This post is going to be one of the most challenging posts to write.
Jenna, my cousins Kristelle, Mera, Me,Amanda,my cousin Elyce, my Aunt, and my Mom at the Shower
My mom began her process of chemo every other week, and was handling it very well. She was hard at work finalizing the Bridal Shower for Amanda. We decided on a beach theme since we live near the Ocean and it was summer time. Also, we were having it at my moms favorite restaurant in town, which was right on the water.
Everything was coming together and on Saturday August 18, 2012 my mom threw Amanda and Nathan the most beautiful Ocean themed Bridal shower. (I may be slightly biased) Down to the drink list my mom planned everything out. Being as sick as she was, she was so happy for Nathan and Amanda, and wanted to celebrate this special time with them. She looked wonderful and so happy. She was able to catch up with old friends, and family. Every single woman who walked into that restaurant was shocked when they saw how good my mom looked. She was so sick, yet she looked like she was as healthy as could be. She accomplished yet another goal! She not only planned a beautiful shower, but she was able to enjoy the day! She was tired after the long afternoon, but once again NEVER once showed any signs of slowing down. She was ready to fight this cancer head on, and now was even more determined to make it to Nathan and Amanda's wedding on October 13, 2012.
Deborah, Mom, and Donna at the Shower
After a wonderful weekend, everyone was back to their routine Monday morning. We all went back to work (including my mom), but for some reason our beloved family pet Sherman didn't seem like he was feeling well. He wouldn't eat breakfast in the morning for my mom which was very unusual, and barely moved when I left for work.
I came home from work around 1:30PM and Sherman was still in the same spot from when I left, and didn't get up when I walked in the door (that was extremely weird). I thought maybe he had to go out since he was laying by the back door so I let him out. He climbed our steps in the backyard slowly, and once he made it to the top stood still. Then he all of a sudden started swaying back and forth, and then collaspsed. I let out the loudest most horrifying scream ever. I picked him up sat him down, and frantically ran inside to call my Dad and my mom. Our decision was that my dad and my mom were both going to leave work and meet me at Sherman's vet. I picked Sherman up and carried him all the way to my car. I thought I was going to loose him on the way there. When we got to the vet Sherman wouldn't move he was carried in by my dad and started on IV fluids right away. They did an ultra sound to see what could be the cause, and found what everyone feared. Sherman had cancer. By the time we had caught it it was already in his spleen, liver, and around his heart. There was nothing we could do. We called Jenna at work and told her to come to the vet. We decided the best thing for Sherman was to put him to sleep. He had shared 9 wonderful years with us, and we did not want to see him suffer, it was not a time for us to be selfish. He was my first dog, my best friend, always there for me when I needed him. I remember thinking how mad I was at cancer, first attacking my mom and making her fight for her life, and then taking my dog away from me in the matter of minutes. When my mom said goodbye to Sherman she said something I will never forget. "Goodbye Pal, I will see you up there soon". Putting a pet to sleep is a very hard thing to do. Our hearts were heavy leaving the vet, but deep down we new we did the best thing for our pal Sherman. I hope you're chasing those Cats up at the rainbow bridge Shermy buddy. Love and miss you forever.
A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself.
- Josh Billings
Sherman June 4, 2003-August 20, 2012
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