Jul 30 2003
Coming together
Do you think everything happens for a reason? Or that it’s all random? I don’t know – it’s one of those questions like the existence of God that I don’t know the answer to but wish I did – but sometimes things just seem to come together.
Earlier this week, after more than seven years at my job, I was laid off, along with a dozen or so other people. Clearly, it was a decision made by Corporate and not by my own team, who are hugely inconvenienced by my sudden departure. It’s all about getting rid of the most expensive people following the end of the fiscal year and the beginning of the budget process.
My boss was much more upset than I was as she told me. Her hands were shaking and she was almost in tears. I really wasn’t upset. The first thing I thought of was that now I had time to go and take care of my mother.
I haven’t told you, faithful readers, that my mother is dying.
Earlier this month, my sister Megan brought Mom to her place to nurse her through a lung infection. Meg figured it was better to take care of Mom in her own home instead of at Mom’s. She brought Mom in to the hospital where she works, and Mom was diagnosed with pneumonia. In the course of diagnosing the pneumonia, the doctors discovered that Mom’s breast cancer, which had spread throughout her bones last year, is now in her lungs.
There is nothing more they can do. It’s just a matter of time, and not much of that. So on Saturday, John and I are heading up there. He’ll come back on Monday, but I’ll stay until it’s over. It will be good to be with my brother and sisters – Beth is here from England indefinitely – and Mom, to do what I can and to say good-bye.
I’m so glad I now have the time to do that. It’s an incredible gift. And I’m so glad to have the family I have.
12 Responses to “Coming together”
I believe everything happens for a reason. Talk about a incredibly stressful week.
*hugs* I’ll be praying that your Mom’s remaining time on earth is as pleasant as it can be. Take care of yourself. I’m here for you if you need me.
Thinking of you lass.
We’ll be thinking of you while you’re gone.
My mom is a huge believer that everything happens for a reason and she’s passed at least some of that on to me.
Be sure to take care of you while you’re taking care of your mom.
*hugs* and a pox on that hideous company for whom I used to work!
Sometimes things work out just the way you want. I”m glad that you have this time with your Mum. Thinking of you.
So sorry to hear about your mom, Suzy. And this job situation is at once awful and, as you say, an incredible gift of time that I imagine you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.
Please know that many of us are thinking about you and sending positive vibes your way.
You and the rest of your family are in my thoughts.
I’m sorry Suzy. Take care of yourself too.
I do beleive that everything happens for a reason. I am glad that you are getting this time with your Mom. I am sure it will be difficult but I know that it will mean a lot to you. You and Mom, as well as the rest of your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I also want to thank you for being such a positive voice for me. You see the toll that cancer is taking on your mother yet you have taken the time to encourage and to reach out to me. You are a gem. Take care Suzy.
Suzy,
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
((((hugs))))
An incredible gift indeed. I’ll be thinking of you and your mom.
Hope things go as well as they can. Be strong.