Wednesday, May 26, 2010
4 – 8 PM
Drop in for a little while or stay for the whole event
The Shaw’s Center
1 Lexington Avenue
Brockton, MA 02301
(508) 559- 7090
http://www.theshawscenter.com/
For non-CMRG employees, please RSVP by Thursday, May 20, 2010, so we can plan the buffet accordingly. Email litamattson@yahoo.com with the number of people attending.
For CMRG employees, you will be receiving information at work on how to RSVP.
It was Lita’s wish that we do not morn her passing with a funeral or a wake. Instead she asked that we throw a big party. Thus the idea of a Celebration of Life was formed.
We have all been touched by her generous heart, her loyalty, and her friendship and love. We have witnessed her “can-do attitude” in the face of so many challenges. We were wowed by her strength and determination to do everything she could on her own. Now let us spend some time together to share these stories and memories, listen to some of her favorite music, and celebrate the fact that she was here and a part of our lives. A dedication is planned for approximately 6 PM.
In honor of the fact that red was her favorite color, we are asking that everyone wear something that has red in it. Lita wants us to celebrate, so please wear clothes you are comfortable in – no suites and formal dresses unless that is what you like to wear.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Saturday, May 1, 2010
She'll Be Missed
Lita Jean (Norman) Mattson - 54
March 8, 1956 – April 29, 2010
Lita passed away early in the afternoon on April 29, 2010, at her sister’s home in Westford, MA, from Breast Cancer. Born March 8, 1956, to Janice (Ellis) Norman and Laurence Norman, at Murphy Army Hospital in Waltham, Lita has had many medical struggles from the very beginning. Lita was born with a congenital heart defect, and doctors told her parents “not to get too attached to her.” Lita proved the doctors wrong at every turn, and formed many strong relationships with family, friends and co-workers. It is these relationships that defined her life.
Lita worked most of her life in accounts payable. Lita worked in the finance department of Casual Male Retail Group (CMRG) in Canton, MA, since 1986 where she made life-long friends. In fact, the people at CMRG became her second family and supported her in so many ways over the years, especially during her chemotherapy treatments. Even after Lita went on hospice care, members of the CMRG team called, emailed, and visited on a regular basis. She appreciated each and every one of these relationships throughout the years.
Lita felt very blessed to be treated by Dr. Dhillon and her team at Norfolk Cancer Center in Brockton, MA. Lita began seeing Dr. Dhillon in the mid-nineties for Breast Cancer and could not say enough about the care she received from Dr. Dhillon and her team. In fact, when talking of moving out of state, she decided not to move because of Dr. Dhillon. When you saw Lita at the clinic, the bond she shared with staff and patients was very obvious.
During her final months, Lita received hospice care at her sister’s home in Westford, MA, and received outstanding care from the VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell. The team of nurses, doctors, health aides, social workers, art therapists, Reiki practitioners, pharmacists, delivery people, and spiritual advisors took care of her medical needs as well as her comfort and emotional needs with their team-approach to caring for patients. Lita looked forward to seeing each of these people and they her.
While Lita thought she lead an ordinary life, nothing could be further from the truth. In spite of all her medical difficulties, Lita did not give up when so many others would. If it needed to be done, she did it. If it was in her power to help someone else, she would even if it meant that she went without. Her final act of giving was to donate her body to science. It was her belief that if doctors can use her body to help someone else, then they should do it. They may perform research, or they may teach doctors to do stitches or other procedures. In any case, it may help doctors to help other people down the road, which is exactly what Lita wanted.
Some of Lita’s hobbies included making hand-made cards, scrapbooking, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, reading, and watching Patriots football.
Lita is survived by her son, Peter Mattson, her father, Laurence Norman, her brothers Donald, Paul, and Larry Norman, her sister, Clydene (Norman) Horrigan, and many nieces and nephews. Lita was pre-deceased by her mother, Janice (Ellis) Norman and her grandparents.
While many people send flowers to the family under these circumstances, the family requests that instead you give flowers to a loved one, place flowers on a soldier’s grave or make a donation in Lita’s memory to the Hospice organization that cared for her until her passing.
VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell
334 Center Street
PO Box 1965
Lowell, MA 01853
A celebration of life is being planned for family, friends, and co-workers. More information will follow once the arrangements have been made.
March 8, 1956 – April 29, 2010
Lita passed away early in the afternoon on April 29, 2010, at her sister’s home in Westford, MA, from Breast Cancer. Born March 8, 1956, to Janice (Ellis) Norman and Laurence Norman, at Murphy Army Hospital in Waltham, Lita has had many medical struggles from the very beginning. Lita was born with a congenital heart defect, and doctors told her parents “not to get too attached to her.” Lita proved the doctors wrong at every turn, and formed many strong relationships with family, friends and co-workers. It is these relationships that defined her life.
Lita worked most of her life in accounts payable. Lita worked in the finance department of Casual Male Retail Group (CMRG) in Canton, MA, since 1986 where she made life-long friends. In fact, the people at CMRG became her second family and supported her in so many ways over the years, especially during her chemotherapy treatments. Even after Lita went on hospice care, members of the CMRG team called, emailed, and visited on a regular basis. She appreciated each and every one of these relationships throughout the years.
Lita felt very blessed to be treated by Dr. Dhillon and her team at Norfolk Cancer Center in Brockton, MA. Lita began seeing Dr. Dhillon in the mid-nineties for Breast Cancer and could not say enough about the care she received from Dr. Dhillon and her team. In fact, when talking of moving out of state, she decided not to move because of Dr. Dhillon. When you saw Lita at the clinic, the bond she shared with staff and patients was very obvious.
During her final months, Lita received hospice care at her sister’s home in Westford, MA, and received outstanding care from the VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell. The team of nurses, doctors, health aides, social workers, art therapists, Reiki practitioners, pharmacists, delivery people, and spiritual advisors took care of her medical needs as well as her comfort and emotional needs with their team-approach to caring for patients. Lita looked forward to seeing each of these people and they her.
While Lita thought she lead an ordinary life, nothing could be further from the truth. In spite of all her medical difficulties, Lita did not give up when so many others would. If it needed to be done, she did it. If it was in her power to help someone else, she would even if it meant that she went without. Her final act of giving was to donate her body to science. It was her belief that if doctors can use her body to help someone else, then they should do it. They may perform research, or they may teach doctors to do stitches or other procedures. In any case, it may help doctors to help other people down the road, which is exactly what Lita wanted.
Some of Lita’s hobbies included making hand-made cards, scrapbooking, jewelry making, knitting, crocheting, reading, and watching Patriots football.
Lita is survived by her son, Peter Mattson, her father, Laurence Norman, her brothers Donald, Paul, and Larry Norman, her sister, Clydene (Norman) Horrigan, and many nieces and nephews. Lita was pre-deceased by her mother, Janice (Ellis) Norman and her grandparents.
While many people send flowers to the family under these circumstances, the family requests that instead you give flowers to a loved one, place flowers on a soldier’s grave or make a donation in Lita’s memory to the Hospice organization that cared for her until her passing.
VNA Hospice of Greater Lowell
334 Center Street
PO Box 1965
Lowell, MA 01853
A celebration of life is being planned for family, friends, and co-workers. More information will follow once the arrangements have been made.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hello
Hi everyone. Just a quick update. Since I last wrote, hospice has agreed to allow the nurses to take 3 liters of fluid out every other day with the caveat that they will monitor Lita during the procedure. If her blood pressure drops too low after two liters, they will not take the third. As for her eyes, she went back to the doctor and there was improvement. He decided to continue the medicine and added a nightly dose of arythramicen (that stuff you get for pink eye) into the mix. She goes back on Monday.
Lita has received lots of nice birthday wishes from friends and family. We had a small surprise party for her on Sunday with the family and Lok. When Lita was getting tapped, we quickly decorated the kitchen and living room with streamers and balloons. When she came out of her room she was surprised, and we enjoyed some cake and ice cream.
Today we are working on making some pants for Lita that work with her new body type :-) Well, that is it for now.
