Life Changer

[Blazin Pyro]

I didn't know how to start this thread but wrote it as I felt it. I have had a great loss in my family on Sunday morning. My mom pased away due to cancer. It's been difficult for our family as she has been living with it, colon cancer, for over two years. Actually it was more difficult for her. I found out my second day of a class I was teaching, for a fire department, some seven hours drive away. It was very hard to teach with her on my mind. What is ironic the day she had surgery, to remove the cancer, I was teaching just as far away. She told me then not to stay home and go do what I was supposed to -- my job. She made it clear that I wasn't operating so why did I have to be there!!

My mom was a firefighter's mom. During these past six weeks she has not been well. One day I was working overtime and had five minutes before I was to go home when the alarm went off for a medical at her house!! My worse nightmare and the longest drive for me ever doing this job. A couple of weeks ago, as she laid in the hospital, I told her how I felt that day and that I hoped I didn't have to do it again. Her response was what I expected -- "You will respond to my house again if you have to because it is your job!!" She was also a firefighter's wife and sister.

The month of August will never be the same for me as my wonderful son and wife's birthdays are at the beginning of the month while my mom and brother both passed at the end of the month a day apart. My brother died 29 years ago today. My mom leaves three children, nine grandchildren and two great-granchildren (my two granddaughters). Plus my daughter is due with another child in November.

I just want to apologize if I have not answered pm's or threads directly but I have been busy. I will be back soon. Please I want no sympathy I just want you to listen very carefully. If you hear "You will if you have to because it's you job", it will just be my mom giving me crap and motivating the heck out of me.

[htwheelz01]

Very sorry to hear that man. My prayers are with you and your family.

[JeRmZ]

My condolences and deepest sympathy for you and your family during this time. Keep your head held high and walk with pride my friend as I'm sure your mother will be looking down on you and wouldn't want to see you any other way!

[SingleDaddyof2]

Our thoughts are with you and yours...very difficult times for you and your family. But thanks for sharing with us...perhaps it will some how help the rest of us cope whenever we suffer a similar loss.

Andy

[vikingfan101]

Its always hard to think of something to say on these, but my deepest condolences go out to you and your family. My prayers are with you.

[StainLss]

My prayers will also be with you.

[Blazin Pyro]

Thanks for the nice comments, thoughts and prayers. I'm sure she appreciates it as much as my family does.