I have a confession to make. My heart has been so heavy lately. I have been taking a lot of time away from blogging partly because of my busy work schedule, but that’s not the main reason for the lack of posts. I’m not sure where to start, but I thought it was about time to share a really vulnerable piece of my personal life. So here it goes…
This woman here is my dear, sweet mother. She is my rock and my best friend. You wouldn’t know it by just looking at her, but she has cancer. More specifically, she has chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It’s a secret she’s been keeping from others for a little while now, but she felt it was time to let her friends/family know. This has been an extremely hard fact to accept because I never thought this would happen to MY mom. Her illness recently returned, this time more aggressive, and she spent almost three weeks in the hospital battling an ongoing fever. So, that’s where I’ve been spending most of my time, including Mother’s Day a couple weeks ago.
I have been struggling to write this post mostly because of the overwhelming sadness that overtakes me when I start to think about what life will be like one day without her. I have felt almost every emotion known to mankind – from disillusion to anger to just pure sadness. But, I have also felt so much hope and faith through the power of prayer. Prayer for a cure, for a great doctor who will be able to treat her abnormal cell and put it into remission, for her to live long enough to be able to see Marli grow up and possibly start a family, for the strength to not only be strong for her but also my father, her husband of almost 35 years….but most importantly, to never stop believing.
I have been struggling to write this post mostly because of the overwhelming sadness that overtakes me when I start to think about what life will be like one day without her. I have felt almost every emotion known to mankind – from disillusion to anger to just pure sadness. But, I have also felt so much hope and faith through the power of prayer. Prayer for a cure, for a great doctor who will be able to treat her abnormal cell and put it into remission, for her to live long enough to be able to see Marli grow up and possibly start a family, for the strength to not only be strong for her but also my father, her husband of almost 35 years….but most importantly, to never stop believing.
”Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1
I have always viewed blogging as this place to document and capture beautiful moments and create amazing inspiration for others to see, but it is also a wonderful outlet to connect with others going through the same successes and struggles as us. When there are successes, we praise and encourage each other; when there are struggles, we help each other pick up the pieces. I hope that by sharing my mother’s story, I am able to meet others going through similar situations and provide some words of encouragement as well. Just like motherhood or friendship, sometimes it takes a village…thanks for reading this post lovelies.
Linh,
I am so sorry you are facing this. I have been there– different cancer, but ill mother. There are no words that will fix this, but know that I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers….
i am so sorry to hear this. thank you for sharing this, you have my support and i am praying for your mom and your whole family. xo jillian
So sorry to hear this Linh. Please know that we are thinking of you and your mother and wishing your family strength through this difficult time XO Diana, Kali & Sarah
Oh Linh, I just hate that this is happening. Thank you for sharing something that is so personal and so difficult to talk about. We are thinking about you and your family and are lifting in you all up in prayer.
Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings
So sorry to hear this. Sending good thoughts and prayers to you and your family. xx
Praying for her and for you Linh. Be strong
I have had friends go through this and it is never easy. I am glad you have you your husband and daughter to help you through. My prayers are with you and I wish for your mom to have a speedy recovery. And life hear here on earth is transitory. We all be reunited in “home” one day.
Allie of ALLIE NYC
allienyc.com
Did you see this article yet on yahoo?
https://shine.yahoo.com/healthy-living/chronic-lymphocytic-leukemia-john-byrd-cancer-drug-ibrutinib-ofatumumab-160250806.html
your prayers might have been answered.
Linh, I had no idea. I am so sorry to hear about this. My prayers are with your family, Thank you for sharing this and continuing to be such an inspiration and positive person 🙂
Hi Linh- i admit i haven’t spent much time surfing blogs this last several months, due to busy schedule and the social activites i have here in the city. Its so different than living in LV… However i just saw this post and my heart broke for you – my mother plays such a significant role in my life & i cant even imagine life without her…I thank God she’s well..thank you for sharing this and letting others read what you are all going thru… God bless you both.