Clydene
Lita has received lots of nice birthday wishes from friends and family. We had a small surprise party for her on Sunday with the family and Lok. When Lita was getting tapped, we quickly decorated the kitchen and living room with streamers and balloons. When she came out of her room she was surprised, and we enjoyed some cake and ice cream.
Today we are working on making some pants for Lita that work with her new body type :-) Well, that is it for now.
Clydene
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Hello everyone,
Well, hasn't this weather been lovely? Up here in Westford we had a little snow when I got up yesterday - maybe 4 or 5 inches - but it has rained ever since! I'll take that over piles of snow any day!
Lita is doing well. In the last couple of weeks we have played a lot of games, watched TV, read, done arts & crafts, etc. Last Thursday we completed several scrapbook pages for an album we are making for Peter.
On the medical front, they have changed from taking three liters of fluid from her stomach a day to two liters a day. This change hasn't been comfortable for Lita. She is working with hospice to see if they can come up with a happy medium. They don't want to do it every day because of the toll it takes on the body even if she doesn't necessarily feel the effects of that toll. And she had an instance where when they took three liters and her blood pressure dropped too low. So we will have to see what they come up with.
Last week Darren took Lita to get her eyes checked because she was saying that her vision was blurry. While she was there the doctor asked her to read a line she had just read and she said it was blurry. He was like, "but you just read it with the same settings." Lita told him that was the problem. So the doc checked out her eyes and found that there was swelling in the iris. He gave her some prescription drops that she takes every four hours, and that has helped a great deal. Tomorrow she goes back to see the doc and hopefully he can give her the eye exam and see if she needs a new prescription.
Her apartment is about cleaned out. On Saturday the movers will be taking the hand-made furniture to Pete's grandmothers to store until he is older and gets a place of his own.
Well, that is it for now. I will write again soon.
Clydene
Well, hasn't this weather been lovely? Up here in Westford we had a little snow when I got up yesterday - maybe 4 or 5 inches - but it has rained ever since! I'll take that over piles of snow any day!
Lita is doing well. In the last couple of weeks we have played a lot of games, watched TV, read, done arts & crafts, etc. Last Thursday we completed several scrapbook pages for an album we are making for Peter.
On the medical front, they have changed from taking three liters of fluid from her stomach a day to two liters a day. This change hasn't been comfortable for Lita. She is working with hospice to see if they can come up with a happy medium. They don't want to do it every day because of the toll it takes on the body even if she doesn't necessarily feel the effects of that toll. And she had an instance where when they took three liters and her blood pressure dropped too low. So we will have to see what they come up with.
Last week Darren took Lita to get her eyes checked because she was saying that her vision was blurry. While she was there the doctor asked her to read a line she had just read and she said it was blurry. He was like, "but you just read it with the same settings." Lita told him that was the problem. So the doc checked out her eyes and found that there was swelling in the iris. He gave her some prescription drops that she takes every four hours, and that has helped a great deal. Tomorrow she goes back to see the doc and hopefully he can give her the eye exam and see if she needs a new prescription.
Her apartment is about cleaned out. On Saturday the movers will be taking the hand-made furniture to Pete's grandmothers to store until he is older and gets a place of his own.
Well, that is it for now. I will write again soon.
Clydene
Thursday, February 11, 2010
A Month Later
Hi everyone,
Sorry I haven't posted for the last week. I was without a computer for a few days and am just getting back online. It has been a good week. Lita is now being drained every day, and it has been helping her immensely. Today she even went up and down the stairs by herself! Considering where she was a month ago, this is huge news!
As she has been here she has been getting stronger. She has something going on almost every day. The visiting nurse comes daily. The home health aide comes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Thursdays are the big day where the Reiki practitioner comes and, starting today, an art therapist. Lita and I will be learning some type of technique where you do your artwork within a circle. I don't know much about it, but evidently they have found that patients find something comforting about this technique. I'll share more about it later after I have experienced it. And on the weekends she gets visits by varied and sundried characters.
