Andrea, I know we don’t know each other, but this all rang so incredibly true for me! My mother suffered from a terminal illness for five years before her death in 2020 and they were the five hardest years of my life. She lived five hours away from me and her anxiety, which she had struggled mightily with her entire life, came back with a vengeance and was probably even worse than the physical symptoms and chemotherapy she had to undergo. I learned all of those lessons you mentioned but learned some the hard as it took several years for me to accept help and let go of the control I was so desperately trying to hang onto. I’m so glad you’re learning these early and pray that your mother‘s journey is as smooth and easy as possible and ends with complete healing! I will pray for her medical team and all who love her as well. One thing we did all get right during my mother‘s illness was seeing all of the goodness that surrounded us. It almost seemed magnified, and I hang onto those moments of beauty to this day.
I don’t know you Andrea, but stumbled across your Substack which I really enjoy- thank you. How terrifying to be evacuated & in path of the fire- I am so sorry for those who lost their homes. I also live in the PNW & this is going to be a rough fire summer. I am not a religious person, but I am sending you & your mom all of the positive energy I can- along with my best friend who is starting chemo for breast cancer next week & another friend facing stage 4 colon cancer. I sent my friend the William Stafford poem. I am reading two very heavy books- one about cancer and one about PFAS water pollution after watching the movie Dark Waters- your post was exactly what I needed this morning!❤️
That wildfire was so scary, I was home when we got the evacuation notice, and we had less than 5 minutes to grab a couple of things. I had only noticed the fire about 2 minutes before the level 3 notice. Our home is also safe but I agree the firetrucks driving by and the planes overhead are also leaving me on high alert. I don't know if you remember me from school, but I couldn't not leave a comment, because I could relate so much to your feelings about it.
You give me hope Andrea!You have been through so much. I instantly go to a negative place when things don’t turn out the way I had planned. I need to take things at a slower pace and not try to figure things out all at once.
It’s a struggle looking for the good in the world when everything is spiraling, but it’s getting easier. There is hope!
I’m so glad you wrote and shared this. I love your voice and I’m sure it resonated with many. I love the line where you write all we had was each other and the clothes on our back. I understand deeply what it feels like to be on high alert and fire season adds a deeper level to that. I hope we get some rain soon in our neighborhoods and in our hearts. Love you friend!
Stopping now to pray for your mom and y'all.
Thank you! I appreciate it!
Andrea, I know we don’t know each other, but this all rang so incredibly true for me! My mother suffered from a terminal illness for five years before her death in 2020 and they were the five hardest years of my life. She lived five hours away from me and her anxiety, which she had struggled mightily with her entire life, came back with a vengeance and was probably even worse than the physical symptoms and chemotherapy she had to undergo. I learned all of those lessons you mentioned but learned some the hard as it took several years for me to accept help and let go of the control I was so desperately trying to hang onto. I’m so glad you’re learning these early and pray that your mother‘s journey is as smooth and easy as possible and ends with complete healing! I will pray for her medical team and all who love her as well. One thing we did all get right during my mother‘s illness was seeing all of the goodness that surrounded us. It almost seemed magnified, and I hang onto those moments of beauty to this day.
Thank you for sharing part of your story! It’s good to know we’re not alone when we’re struggling.
On no :( I’m very worried about this summer in Washington state.
My thoughts and prayers are with your mom
Thank you, Jenna!
Sending you and your family lots of love, Andrea, and will keep you in my prayers. 💙
Thank you so much!
I don’t know you Andrea, but stumbled across your Substack which I really enjoy- thank you. How terrifying to be evacuated & in path of the fire- I am so sorry for those who lost their homes. I also live in the PNW & this is going to be a rough fire summer. I am not a religious person, but I am sending you & your mom all of the positive energy I can- along with my best friend who is starting chemo for breast cancer next week & another friend facing stage 4 colon cancer. I sent my friend the William Stafford poem. I am reading two very heavy books- one about cancer and one about PFAS water pollution after watching the movie Dark Waters- your post was exactly what I needed this morning!❤️
Thank you! I hope things go well for your friends.
That wildfire was so scary, I was home when we got the evacuation notice, and we had less than 5 minutes to grab a couple of things. I had only noticed the fire about 2 minutes before the level 3 notice. Our home is also safe but I agree the firetrucks driving by and the planes overhead are also leaving me on high alert. I don't know if you remember me from school, but I couldn't not leave a comment, because I could relate so much to your feelings about it.
All the good energy for your mom!
Of course I remember you! I’m so glad your home is safe. It was good to hear from you, Emma!
Hugs to you and your family. You are making it through difficult times. Feel loved. Feel strong.
Thank you very much!
You give me hope Andrea!You have been through so much. I instantly go to a negative place when things don’t turn out the way I had planned. I need to take things at a slower pace and not try to figure things out all at once.
It’s a struggle looking for the good in the world when everything is spiraling, but it’s getting easier. There is hope!
Thanks for this post friend.💝
You’re such a blessing to me, Libby! 😀 I think being a hopeful person is kind of like building muscles. You’re stronger than you might realize. ❤️
I’m so glad you wrote and shared this. I love your voice and I’m sure it resonated with many. I love the line where you write all we had was each other and the clothes on our back. I understand deeply what it feels like to be on high alert and fire season adds a deeper level to that. I hope we get some rain soon in our neighborhoods and in our hearts. Love you friend!
Some rain sounds wonderful! Love you too!
Sending your strength, hope, and courage as you face the challenges now and moving forward. ❤️🩹
Thank you so much, Angie!