Family.
It’s an odd word for me to write. It means so many different things to different people. For me, it has always bittersweet word as the meaning of the word is something I don’t have. My Mom & brother died when I was 13. My father died when I was 27. My grandparents had all passed away by the time I was 26 and I only really got to know two of the four. My aunts, uncles and cousins are mostly non-existent in my life (although with Facebook we have reconnected in the past year). I am lucky enough that my Dad’s best friend and his wife has adopted me (unoffically of course) into their family so in my heart they are the “core” family but it’s not the same as my original born-to family. I am not writing this looking for pity because I am lucky to have had what I did have with my family and VERY lucky to have had my Dad’s best friend take me in. I also know that many people never get as close to their fathers as I was to mine. He was not only my father but my best friend from day one. I am so beyond grateful for the years I did have with him.
When I met my husband, his family network was entirely different than my own. He lived with his brother because he was helping him through an emotional time in his life. His family all met up on a regular basis for dinner and gatherings which were always full of laughs and fun. When his father died the month before our wedding, they bonded and got closer, rather than fighting and pulling away from each other like my family did after every death. It’s been such an amazing thing being a part of this family. One of the best things about being a part of my husband’s family is that for the first time in my life, I have sisters. SISTERS. I’ve had a brother and a brother-in-law with my past marriage but never a sister of any sort. I love all of my sisters in law and they have always made me feel so welcomed into the family. I am truly lucky.
Chris is the youngest of 5 siblings, with 13 years between him and his oldest sister, Denise. Denise is such a great person. She’s that person that everyone wants to be – kind, loving and has just a touch of sass. I adore her. We’ve spent a lot of time together over the years doing random stuff we love – including going to the Yankee Peddler. Two years ago, she discovered she had breast cancer. While the battle wasn’t easy after a year of treatment the cancer was gone and she was in remission. We all breathed a sigh of relief and hoped that it would stay that way forever. Sadly, it didn’t and this past December we found out that it had returned and spread to her hips, liver, lumbar spine and lungs. Needless to say, it gutted us all as no one survives this, it’s a matter of just prolonging the inevitable. She has been undergoing treatment to delay the spread and prolong her life but two weeks ago we found out that the cancer has spread to her brain. Words can’t even describe just how heart wrenching this is. I’ve been through it before with my father but that doesn’t make this any easier. Watching someone you love die is never easy and never something you get used to.
Doctors are so awful at giving time limits. They say six months or less but that could mean anything really. 6 days, 6 weeks, 6 years. All we know for sure is that we have this moment, this day, this week and each of those precious seconds are being spent making sure that Denise knows that every one of us love her and care for her. I’ve been spending a lot of time visiting with Denise and making sure that she has everything she wants… and a few things that she didn’t know she wanted but now is addicted to (i.e. Hazel Artisan Bakery’s tiramisu, Nick & Nora PJs and dark chocolate Cadbury Mini Eggs).
I’m writing this blog to let you know that while I am known for being lightning quick in replies to emails and inquiries, due to the above circumstances responses may be delayed. I thank you in advance for your understanding.
This week I’m going to be retro-blogging some pictures from 2010 events with the family. I hope you enjoy!
- The Christy House Wedding with Ashley and Stephon - March 11, 2024
- Peninsula Wedding with Colleen and Eric - March 10, 2024
- Winter Inn Walden Wedding with Julia and Walter - February 29, 2024
Your story is so touching! I will keep your family in my prayers!
Corey, what a difficult time this must be for YOUR family! Lots of hugs, prayers, and good thoughts going your way (and Denise’s way and Chris’s way and the entire family’s way) in these next few months. <3 <3 <3
I am so sorry to hear this! Denise is very lucky to have you as a sister-in-law and my prayers are with you all.
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