I will be taking a blog break until Tuesday. My dear cousin Pam lost her battle with cancer on January 2. A mere 30 days after Tony died. She was an amazing woman, and way to young to leave this earth at the young age of 56.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000 and enjoyed eight years of remission before in 2008, the cancer had spread to her bones. She was only 50 years old at the time and filled a lifetime of experiences in the last six years of her life – ride in a helicopter, taste sake, attend a political rally. Mind you, this woman didn’t just start to live life when she thought she didn’t have much time. She married her college sweet heart Weare, they traveled extensively before having two children, both of whom she got to see get married and she got to meet her first grandchild.
One of my fondest memories of Pam was when she and Weare were traveling across the country with back packs, and had arranged it in their schedule to stop at our house to shower and spend the night. I was probably 11 or 12 at the time, so Pam would have been 21 or 22. Maybe we were both older, I don’t remember now. All I remember is they walked into our house and Pam commented that she hadn’t had a shower in 3 days and I remember thinking “how fucking cool is that?!” (okay, maybe I didn’t swear back then, but you get the idea!). Here was a woman who was traveling across the country with her then boyfriend AND she didn’t have to take a shower every day!
My Mom and I are flying to Chesapeake Virginia tomorrow morning and will be coming back Monday afternoon. Skippy, I wish I was closer and had more time to visit, but I promise I will some day!
I am not going to lie, as soon as I heard that Pam went into hospice, I balled my eyes out. Not just for Pam but losing Tony so soon before, just the word hospice threw me right back to when we brought Tony home. Sadly, Tony and Pam never met in real life, but I have no doubt that they are having a great time together – I know Tony would welcome her with open arms because he knew how much I loved her.
Pam’s Mom, my Aunt Cele, who is my godmother, at 5:00 p.m. every day gets herself a glass of white wine/whiskey rocks/whatever and toasts to a “Brand New Party!”
I know that this weekend will be a mix of tears and laughter, and hopefully by the end of the weekend, more laughter and memories are made.
Hug the ones you love. Every day. You never know when it’s the last time you’ll get that chance.
Every day is a chance to have a Brand New Party and I hope you all take full advantage of the gift you are given. I know going forward I surely will.
Hugs!
Oh, Biz – I’m so sorry about your cousin!!!
Glad you and your mom are able to fly out together. Your aunt sounds like my kind of gal!!
Aw….sorry to hear and especially so close to Tony. Have a safe trip there and back.
So sorry Beth…. I lost my Mom to cancer when she was a mere 52. Hope your weekend isn’t too emotionally draining for you. Hang in there and be good to yourself 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Not a great reason to visit Tidewater, but still enjoy the warmer temperatures here…still a bit cold but not as cold as where you live,
What a lovely tribute I am sorry for your loss. She sounds like a remarkable woman who took full advantage of the life was given. We should all learn to do the same.
So sorry for you loss Biz! Safe travels and lots of virtual HUGS to you!
What a lovely tribute! I’m sorry you’ve lost someone else you loved. It’s good to hear that she lived a full life when she could. Even though it’s a sad occasion, enjoy the time with your family celebrating Pam’s life. Safe travels – Lynne.
I haven’t said much in a long time, soaking it all in, this walk you are on…I do believe I will begin a BRAND NEW PARTY tradition, too many I know in the last few year are gone too soon. I like this idea, BRAND NEW PARTY, my brother always said, ‘Better than yesterday’, so I think I will smash the two together, here is to a BRAND NEW PARTY THAT IS BETTER THAN YESTERDAY. Love to you my ‘fake’ friend 🙂
Peggy
So sorry to hear, Biz! Thank you for sharing her wonderful story. I love that she *really* lived life! More than most of us do. And Brand New Party!? Gotta love that.
Safe journeys. Thinking of you.
I’m so sorry to read of your loss. 🙁 Life sure has given you some lemons lately! I hope you have a safe trip! Take care.
May she rest in peace and Here’s To a Brand New Party!
I am so sorry about your cousin. Sometimes I need a reminder to live each day to the fullest. Each and every day is a gift that we shouldn’t take for granted. Brand New Party- words to live by. Love it!
Bless you and your mom as you go to see Pam off – what a lovely tribute to her.
Oh Biz, I am so sorry for another loss in your family. Your tribute is beautiful! I’m sure she would be so honored by your post. Godspeed to you and your family! xo~
I’m so sorry Biz. What a beautiful woman. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I hope you have a safe trip.
Sorry for your loss! You will be in my area, so I hope that despite the circumstances you enjoy your visit.
So sorry for your loss, Biz. Way too young – life certainly isn’t fair sometimes.
I am sorry Biz. Safe travels to you.
So sorry, Beth! (((you)))
So sorry to hear about your cousin. You’re probably right about Tony welcoming her!
Safe travel.
Best,
Bonnie