When she isn't busy with people from hospice or visitors, Lita keeps busy. During the week she and my husband spend a lot of time together keeping each other company talking about who knows what. Sometimes she reads. She is currently reading "Table for Five" by Susan Wiggs. Darlyne gave me that book, and when I was done with it, I passed it on to Lita. It is a really nice book.
On Tuesday we spent a bit of time going through some of the stuff that I have brought here from her apartment and she is now busy crocheting with the yarn I brought home. She has also been drawing and coloring. You should see some of the upside-down work she has done along with my daughter. We also play a lot of board and card games to pass the time.
This morning Lita and I were talking about the fact that as she is getting stronger she will start to go stir-crazy. We are going to see about getting her a wheelchair so that I can take her out to the store or to the movie theater on days when she feels up to it.
Well, that is it for now. I hope you enjoyed getting caught up.
Clydene
Sorry I haven't posted for the last week. I was without a computer for a few days and am just getting back online. It has been a good week. Lita is now being drained every day, and it has been helping her immensely. Today she even went up and down the stairs by herself! Considering where she was a month ago, this is huge news!
As she has been here she has been getting stronger. She has something going on almost every day. The visiting nurse comes daily. The home health aide comes Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Thursdays are the big day where the Reiki practitioner comes and, starting today, an art therapist. Lita and I will be learning some type of technique where you do your artwork within a circle. I don't know much about it, but evidently they have found that patients find something comforting about this technique. I'll share more about it later after I have experienced it. And on the weekends she gets visits by varied and sundried characters.
When she isn't busy with people from hospice or visitors, Lita keeps busy. During the week she and my husband spend a lot of time together keeping each other company talking about who knows what. Sometimes she reads. She is currently reading "Table for Five" by Susan Wiggs. Darlyne gave me that book, and when I was done with it, I passed it on to Lita. It is a really nice book.
On Tuesday we spent a bit of time going through some of the stuff that I have brought here from her apartment and she is now busy crocheting with the yarn I brought home. She has also been drawing and coloring. You should see some of the upside-down work she has done along with my daughter. We also play a lot of board and card games to pass the time.
This morning Lita and I were talking about the fact that as she is getting stronger she will start to go stir-crazy. We are going to see about getting her a wheelchair so that I can take her out to the store or to the movie theater on days when she feels up to it.
Well, that is it for now. I hope you enjoyed getting caught up.
Clydene
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Did you know?
I am a scrapbooker. No, that isn't what I was asking you if you knew ;-) Anyway, a few years ago I decided to do a scrapbook layout about Lita, and I interviewed her for the page. I don't remember all of the questions I asked her - I'll have to dig that page up and maybe I can scan it and post it to this blog. I do, however, remember one question and answer very well because it was such a surprise to me. The question was, "What did you want to be when you grew up?" I was probably expecting her to say something like "a teacher." But no, my sister said she wanted to be a boy!
Now, as you can imagine, this was all a bit shocking to me? I thought, "did she have a gender identity crisis when she was little?" "Why would she want to be a boy?" Well, her reason was a bit of a surprise too, especially since I was so much younger than her that this would not come into play. She wanted to be a boy because she wanted to be a baseball player! I have been planning on writing about this for a few days, but an email she got from her childhood friend reminded me that I hadn't done it. Trish wrote "what happened to my friend who wanted to be a southpaw pitcher for the Redsox?" (or something to that affect). Thanks for the reminder, Trish.
Well, now that I am done with my little story, here is your "Lita update." Not much new to report. Lita is feeling about the same as she has been for the last couple of weeks. She is eating well, and the only problems she has been experiencing have to do with the fluid build-up, and last night she had a slight back ache. The new medication for the sleeping has been helping. Today she got through a bunch of emails that people had sent. It is slow going because she isn't use to using a laptop and her placement of hands and fingers causes the screen to do crazy things. The dang things are so sensitive!
That's all for now. Have a great night, everyone.
Clydene
Now, as you can imagine, this was all a bit shocking to me? I thought, "did she have a gender identity crisis when she was little?" "Why would she want to be a boy?" Well, her reason was a bit of a surprise too, especially since I was so much younger than her that this would not come into play. She wanted to be a boy because she wanted to be a baseball player! I have been planning on writing about this for a few days, but an email she got from her childhood friend reminded me that I hadn't done it. Trish wrote "what happened to my friend who wanted to be a southpaw pitcher for the Redsox?" (or something to that affect). Thanks for the reminder, Trish.
