Category: Relationships
Posted by Della Cassia on Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 11:38 AMDespite illness, grandmother offers special gift on special day
There she sat, tears welling in her eyes and a big smile on her face. I looked at her, thankful she could be part of my daughter's special day.
My mother, Aline's grandmother, was diagnosed with acute leukemia almost three months ago. The initial prognosis was grim, to say the least. Amazingly, at 76 years old, she has beaten the odds, survived two rounds of chemotherapy and felt strong enough to attend her only grandchild's christening Sunday.
My mother and I share a special bond; it's a relationship that I hope my daughter and I will have as well. She raised me on her own. As a single mother, she survived many obstacles, yet never once lost sight of her ultimate goal: giving me the future and life she felt I deserved.
Her strength and determination carried her through this painful phase of her life and, even during the most trying times of her cancer treatment, she wanted to make sure I was taking care of myself and her granddaughter's wardrobe was well stocked.
My mother purchased Aline's christening gown while she was in the hospital. She had me take my laptop there so she could shop for dresses online. When she saw the one she liked, she ordered me to get it right away. She went over the christening menu with me and made sure there would be plenty of food for everyone.
Despite being weak, my mother asked to go shopping for a hat to cover her now bald head and have her nails done so she could look presentable Sunday. And she did. Despite sporting a PICC line for her medication on her left arm, and a black wool hat on her head, she was still the same person I've loved and respected all my life.
Thursday, she goes back to the hospital for a third round of chemotherapy. She knows the drill by now and is aware the two weeks that will follow will be challenging. Yet the only question she asked her doctor last week was, "When all this is done, will I able to baby-sit my granddaughter again?"
As I looked at my mom Sunday, that was my wish as well. I want my daughter to learn from and be around this powerful force who has been my guiding angel throughout my life.
