Those tender words broke my heart, yet warmed it at the same time to hear Cade verbalize exactly the two things that have been weighing heavily upon mine and Kyle's minds the last week and a half.
On Sunday, August 8th, we received the news that Mary's cancer had matastecized in her lungs, liver and possibly brain. After a series of doctors appointments in the following days these shocking preliminary diagnoses confirmed our fears. The words "terminal" and "6 to 12 months" were used and have been echoing through our minds these last several days.
I feel it was such a tender mercy that my children just got to spend 5 precious days with their Grandma before this happened. There is still so much unknown about her future and my heart breaks for Kyle, his father, and his siblings especially. I'm saddened that the days my children have to make memories with their Gramma Berry are numbered. What has brought me strength are the conversations we've had with Cade and Savannah about this. We've been very honest and open about her declining health and it has given us a chance to share with them on a deeply personal level our testimonies of the plan of salvation. I know in all reality, all of our days are numbered with our loved ones and rarely do we know when our time will be. It is a blessing we have a little notice so we can make the most of what time we do have with Mary.
My heart is heavy and also full of gratitude. These last several days have brought Kyle's family closer together and each of us closer the Christ. I have been in awe of the strength and wisdom of my husband, who has been such a source of comfort to me, though one would think it should be the other way around. After all, it is his mother. That is one of the sweet blessings that comes in marriage. You take turns being there for the other and being the strong one, and perhaps in time I will have a chance to be the one Kyle leans on. For now, he remains my rock and I am ever grateful.
Earlier this afternoon we delivered a healthy baby girl. It was a sweet and powerful moment to hold our little one fresh from heaven who is so very perfect. Words can never quite capture the emotion that comes from that experience. It's precious. I am humbled and so grateful everything went well and she is healthy. I hope to never take that for granted---health. Life is so short, and each moment a gift. I am feeling that more profoundly now than I ever have before.
For those who would like to follow my mother-in-law's journey her blog is http://marycancervive.blogspot.com Be sure to have some tissues on hand.
Feeding the pigs on the farm:
7 comments:
What a sweet, tender post. Your mother-in-law and family has been in our prayers since we heard the news.
Congratulations on your sweet new baby girl! So happy she is healthy. Give her a squeeze from us. Can't wait to see pictures.
I'm so sorry for the sad news. It's interesting how happy and sad feelings can exist in our hearts at the same time. Very tender times--giving birth and saying goodbye to a loved one.
I want to see pictures too--I'm not on fb anymore.... Congrats that Ruby is here!!! So happy that everything went well. Can't wait to see her!
I'm so sorry to hear the sad news. I will be praying for you and your family.
Congrats on the new baby! I love the name Ruby! Glad to hear both of you are healthy and happy!
What a tender story. I am so happy your little angel is finally here. I hope all is well. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I'm so sorry...what a heartache.
I am so happy that your little Ruby is here safe and sound. I can't wait to see her little face.
Oh Michelle and Kyle...I'm so sorry to hear that Mary is not doing well. That is so very, very heartbreaking. How nice that your kids got to spend some great time with her recently.
Congratulations on Ruby's safe arrival!! I, too, am not on FB and would love to see some pictures. I'm so glad she and Michelle are doing well.
I can imagine how conflicting the emotions of this time, both trial and celebration, are for you. Enjoy that little one.
Much love.
I was actually thinking about you last week - wondering about little Ruby, and hoping to hear you went to your family reunion. So I checked to see and linked to Mary's blog. I did cry, but I was so inspired. I'm sure she has her moments, but the testimony and positivity I found there was amazing. I'm SO SORRY Kyle (and Michelle and kids), but I'm so glad to hear that there is good amongst the hard. Love you guys!
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