Well, now that I am done with my little story, here is your "Lita update." Not much new to report. Lita is feeling about the same as she has been for the last couple of weeks. She is eating well, and the only problems she has been experiencing have to do with the fluid build-up, and last night she had a slight back ache. The new medication for the sleeping has been helping. Today she got through a bunch of emails that people had sent. It is slow going because she isn't use to using a laptop and her placement of hands and fingers causes the screen to do crazy things. The dang things are so sensitive!
That's all for now. Have a great night, everyone.
Clydene
Monday, February 1, 2010
Lita has Email
Sorry it has been a few days since I have posted. The time just seemed to get away from me. Lita is doing well other than trouble sleeping and dealing with fluid retention. It is a good thing that they left the tap in so she can be drained. On Friday they removed about 2 liters and she is ready for it again. Evidently the nurse said that part of the reason for that is that she is eating and drinking more.
This weekend Lita was up and about quite a bit and doing more for herself and playing games with the family. As a matter of fact, she kicked my butt in Scrabble last night. She and my husband made it down to the wire with Lita inching him out by 3 or 4 points thanks to going out first!
For those of us who know Lita well, this is the way she likes it. To be able to make herself a little snack, get things from her room without having to ask, yada yada, gives her a little independence. As we spoke yesterday, I realized that she would probably like to be able to send and read her own emails instead of waiting for me to get home. So we set up an email address where you can correspond directly with her. It is litamattson@yahoo.com. Also, you can continue to add comments to this blog - it is good for everyone to see what we all write and to feel the love.
That is it for now.
Clydene
This weekend Lita was up and about quite a bit and doing more for herself and playing games with the family. As a matter of fact, she kicked my butt in Scrabble last night. She and my husband made it down to the wire with Lita inching him out by 3 or 4 points thanks to going out first!
For those of us who know Lita well, this is the way she likes it. To be able to make herself a little snack, get things from her room without having to ask, yada yada, gives her a little independence. As we spoke yesterday, I realized that she would probably like to be able to send and read her own emails instead of waiting for me to get home. So we set up an email address where you can correspond directly with her. It is litamattson@yahoo.com. Also, you can continue to add comments to this blog - it is good for everyone to see what we all write and to feel the love.
That is it for now.
Clydene
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Story Time
Hi all,
Lita had a good day today. This morning she had a Reiki treatment that put her to sleep. The Reiki therapist (for lack of a better word) told Lita before-hand that when a client falls asleep during a treatment it is the highest compliment. I guess it was good. This afternoon her son Peter and her step-son Glenn came for a visit and stayed for dinner. After dinner Kathy Henri and Holly came for a visit as well. Lita enjoyed these visits immensely.
So, what is this about story time? I would like for folks to add comments to this post and share a favorite "Lita" story. When you add a comment, don't forget to choose a profile. Also, I have noticed that frequently when I click "post comment" I get an error back from the server. Usually if I just click the button again, the post will be successful.
I can't wait to see what people have to share.
Clydene
Lita had a good day today. This morning she had a Reiki treatment that put her to sleep. The Reiki therapist (for lack of a better word) told Lita before-hand that when a client falls asleep during a treatment it is the highest compliment. I guess it was good. This afternoon her son Peter and her step-son Glenn came for a visit and stayed for dinner. After dinner Kathy Henri and Holly came for a visit as well. Lita enjoyed these visits immensely.
So, what is this about story time? I would like for folks to add comments to this post and share a favorite "Lita" story. When you add a comment, don't forget to choose a profile. Also, I have noticed that frequently when I click "post comment" I get an error back from the server. Usually if I just click the button again, the post will be successful.
I can't wait to see what people have to share.
Clydene
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What Does a Belly Tap Get You?
Well, as you know, today a Lita had a belly tap. She says she feels "fine as a fiddle." Yesterday she had difficulty picking up and bending her left knee. The fullness of her belly made it difficult to eat as much as she would like. Well, let me tell you, tonight was a different story!
