The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Grandma Lorraine Update ~Dec. 9th

"The real things haven't changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures and to be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong." ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

This quote was in our local paper yesterday and it reminded me of my mother. "To be cheerful and have courage when things go wrong" so reminds me of her attitude and her life outlook. Yesterday my mom's brother Edward and his wife Maria came for a visit, and my mom so enjoyed their time together. When I spoke with her yesterday she was confused on details, but was so happy that they came and kept repeating what a nice visit they had. Thank you Edward and Maria for making the 10 hour drive to come; it meant so much to my mom!

Today I spoke with her caregiver Gayle as my mom was resting. Gayle is noticing more physical changes...difficulty sitting up, staying awake, and more challenges with eating. As the tumor continues to grow, these changes will continue as well.

Although the past year has been full of many challenges for my mom, I have been so blessed to have had the past year to truly reflect and appreciate the role she has had in my life. She continues to teach me life lessons from her wheelchair and from her bedside. How to face adversity with grace and strength is such a big lesson I have learned from her over the past few months. As Laura Ingalls said in her quote, I hope that I too will remain 'cheerful and courageous when things go wrong', just as my mother has.

6 comments:

Miss G said...

What a "blessing in disguise" this time with your mom seems to be. I am so glad you are noticing it.

Thanks for your comment on my blog. If you do ever visit Texas I hope you like it. I didn't know there was a Dublin, California. Have you ever been to Dublin, Ireland? I haven't.

May God bless your day today. I am home sick with a cold. :( He is faithfully providing me rest and peace though. Kelly

Shannon said...

What an amazing and priceless legacy you will have.

Kim said...

I love that quote Denise. Thank you for sharing it as well as your thoughts during this time. Thankful with you over the small blessings in the midst of trials.

Love you.

glitzen said...

I will forever draw strength from your perspective, Denise. And I truly love that quote and must adopt it for myself to use in tough times.
I am so glad you have the daily communication with Gayle. I can tell she is a blessing, for sure.

stefanie said...

Perspective is so hard won. You and your mom have amazing strength. I'm so blessed to 'know' you!

Sue said...

The grace both you and your mom show are inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story with us. You are amazing women.