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
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I am so glad I was able to come and visit with Lita this past weekend. I am in awe of her courage and stamina over the past several years. I have fond memories and intimate conversations that will keep her with me. I am so very happy she is at peace with her decision and clearly she is in touch with God in it. My blessings for her comfort and my love for her always. Forever your cousin Eileen
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have never met Lita I am definetely sure I missed someone very special. Clydene and I met just about 2 years ago and she has been very private about what has been transpiring in her life. You are both strong women and God has given you the strength and the grace to help you through this. My prayers are with both of you and your families. May the peace of God warm you and bring you both comfort.
ReplyDeleteHi Lita,
ReplyDeleteI just want to say, I love you and admire your positive attitude through this entire ordeal. You have touched my life and you will be with me forever.
Love Cheryl Z.
Hi Lita,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to say that it was my pleasure in working with you. I enjoyed our conversations. My God Bless you. I will miss you very much.
Angie
Your courage and positive attitude over the years is much to be admired. My thoughts are with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteAlda
It has been my pleasure to work with you for over 21yrs and there will not be a day that goes by I don't think of you and the positive out look on life you have shown me. Peace be with you and your family.
ReplyDeleteCindy Manning
I will always remember your courage, like the time you, Pat and I spent a day walking around Salem, MA. I knew you were hurting, but never once complained and insisted on following us on our walk around the town. And, the time we all did the 6 mile walk in Boston for CM. You fell, but got up and kept on going. Lita, you have been an inspiration to me, and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteLove, Helene Schreiner
The courage, strength, and grace you demonstrated on a daily basis will forever be a lesson and inspiration to us all.
ReplyDeleteOur thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Many hugs and thanks for being a special part of my childhood memories. Your courage and strength will be remembered always.
ReplyDeleteApril (Green) Kasza
C.L.H.
ReplyDeleteDear Auntie,
I LOVE YOU!! I will miss you when you're in heaven very much.
Your niece,
Cassandra
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your courage and strength is an inspiration to everyone.
ReplyDeleteGod Bless,
Your Friends at OMNI
Hi Clydene - I am a co-worker of Lita's and I have to tell you that Lita is very lucky to have you and your family and friends in her life. What a wonderful display of love you have shown. Nobody on this earth deserves what Lita is going through, she is a wonderful person, and she deserves better. But as much as she doesn't realize it, she is truly a huge inspiration to all. When I see her smiling face pass in the hall, I realize how appreciative of life she is and how lucky we all are to have our health. I wish you, your family and Lita all the best. With love K~
ReplyDeleteHi all,
ReplyDeleteWhen you leave your comment, please be sure to put your full name on it so we know who it is from. I have been reading all of these to Lita and she has a lovely story to share about each and every person when I am done. It is so awesome to know that she has had such wonderful relationships with all of you.
Clydene
LIta
ReplyDeleteI want you to know that it has been my pleasure in knowing you for the past few years and all things we talked about quilting painting the dolls. I will miss your smiling face in the morning when i come to work and when i do the walk for Cancer with my Daughter and her friend i will think of you all the way back you are a great fighter and may God bless you and your whole family.
Winnie
Hi Lita,
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers. I can't tell you how much I have missed your unfailing optimism since I left CMRG. If you are feeling up to it, I would loveto come and visit with you. Just give me a shout with the address. If you aren't up to it, that's fine, I will see you on the other side.
Kathleen Rota
508-584-0503
kmrota@comcast.net
<3
ReplyDeleteIt was great meeting you. See you on the flip side.
Hi Lita, I enjoyed working with you at CMRG. Though it was 4 years ago, it feels like yesterday. I don't know if you remember the going away gift you gave me, a wooden tray that you had everyone personalize. I have that on my desk and use it every day as my "inbox". Thank you for being such a good working neighbor. You never seized to amaze me with your strength and optimism throughout this whole ordeal. I could only pray I could be as strong as you have been and still are. God Bless!
ReplyDeleteBelinda Driscoll Gear bgear75@yahoo.com
Love is the only thing that we can carry with us when we go, and it makes the end so easy.
ReplyDelete......Louisa May Alcott
I see love is all around you Lita, you're one special lady. Kisses and Hugs Cousin Eileen
Hi Lita, It has been 5 years since we worked together at CMRG but I will always remember your spirit and optimism, You faced life everyday with humor and you are a lesson to us all not to take the small stuff too seriously. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteAlice Stone jrs1947@cox.net
A contagious good spirit (you are the definition of making lemonade out of lemons), outrageous humor (ex. purple hair), and courage (self-explanatory) is how you have touched and made so many of our lives better. You just can't teach that stuff!! If more were like you the world would be an even better place. Enjoy your family time.
ReplyDeleteP.S. If you are feeling as good as you say I expect you to be in the office Monday (kidding)!
Mike Takacs
Lita,
ReplyDeleteI miss seeing you around. OK, to be honest, I miss harassing you.
I hope to see you again, on this side.
Lok (I'm sure Lita only knows one Lok)
Hello Lita,
ReplyDeleteYou may be small of stature but there is nothing small about the spirit and courage you have shown throughout your ordeal. You have been an inspiration everyone who has known you. I feel ashamed to complain about little aches and pains after seeing how you have handled going through what you have! My daughters' bout with cancer is so far going well, if next scan is clear,(fingers crossed)4 years since end of treatment, she goes to yearly intervals on checkups instead of 6 months. I miss seeing you around at CMRG.
God bless you Lita,
David Gunning
Lita,
ReplyDeleteStories of your strength, determination and big heart are legend from working with those "across the wall" who have known you much longer than I.
Although we had worked together for only a very short time, I want you to know that my thoughts are with you.
Maya
Lita, When you feel like giving up, sit back and remember why you have held on and fought for so long.......
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Sonia
Hi Lita-
ReplyDeleteWas so glad to receive this info to see the updates about you. We moved to Alpharetta GA about a year ago, we are closer to family and friends now....that's what it's all about!! Jack and I pray for your comfort and peace.
Jack and Diane Kritschgau (dkrit123@comcast.net)
Thinking of you.........
ReplyDeleteDear Lita
ReplyDeleteAngels, fairy's, stones and guides have all been a part of our life.........hopefully they still bring you some comfort........when all else fails remember the dark chocolated hidden in your desk draw.....I remember it all and your strong will to take life one day at a time.
Love you,
Carole Kramer
Dearest Carole,
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear from you. I hope you are enjoying retirment very much and your life as well. And yes, I remember fairy stones, dark chocholate, and wicca very well with fond memories. I love you, Carole.
Lita
Dear Lita,
ReplyDeleteI will miss your bright smile here at CMRG and always the chance to converse with you on whats new on my trips downstairs to you. From hearing about your journeys from driving the bread truck to where you are now, always a fighter it seems. The out pour of love proves the effect that you have had on all. Your positive outlook would always make my eyes water even if we were just saying a few words! You and your family are in my prayers. I hope you are relaxing and enjoying your friends and family.
Best,
Julie Jamgochian
Hi Lita,
ReplyDeleteI miss passing you in the hallway... I'll see you later .......
Phyllis Forman
pfmailme@comcast.net