After dinner was done, Lita headed to the living room - the parlour as she would call it - while we straightened up the kitchen. The only light in the room was what spilled in from the kitchen. As I came in to say something to her (I don't remember what), I was surprised to find her laying on the floor with her feet up in the air! My first reaction was "oh my God - what happened?" Then I realized she was stretching her limbs and "milking" her legs to get the fluid out of her feet! If I had thought of it quick enough, I would have taken a picture and included it with this post. I think people would enjoy that.
Have a great night.
Clydene
After dinner was done, Lita headed to the living room - the parlour as she would call it - while we straightened up the kitchen. The only light in the room was what spilled in from the kitchen. As I came in to say something to her (I don't remember what), I was surprised to find her laying on the floor with her feet up in the air! My first reaction was "oh my God - what happened?" Then I realized she was stretching her limbs and "milking" her legs to get the fluid out of her feet! If I had thought of it quick enough, I would have taken a picture and included it with this post. I think people would enjoy that.
Have a great night.
Clydene
Thank You
Thank you all for your lovely emails and blog comments. May God bless you and keep you in the palms of his hands.
Lita
Lita
Belly Tap Today
Hi all,
I just thought I would let you know that Lita is getting the belly tap today. We will be leaving in a few minutes. She has to get blood work and then the procedure is at 11:00. We won't be home until some time this afternoon.
Have a great day!
Clydene
I just thought I would let you know that Lita is getting the belly tap today. We will be leaving in a few minutes. She has to get blood work and then the procedure is at 11:00. We won't be home until some time this afternoon.
Have a great day!
Clydene
Monday, January 25, 2010
The Beginning of a Routine
Well, today I went back to work. Some of you may not know, but my husband is a stay-at-home dad to our two kids. He is really good at it, and he has now taken on the care of Lita while I am at work. It is a good thing they get along really well. Many of you have written on the blog or in emails about how strong and courageous I am. I don't see it that way. I see it as just something you do for someone you love. Thank goodness my husband does too. Without him I don't know what I would do - not just now at this time in my life, but in general.
Believe it or not, Lita had another good day. She had a visit from Sue Sarafinas today and talked to long-lost family members and friends. She is in good spirits and seems to be getting stronger every day - not quite strong enough for work as Mike hinted at in his comment, but definately stronger;-)
The only thing that seems to be causing Lita any trouble is the fluid in her belly. The Hospice team is working on getting a belly-tap scheduled so they can drain it. They are also discussing the possibility of leaving a drain in so the Hospice nurses can drain it when they come to see her. This would be great news as the fluid not only makes her belly really full, but it causes swelling in her legs and feet.
That is all for now,
Clydene
Believe it or not, Lita had another good day. She had a visit from Sue Sarafinas today and talked to long-lost family members and friends. She is in good spirits and seems to be getting stronger every day - not quite strong enough for work as Mike hinted at in his comment, but definately stronger;-)
The only thing that seems to be causing Lita any trouble is the fluid in her belly. The Hospice team is working on getting a belly-tap scheduled so they can drain it. They are also discussing the possibility of leaving a drain in so the Hospice nurses can drain it when they come to see her. This would be great news as the fluid not only makes her belly really full, but it causes swelling in her legs and feet.
That is all for now,
Clydene
To All My CMRG Family
I want to say thank you to all my CMRG family. It has always been a comfort to know that when I walked into the office I was surrounded by love and support - especially these past two years. Your encouragement helped me get through the tough times. No one ever gave up on me, and I appreciate that more than you will ever know!
Hugs and kisses to everyone.
Lita
Hugs and kisses to everyone.
Lita
Saturday, January 23, 2010
This Family of Ours
Ours is not usually a demonstrative family. A hug upon arriving and another upon leaving. We are not constantly telling each other "I love you." But there is no doubt that we do love each other.
