed and treated (2011) breast cancer survivor, I can tell you that this blog post is a most wonderful gift to your Mom! For you to publicly show the strength and the bond and the love that the two of you share has got to have her heart almost bursting with pride and gratefulness!

    I also know how much you being there to support your Mom throughout her treatments deepened the bond that you already had. She is a very lucky lady!

    Wishing your whole family ~ most especially your Mom ~ a speedy recovery.

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  29. My mom beat breast cancer last October, so I know what you mean. Yay moms!

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  30. I would say that your mom is the one truly blessed to have a loving family behind her and a caring daughter that would pour her heart out so that all the world can see what a blessing your mom is. She is President and you really do have a fan club!

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  31. Danni, May your beautiful mother continue to do well. May she be blessed with many, many, more years with this beautiful family. Sending blessings from Maine, Julie.

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  32. I am breathing this huge sigh of relief for your mom and for you. xxxooo.

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  33. You know, Danni, I've been wondering where you were lately, and have even started to worry about you. Now I know you were focusing your energy on this sweet lady. I'm cheering with you to celebrate the end of her chemo, and I'll add my prayers to the others here that she remains cancer free. Blessings to you both!
    Lisa
    P.S. I think I'll call my mom today :)

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  34. God Bless you and your Mother...What a Beautiful Family you have. I send my Love, healing energy and Prayers for further healing down the road...Love, mare

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  35. For the first five pictures all I was thinking was "How fun it must have been to go through old pictures to find these."

    I'm so sorry your mom had to deal with this and I am *so* glad for all concerned that she responded so well. Another friend's mom died just Sunday from cancer and I needed to hear this good news, that sometimes cancer gets its ass handed right back to it.

    Much love to you and your mom.

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  36. What a great tribute to your mom, glad she's one of the lucky ones!

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  37. I know exactly what a wonderful milestone this is. My Dad had his last chemo treatment for colon cancer almost 18 years ago. We were all so grateful when he could get back to being ornery!

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  38. Love the tribute, so precious. Congratulations to your mom for getting through chemo and being such an inspiring mom grandmom animal lover. I have to ask, in pic of your mom with cat and dog is that cat bigger then the dog? :) I know I have some pets bigger then should be too. and the pic with her getting chemo she looks all happy and upbeat and the poor nurse looks a bit frazzled. Enjoy your blog and your creatures, pets, sweet babies. ;)
    Erika

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  39. Cancer sucks. I'm so happy that she is responding well and has finished chemo. She sounds like a very special lady-kinda like her daughter. My family is thinking about yours, Danni. Thank you for sharing this. I'm going to hug my mom now.

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  40. Thank you so much...for the incredibly kind words and the very personal stories you shared in your comments to me.
    My mom and I feel so lucky to be a part of this powerfully supportive blogging community.

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  41. That is so cool that you and your mom are so close and I'm so glad for her that she is almost done with treatment and I wish her the best in health for the years to come.

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  42. First let me say, your Mom has a GREAT smile. I can feel the warmth right through my computer screen.

    I'm so sorry your Mom, you and your family had to go through this experience. That's crappy. I'm very glad to hear that the news is good and I trust the prognosis is also positive.

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  43. I love your story! My mom was diagnosed when my first child was six months old. She soldiered through the chemo, which was so successful that they couldn't find the tumors afterward. She opted for the mastectomy to be sure. We celebrated 12 years cancer free with a "just us" trip to Spain.

    Her positive and active attitude will be her force field. Rock ON, MOM!!!

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