A few of you probably have noticed that I dropped off from my blog and other sewing places that I hang out. I've been having a very sad summer because my mother-in-law has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. She will not be with us for very much longer, I'm afraid.
Arlene has been part of my life for over 25 years and I'm heartbroken to see her failing in health so fast. This picture was taken when we visited the Grand Canyon last October. My husband, son, and I are her only family so I've been busy with her care. I'm so grateful for summer break so I have had time to take care of her.
I go back to work tomorrow so we've had to hire 24 hour care for her, but I'm trying to visit her all I can. She lives over an hours drive from my home. Arlene is a remarkable woman, especially considering she is 77 years old. After high school she went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from University of Washington in Drama. Then, after raising my husband and then divorcing his father, she went on to get a Master's degree in English Literature and another Master's degree in Archaeology. For 20 years she served as a United States Forest Archaeologist working to find Indian Villages and at times in charge of field crews. I remember many stories she tells of spending 3-4 days in the middle of the forest, sleeping in a tent all by herself and living like this week after week doing her job, summer, winter, spring, and Fall. She was very good at it and is still a respected name in her field. She has authored a book, The Noontide Sun, and has published many professional papers presented to the American Rock Art Research Association.
I can't think of many women from her generation that I respect more. Please put our family in your thoughts and prayers as we go through this difficult time.
So sorry about this. I trust you will find the strength to move through this sad time. I've posted the link to your blog on the MM forum.
ReplyDeleteslendora
So sorry about this. I trust you will find the strength to move through this sad time. I've posted the link to your blog on the MM forum.
ReplyDeleteslendora
So sorry for your mother-in-law's diagnosis. I'll keep your family in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteSherril....We thought you were very busy with costume sewing......
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear this news.
Please know, and let your husband know, that Arlene is in my prayers.
....Your High Desert Neighbor, Lotus
I am so sorry to hear this sad news, Sherrill. Arlene sounds like such a vibrant, wonderful personality. Thanks for sharing her history with us. Prayers for all.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute you have written to this woman. She is inspiring. My heart goes out to you and your family Sherril, during this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry, Sherril... feel a big, soft hug?? <3
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Thank you for sharing this loving tribute. Try to keep the good memories alive as you go through this tough time.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sherril, Arlene sounds like a dynamic personality who doesn't let grass grow under her feet--I'm sorry to hear her terrible illness. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteRose in SV
Sherrill - I'm so sorry to hear about your dear MIL. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers!
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to your family at this sad time...my thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteSherril, I am so very heartsore for your family. All I can offer is take this time to truly show your love and send her on her way with grace and respect. My mother in law died 8 weeks ago, suddenly. She was only 68 and very connected to us all. She was a grandmother that was almost like a second mother to all the grandkids. My husband cannot wrap his head around the grief and is a changed man. There is no worse news, I know. But you do have some time.
ReplyDeleteAll our love xxx
I am so sorry to hear this. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to you and your family. I took care of my mother the last 3 months of her life. I am forever thankful that we could have that time together.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad...
ReplyDeleteWould it be at all possible to move Arlene with you? If she needs 24h care, she's not really up to having a separate life any longer, and it'd be less stressful and disruptive for all of you to be together, even if someone has to sleep on the couch or the living room needs rearranging for a bit..
Blessings to your MIL, to you and your family in this most difficult time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post about a formidable woman. I'm sorry to hear of her failing health. You and your family are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for letting us know, Sherril. I'll keep your family in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteSherril, sorry to hear about your MIL. We'll pray for you all. What a wonderful person to have in your lives.
ReplyDeleteSherril,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are going through a painful season. You have been missed and I'm glad you updated. Thanks for sharing about your mother-in-law; she's a fascinating woman. I pray that you'll all have strength for what lies ahead and for comfort and peace for your mother-in-law.
Sorry to read about this. She did accomplish a lot! You are in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteSherril, I am very sorry to hear of your mother-in-law's illness and the loss to your family. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeleteSherril, sorry I'm so late seeing this and commenting. Your MIL is in my prayers. She sure is an exceptional woman!
ReplyDeleteI also left a comment on your post on the vintage sewing yahoo group about your cabinet. Send me a picture of your cabinet and I'll see if it's the same as mine.
My sympathies on your difficult time with your MIL, SHe sounds so wonderful. Can she live with you now if she needs 24 hr care? Also, have you and your husband looked at the Family Leave and Medical Act? I needed it to care for my mother.
ReplyDeletetake care,
Alice Womack
Since I'm on vacation this week I'm catching up on my blog reading.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about your MIL. It's so hard to live through. I've been with my husband for 30 years, my MIL passed away 8 years ago. She was a talker, and when I would see her name over the caller ID I would say to myself "I don't have time to talk". I so wish my phone would ring with her on the other end. I miss her so much. She sewed so beautifully. I'm so happy I have her sewing treasures to pass along to my children.
My prayers are with you and your family.. life is a precious gift!
Sorry to hear the sad news! You and your family will be in my prayers for strength during this difficult time.
ReplyDelete