We display this love by the way we spend our time together. We always share stories about our childhood. The other day my brother Larry talked about the first time I had a Whopper at Burger King. Evidently I came home and said "I had a Whop for dinner." He said I was about 5 at the time. I don't remember it, but it was something he remembered. Another story we shared this week was about the time some bully was picking on one of the oldest of our brothers, Donald. Lita, who didn't really get along very well with Donald at that time, jumped on the bully's back and fought him off. The bully's parents came and complained about Lita beating up their son. She didn't get in trouble for protecting her brother - just told she shouldn't be doing that.
When the cousins were here last weekend, the stories just went on and on. Of course, since there are twelve years between Lita and I, most of these stories were just that - stories. I was too young to be a part of it, but I enjoy hearing about them.
Some of my favorite memories of Lita in my childhood come from my teenage years. I loved to rollerskate, and she did too. I would go for a double-session which I think ran from 7 - 12, but Lita would come later in the evening after she visited with Glenn. She would have to show her license to prove she was old enough to stay for the second session. She got a kick out of this since she was in her mid- to late-twenties! She looked so young that the guys my age were hitting on her!
Well, thanks for letting me ramble on, but I bet what you really want to know is "How's Lita?" She is doing good. She is still enjoying meals and actually ate a slice and a half of a yummy lemon sponge cake that Lok and his friend Paul brought today.
Over the last few days all of her siblings and an uncle have made it into town and she was able to have nice visits with them. She got to talk to her cousin in California and got email from another in Colorado (he said he always considered her his "cool cousin" :-) Today she had friends from the office come for a visit, and her son is here for the night. After a rest she is feeling well and is snuggled up with her son watching television. Ah, pure bliss in that.
Til next time,
Clydene
We display this love by the way we spend our time together. We always share stories about our childhood. The other day my brother Larry talked about the first time I had a Whopper at Burger King. Evidently I came home and said "I had a Whop for dinner." He said I was about 5 at the time. I don't remember it, but it was something he remembered. Another story we shared this week was about the time some bully was picking on one of the oldest of our brothers, Donald. Lita, who didn't really get along very well with Donald at that time, jumped on the bully's back and fought him off. The bully's parents came and complained about Lita beating up their son. She didn't get in trouble for protecting her brother - just told she shouldn't be doing that.
When the cousins were here last weekend, the stories just went on and on. Of course, since there are twelve years between Lita and I, most of these stories were just that - stories. I was too young to be a part of it, but I enjoy hearing about them.
Some of my favorite memories of Lita in my childhood come from my teenage years. I loved to rollerskate, and she did too. I would go for a double-session which I think ran from 7 - 12, but Lita would come later in the evening after she visited with Glenn. She would have to show her license to prove she was old enough to stay for the second session. She got a kick out of this since she was in her mid- to late-twenties! She looked so young that the guys my age were hitting on her!
Well, thanks for letting me ramble on, but I bet what you really want to know is "How's Lita?" She is doing good. She is still enjoying meals and actually ate a slice and a half of a yummy lemon sponge cake that Lok and his friend Paul brought today.
Over the last few days all of her siblings and an uncle have made it into town and she was able to have nice visits with them. She got to talk to her cousin in California and got email from another in Colorado (he said he always considered her his "cool cousin" :-) Today she had friends from the office come for a visit, and her son is here for the night. After a rest she is feeling well and is snuggled up with her son watching television. Ah, pure bliss in that.
Til next time,
Clydene
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Quiet Day
Today has been a quiet day. Lita has been eating well - two full meals and some cherrie along with her Ensure. We have received lots of emails, and I have read them all to her. I think we have responded to all, but if we missed you, I apologize. She loves hearing from people on the blog as well.
This afternoon we sat at the table for a bit and played a new card game my daughter got for Christmas - SWAP. It was nice to do that too. She had a nice rest this afternoon as well. Our brother will be here to see her tomorrow, and Lita and I are both looking forward to that.
Last night Lita said she felt like a fraud because she has been feeling so well these past few days. We told her that it would certainly be OK with us if it turned out to be a farce. From her lips to Gods ears.
My cousin Cathie had a great quote with commentary on her facebook after her visit with us on Sunday that I thought I would share with everyone.
