Harriet Vane Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Lisa was more like my older sister. She was not that much older than me, and our mothers had a business together, so I spent a lot of time with her when we were growing up. She used to dress me up and curl my hair and make me feel like a princess when I was a little girl. She was also someone in whom I confided and admired as a child. Lisa was diagnosed almost seven years ago with a brain tumor. It had been growing for 15-20 years. When the doctor told us this, it made sense--I remember that her smile was crooked at her wedding, 17 years prior to diagnosis. After her first brain surgery, her smile straightened. That first surgery was miraculous, a gift. Lisa was really herself, for the first time in many, many years. That summer after surgery was eye-opening as we realized that much of who she was as an adult had been shaped by the tumor and its effects on her cognitive ability and behavior. Within months of that surgery, Lisa's life was in peril again. A second surgery left her brain damaged, with no hope of recovery. Every single year since then (this is our seventh year with this) we were told she would die soon, and every year she rallied. The sad irony is that the second surgery, in wiping Lisa's memory almost clean of her adult years, brought restoration in my own relationship with her. She related to me as if we were children again. All the love and fond closeness of that time was restored, and I cherish that. Lisa has five young children whom she prayed for every day. It was nothing short of agonizing for her not to be with them. Naturally, it's been awful for her five children, too, to watch helplessly as their mother's mind was broken, and her body twisted and sickened by inches over many years. Lisa's oldest just turned 14, and her youngest, who has never known her to be well, is just 6 years old. Lisa also leaves behind a fun-loving, musical, and grieving husband who loved her wholeheartedly. I rejoice in Lisa's freedom from pain, and ask that you pray for her grieving family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gratia271 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug: I cannot fathom the pain all of you must be in. I will pray for her children and for you and for the rest of the family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen500 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starr Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Many :grouphug: and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I'm sorry Strider! It sounds like she was a wonderful friend and aunt. ((hugs)) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maddykate Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 My heart breaks for you. I lost my sister to brain cancer in 2001, after watching her battle it for 6 long years. I know what suffering your aunt experienced and I also know what you all suffered watching her. We aren't sure how long my sisters brain tumor was there, but looking back we always wonder if some of the bizarre behavior that she displayed were the result of that tumor. Cherish the good memories you have with your aunt - maybe even write them down for her children. I pray you have comfort and peace in knowing she is not suffering any longer. Maddykate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Perry Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unicorn. Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Strider, I am so sorry for your loss. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in PA Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denisemomof4 Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :crying: You've shared such beautiful things about Lisa. I can't imagine living with a brain tumor that long! I'm so sorry for the grief and loss you and Lisa's family are experiencing, but thankful that she is free and will never again suffer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Very sad for her family; I remember that when my Aunt died, just a few years ago.... she said, "I have lived a good life; I am ready." This was because of her battle with death. It's so sad when loved ones died, and you think, "Why couldn't we have had more time together?" I am sorry for YOU too, as I know you're grieving! So... prayers for her family and for you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patches Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug praying! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: I am so, so sorry. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giraffe Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirty ethel rackham Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 {{Strider}} I am so sorry. Prayers for her family and for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnTheBrink Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 So very sorry for your loss. Will be praying for her family, and for you. (((((strider))))) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denise in IN Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Strider, I'm so sorry for your loss. Praying for peace and strength for all of your family. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcconnellboys Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Joy, I am sorry for your loss but so happy that she can be at peace now after such a long, suffering time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stormy weather Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug: :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaT Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug: So very sorry for your loss. I will pray for you all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jenL Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 I am very sorry for your loss. It sounds like it was heartbreaking all these years; however, the fact that you were able to restore your cherished relationship after her second surgery is a true blessing. I'm sure you will hold on to those memories forever. May they comfort you as you grieve. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kalanamak Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 . Naturally, it's been awful for her five children, too, Here's betting a nurse comes out of that bunch. I have seen grieving children channel their sorrow that way (and a healthy way, it is) over and over. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muffinmom Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lovemywhirlygirls Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 Strider, I am deeply sorry for your loss. I pray that the Lord will bring palpable comfort and peace to your heart and the hearts of her husband and children. I pray that as time passes a new wind of hope and possibility and good things will blow away the pain and loss and darkness of such a long and devastating illness. I pray they find a new way to be family. I am sure the idea is unfathomable at this moment. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dayle in Guatemala Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug:I'm so sorry for your loss and I will definitely be praying for your cousins. I know you are a BIG part of their life and will be needing you. It's a bitter-sweet time I'm sure.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2cents Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: No words- just hugs. :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justamouse Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 :grouphug::grouphug: I'm so, so sorry for all of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BeckyFL Posted January 23, 2011 Share Posted January 23, 2011 So very sorry. What a very sad story. I will pray for your family and hers.:grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparkle Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I'm so sorry. What a heartbreaking situation, and what a beautiful tribute to your aunt. May she rest in peace. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
*Inna* Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss. :grouphug::grouphug::grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carol in Cal. Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 So eloquent and heartfelt, Strider. I pray for peace for you and for her DH and children. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harriet Vane Posted January 24, 2011 Author Share Posted January 24, 2011 Thank you, friends, for your kind messages. You've been an encouragement to me today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I'm praying for you too strider and for her family. I'm so sorry for your loss. She'll undoubtedly be watching over all of you from above. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy in Indy Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 Praying for you and for all the family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammyla Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I'm so sorry for your loss.:grouphug:Prayers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lizzie in Ma Posted January 24, 2011 Share Posted January 24, 2011 I am so sorry for your loss, I can't imagine what your family has gone through with all this. I am glad you shared such precious times together. :grouphug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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