There is an attribute that I especially love about my mom. She is a really good friend. In fact, I can’t tell you how many times I am complimented on my mom {and what a great compliment it is!} I have been amazingly blessed my whole life to have all the characteristics of a good friend beautifully laid out for me by my mom. Loyalty, compassion, authenticity, thoughtfulness, ability to truly listen…just to name a few. I am so familiar with them that I understand the treasure it is to have found them in those that are my closest friends today.
Having a good friend is so important for this crazy, troublesome life we face. When we come upon those bends in the road, those ones that stop us and paralyze us about what is waiting around the corner, we might not have the courage to press the gas without a friend or two to spur us on. I cannot stress enough the importance of surrounding yourself with community and it is why I have chosen my 31 Days topic for this October. {Stay tuned to learn more}
I have watched my mom walk with a few of her friends on their cancer journeys. Little did she know she would have to walk with her own daughter through hers. But it always kinda funny to see how The Lord prepares us for things we don’t think we can ever be prepared for.
I wanted to take these last few days of September to introduce you to Lorraine, one of my mom’s dearest friends. Lorraine went to be with The Lord in 2000 after battling what began as ovarian cancer for three years. My mom and Lorraine were friends when I was born so I knew her my whole life and we always lived within a stone’s throw from their family. If there was one thing I remember about her it was that she was quite the warrior. I have asked my mom to guest blog about Lorraine today.
I never really gave much thought to ovarian cancer until my very best friend, Lorraine was diagnosed with it. The description I have heard of ovarian cancer is “the silent killer” which very aptly describes it. Lorraine felt like she was experiencing a gall bladder problem as she was having intense pain in her mid chest area. When she went under anesthesia to have a scope done of her gall bladder, she never expected to wake up to the news that cancer was rampant in her gall bladder and possibly in other areas of her abdomen. Several days later she went for exploratory surgery which revealed that the cancer had started in the ovaries and spread to many other organs. According to the doctor, he removed as much as possible but was unable to remove the cancer from her diaphragm. He told her that she would have to rely on chemo for that part. She fought an unbelievable battle for three long years before she passed away. My perspective on her experience changed my ignorance into a desire to be more actively involved in making others aware of ovarian cancer. It is why participating in events to raise awareness for ovarian cancer are especially meaningful to me.
TBF–This is my mom and Lorraine being baptized together at Rehoboth Beach, DE by our long-time pastor, George Anderson.
NOCC (National Ovarian Cancer Coalition) has plenty of information about the symptoms and early warning signs of this type of cancer. The Maryland Chapter did a great job with the Break the Silence 5K at the Annapolis Mall last week. Below you will find a photo of Team Wingate.
Sadly, September is coming to a close. It is one of my favorites {once I can let go of summer} and the weather this September has been incredible. There are many exciting things happening in October at Pinked Perspective including a new Logo, 31 Days and the 2nd Annual Think Pink Family Fun Run/Walk and Breakfast in the Park. We hope you will join us!