"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." (C.C. Scott). I have witnessed this in action yet again today."
Words to live by, Cathie. Words to live by.
Clydene
This afternoon we sat at the table for a bit and played a new card game my daughter got for Christmas - SWAP. It was nice to do that too. She had a nice rest this afternoon as well. Our brother will be here to see her tomorrow, and Lita and I are both looking forward to that.
Last night Lita said she felt like a fraud because she has been feeling so well these past few days. We told her that it would certainly be OK with us if it turned out to be a farce. From her lips to Gods ears.
My cousin Cathie had a great quote with commentary on her facebook after her visit with us on Sunday that I thought I would share with everyone.
"The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it." (C.C. Scott). I have witnessed this in action yet again today."
Words to live by, Cathie. Words to live by.
Clydene
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Photos
On the right-hand side of this page is a link to a Snapfish photo album. Just click the link and sign in to Snapfish. If you don't have an account, you can sign up then. Just click on the link on the Snapfish login page that says "Wait! I don't have a Snapfish account."
A Woman at Peace
After battling stage 4 breast cancer for the past 2 1/2 years, the time is almost here for Lita to leave this world. She made this decision on Thursday, January 14, and came to stay with me, her little sister, and my family on Friday. Although the reality sucks, I am in awe of Lita's strength, courage, and dignity. Since she made her decision, she has been at peace with it and in her relationship with God. Her inner peace is evident with each phone call she takes and each visitor that comes to see her. And there have been many of both.
Cousins call from half-way across the country, friends and co-workers call daily to see how she is doing. Dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, uncles have flown or driven in. Some are still in transit. With each of these people she is loving and generous with her time. Below are some of the things I have overheard her say to people either over the phone or in person:
"I love you and I like you."
"It has been my honor to know you for all these years."
"You are in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful life."
"You deserve the best relationship. If you meet a man and he doesn't treat you the way you should be treated, kick him to the curb. You deserve to be treated like a princess."
"I'll always be in your heart."
These are the words of a woman at peace. These are the words of a woman helping all of us to prepare for the unavoidable loss we will all feel.
Today, after one or another of her phone calls, Lita commented that she never knew how many people's lives she had touched. She was very emotional when we had this conversation. Obviously she has. As I thought about this later, I thought that if we all lived our lives in this manner, what an awesome world it would be. I think I will make this one of the goals in my life. A priority.
For those of you who wish to stay in contact with Lita, you can call her cell phone. I recommend to call after 10 AM and before 8 PM. If she is resting, I will answer it and take a message. Another option is to email me at thewestfordstamper@yahoo.com. I'll make sure she gets your message and will happily type responses for her. You can also leave a comment on this blog if you just want to give a shout-out to let her know that you are thinking about her.
Clydene
Lita's little sister
Cousins call from half-way across the country, friends and co-workers call daily to see how she is doing. Dad, brothers, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, uncles have flown or driven in. Some are still in transit. With each of these people she is loving and generous with her time. Below are some of the things I have overheard her say to people either over the phone or in person:
"I love you and I like you."
"It has been my honor to know you for all these years."
"You are in my prayers. I hope you have a wonderful life."
"You deserve the best relationship. If you meet a man and he doesn't treat you the way you should be treated, kick him to the curb. You deserve to be treated like a princess."
"I'll always be in your heart."
These are the words of a woman at peace. These are the words of a woman helping all of us to prepare for the unavoidable loss we will all feel.
Today, after one or another of her phone calls, Lita commented that she never knew how many people's lives she had touched. She was very emotional when we had this conversation. Obviously she has. As I thought about this later, I thought that if we all lived our lives in this manner, what an awesome world it would be. I think I will make this one of the goals in my life. A priority.
For those of you who wish to stay in contact with Lita, you can call her cell phone. I recommend to call after 10 AM and before 8 PM. If she is resting, I will answer it and take a message. Another option is to email me at thewestfordstamper@yahoo.com. I'll make sure she gets your message and will happily type responses for her. You can also leave a comment on this blog if you just want to give a shout-out to let her know that you are thinking about her.
Clydene
Lita's little sister
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