Hi - this is Patrick, I'm Leni's third son. I live in Montreal. I arrived in Sacramento this week, to be with my four brothers and our significant others through the coming weekend, and to take care of my mom. We will be here to care for her and give her strength.
We have decided to continue using this blog to communicate for her. My mom wants everyone to know that she draws much comfort from the thoughts and prayers you are offering. She likes it very much when we read her the many cards that she receives.
Last night we spent a few moments in her garden, which gives her great joy. I watched her smile as several birds flew over the house. And this morning at daybreak, we sat quietly in front of an open door, watching the sun light the eastern sky. She really loved this. She commented how often people do not appreciate such simple moments.
This morning I asked her what I should write for her - what did she want to communicate. She wants everyone to know that she is in a difficult part of the illness. She wants you to know that her sons will be her communicators over the coming weeks, as she is really trying to conserve her energy. She spends much of her time sleeping or lying comfortably in bed. She also wants everyone to know that she is looking forward to her doctor's appointment this Monday. She is curious to get an updated prognosis and most of us will go with her to the doctor's office.
Mom started intravenous chemotherapy on Wed Feb 13. She had four sessions, from Wed to Sat. She suffered from side effects which were difficult for her, but she is steadily regaining her strength, eating more and remaining awake for longer periods of time each day.
Last weekend, she asked Colleen and Mandy to cut her hair. She sat out in her garden, while the girls did a great job cutting. She looks great, and she really likes the result.
For those of you who have called, sent emails, cards or gifts, we can't tell you how much we appreciate your concern and your thoughts. It means a lot to her, and it means a lot to us to know that so many people are thinking of her.
Many people ask how they can help. What can you do? You can continue to reach out to my brothers and I via email or phone calls. You can send her a card. She very much likes to hear that people are thinking of her. It provides her great strength. You can take pause in your day, spend a moment and breathe the early morning air or watch the sun rise and set and think of her. She would gather great comfort knowing that you are doing this for her.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
Hi Leni and hi to your family. What a good lot they are to be at your side and loving you with their care and presence. I loved the images Patrick relays of you: in the garden; gazing at the day break sky; and resting comfortably in your bed. As the storm gathers tonight I am praying for your strength. I am with you in spirit and love.
Peace & Every Good, Janet
Good Morning Leni,
I also enjoyed hearing Partick's account of you spending time in your garden. I agree with you that we all need to be reminded to slow down and have a chance to enjoy the daily simplier pleasures that can offer us. For me it makes each day more meaningful and helps me develop patience. Your garden sounds like a space you really love.
I try and spend as much time outside as possible even if that be only minutes because of the winter season. I often walk out onto our back deck and gaze at the moon and stars at night or in daylight survey the landscape of trees, birds, and squirels. I often think about you when I am outside, wondering what you are doing and how you are doing. I could also relate to your sleeping and resting since it seemed I was on a similar track for a year. In fact sometimes even now I will still nap, and how important the resting part was to the whole regime.
Also happy to hear you are eating more rather than less. I found it helpful when I was hungry to eat what I wanted. What I wanted tasted good and then I could really enjoy whatever it was.
Be assured that all prayers here are being sent there and that whenever possible I send positive thoughts, at least daily. I am also thinking that this year aside from having our annual vegetable garden I may create a garden santuary something like Pat descibed, a special place to spend quiet, thoughtful time.
I am very glad to hear the whole family is there with you. What a treasure and can't help but wonder what the gang is up to. I often think about just how busy the hosehold during the growing years.
I will write again soon.
Love & prayers,
Martha
Dear Leni and and a big EH! to the rest of the family. Just wanted to send a word from Canada since we spend our days freezing and snowblowing snow. First of all how great it must be having all the family there to comfort you. I cannot write creatively as Patrick or your lady friends but in our hearts we have a special place for you during our evening prayers. Remain strong Leni, eat well (too bad my mother isn't there stuffing you with her Italian specialties) and stay positive.
Get Patrick and his brothers to rent funny movies, watch funny programs and tell jokes everyday for there is nothing more heartwarming or uplifting than laughing. I too have went through some difficult times and with laughter and a strong family I went throught it.
So to start it off, here is one:
Mother Superior called all the nuns together and said to them, 'I must tell you all something. We have a case of gonorrhea in the convent.'
'Thank God,' said an elderly nun at the back. 'I'm so tired of
chardonay'.
Remain positive and enjoy, but I must advise, I will send you more jokes.
Love and kisses from Angelo, Miryt, Marc and Melissa.
PS. Smile all the time this way every one will think you're up to something.
Dearest Leni and Family,
It just time for the sun to set and wind is calming now...as the world quiets I can't help but to think of you. The candle you gave to us at Christmas has become my prayer candle of you. I see it first thing in the morning and again before going to bed and always it reminds to thank God for the gift of your presence in our lives and for his supports with your health. I think the concept of quiet and prayer, lavender and lace, beautiful bows on packages, special notes that show how very intimately you know the people in your life. All these things bring my thoughts to you.
Karl and I were fortunate to have a wonderful breakfast with Shannon, Colleen and the children. They are such a loving family. I can't help but see your influence there. For them and all the others to gather in Sacramento for you is such a gift.
We look forward to the news from your Doctor's visit today and pray the news is the answer we have been praying for. Our dear Leni, please feel our love and prayers with you, Ethel
Hello Leni, this is one of Mike's friends and colleagues here at OSHPD. I just wanted you to know how special Mike is to OSHPD and to the state in general. I admire his kindred spirit, dedication and integrity. I can see from reading others comments that he inherited these characteristics from you. You should take comfort in knowing that Mike is a shining star and epitomizes what it is to be of service to the public. May you find peace and comfort as you journey through this difficult time. My prayers are with you and your family. Love, from D.C. Your sister in Christ.
You, sharing quiet moments of peace with your children in that beautiful sanctuary that you created for yourself.
God is listening, Leni. He hears us.
You and I both know that His answers never come in the form we like. But there is peace to had by what He gives.
It sounds like you are finding some, and this brings me great joy. I will continue to pray, because I can tell...
He is listening.
Leni, know that many of us love you and are strengthen to see you face this challenge with the courage that you always exhibit. You are in my prayers. I have been speaking with Helen (our tax accountant) and together she and I are prepared to whatever we can to help. Lon has also been in touch with Helen, and all of us are thinking of you. Anthony and I love you dearly and are praying. Keep the faith... we are!
Thank you so much for thinking to keep all of your friends informed. I extend to you big, warm hugs and prayers for healing. God is the ultimate healer and I have faith in His unlimited power. I am so glad that you are surrounded by the love and support of those who love you most. Keep the faith.
Thank you so much for thinking to keep all of your friends informed. I extend to you big, warm hugs and prayers for healing. God is the ultimate healer and I have faith in His unlimited power. I am so glad that you are surrounded by the love and support of those who love you most. Keep the faith.
Thank you so much for thinking to keep all of your friends informed. I extend to you big, warm hugs and prayers for healing. God is the ultimate healer and I have faith in His unlimited power. I am so glad that you are surrounded by the love and support of those who love you most. Keep the faith.
Sweet, Sweet Leni--
I see the yellow finches and daffodils of spring and feel a time of renewal about. The nausea and side effects of chemo seem to indicate it's working. It also make me cry to hear what you must endure. Our prayers, love and a gentle hug to you and all your family.
Cindy, Joseph and Patrick
Post a Comment