A couple of people have asked for the text of the afterword my mother wrote for Mom's Cancer, part of which I read on "All Things Considered." The whole thing runs nearly three pages and, as I said on the air, Mom really did write it herself. That's her voice; I think it's worth the price of my book by itself. Here's the excerpt I read:
It's too soon to know what I've learned from all this. I know the most important person for me to take care of now is me, so that I will be around to help others later.... Cherish rest, laughter, friends, and prayers. Trust in yourself and make a peace treaty with your Higher Power. Have a Hero to never let go of and help you make it through the terrifying nights. Take frequent baths to get rid of the scent of toxins. Watch a lot of comedies. Keep your mind and hands busy. Then just breathe for as long as you can, knowing that others are helping to hold you up.
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4 comments:
I heard it too, in the car, on my way home from work. Your mother was a wise woman. What a precious work.
Thanks for sharing. (I lost my Mom to cancer last year..)
I know the most important person for me to take care of now is me, so that I will be around to help others later....
Thank you, so very much, for this quote. I think - sometimes - this is hard to explain to others. But with reference points like these, it really makes sense.
"Take care of yourself, so you can help take care of others."
Hi Mr. Writer,
I lost my Mom with the same disease, lung cancer that mets on her brain and bone last April. Right now, my dad is here in the US to spend time with us and we talked about Mom. I haven't read your book yet but the previews sounded so familiar with how we experienced the same fate. Btw, I also have a nurse sister:-)
Good luck to you.
Thanks, everyone, I appreciate your comments very much. Cherry, I'd be interested in your thoughts if you have a chance to read my book. I think we were both real lucky to have a Nurse Sis around.
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