Today marks 20 years since my mother passed away from Ovarian cancer. I cannot believe it has been so long, but I can remember that day so vividly. It was the worst day of my life. I was so angry at God, wanting nothing to do with him from that day forward. I look back now and can see that I never really knew him at that stage in my life. I was too young to grasp who He really was to me. It took 8 years for me to find peace, understanding and to finally give my life over to Christ. One of my favorite lines from the movie A Walk to Remember is this, "If we didn't have suffering, we wouldn't know compassion." I wouldn't wish a loss like this on anyone, particularly a child my age, but I do see a blessing behind it all. I am stronger in my faith. My biggest fear in life is that I too will get Ovarian cancer and leave my family behind. Now, I know that I will never run from God, but I will cling to him with both hands because he gives me strength to carry on.
Not a day goes by that I do not hear about Breast Cancer Awareness. What about Ovarian Cancer? It is one of the deadliest cancers that is hardest to find. If detected, it is usually too late. Here are some facts you may not know about:
- Ovarian cancer occurs in one out of 57 women - regardless of age. Over half will die within five years.
- Ovarian cancer is the 4th leading killer among American women
- Unlike breast and cervical cancer, there's no reliable screening method for detecting ovarian cancer, nor any real test at the present designed to catch it before it spreads.
Today I remember her fight that she tried so hard to win. Today I remember all of the years she has missed in my life. Today I remember the beauty of my mother who lives on in me.
To learn more about ovarian cancer or to make a donation, please visit
http://www.ovariancancer.org/
4 comments:
I am wiping my tears Robin. Thank you for sharing about your mom and her fight to live and for opening our eyes to some of the facts on ovarian cancer.
Your mom would be so proud to see you today. You are an amazing, strong and loving woman and I feel so blessed to call you my friend. Do you feel my arms around you? I am giving you the biggest squeesze I can!!!! I love you!!
me too Bin....I believe that's the first time I've heard "more of the story". Your Momma would be proud of you! I am.
Mary
wow, Robin, THanks for sharing... I got all teared (not uncommon these days!!) So often we wonder what God is doing in our lives, and we have the privledge of being so amazed when we see how he can use difficult things to make our hearts look more like his. You are a great mom!!
Robin-
I love you and I am so thankful to have you, Kerry and Caleb in my life! I am excited to be mom's together and watch our two beautiful boys grow up. You have taught me a lot already...like maybe I should read sometime! =) Can't wait for our day at the park next week!
Love you,
Lex
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