Just got off the phone with Mom. Normally, I call mom every day after I go through my ritual of Reflection and Gratitude blogging. Today was different. I knew Mom went for a scope yesterday and I was anxious to find out how she was doing. None of this information is conclusive, but it is good news at face value.

It seems that the cancer is all gone.

That is fantastic. Additionally, mom has not been passing kidney stones, but scar tissue from the bladder where the cancer was. They will try to flush the bladder to remove the scar tissue. Passing the scar tissue has been very painful and if they can help with that, Mom will be quite relieved.

This has been quite the journey for Mom. At age 79, she has more gumption and courage than I will ever have.  I am so humbled, touched, and inspired by her dignity and positive attitude. It has really torn at my heart to see Mom go through this. It has been difficult to be so far away for so much of this. Today, at this moment in time, I am a bit emotional. I hope that the signs of the cancer being gone are conclusive and we can but this whole thing behind us. I am feeling so many things right now that it is difficult to identify them. I have a jumble of thoughts scrambling in my head. Mostly, one thing stands out, I am relieved for Mom and I dearly wish I good give her a hug right now. Way to go Mom, your can-do attitude and ability to greet challenges and adversity with determination and a positive attitude are commendable. I am grateful today for you, your shining qualities, and your good news.

Adversity is like a strong wind.  It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.  ~ Arthur Golden