This morning I got some really sad news - yet another dear friend of mine has succumbed to cancer. Her name is Donnell, and we met over 10 years ago when she was a young single mom of 2 babies, Paige and Kaitlyn. Kaitlyn was less than a year old when she was diagnosed with cancer, and I was her Chemo Angel. But she did not make it, and she was one of the first experiences I had losing someone I loved to cancer. Donnell and I had become friends and we stayed in touch - Paige grew up and Donnell got married to a wonderful single dad several years ago and they had another baby girl. Life moved on, like it does. But Kaitlyn was never forgotten. This little being whose short life created a lasting long-distance friendship. You see, we never got to actually meet. We planned to, you know, some day. But some day never came for Donnell, and that just breaks my heart.
When I found out that Donnell had cancer last year, I was angry. So angry. I hate cancer so much, I'm so tired of hearing the stupid word. How can someone who had to lose a baby to cancer get it herself? Shouldn't there be some kind of freaking RULE that prohibits that? It's just not fair, damn it. She knew it was bad and she called me a few weeks ago to say goodbye. It was the most difficult and most meaningful phone call I have ever had. I can only imagine the strength and courage it must have taken to make those phone calls. And to know that I was important enough to her to be included in those phone calls... filled my heart with joy and love. We talked for almost an hour - or rather, she talked. I cried. She told me some very personal, private things that I'll always be grateful she shared with me. She thought of me like a big sister, and I wish so very much that I could have given her a hug in person. My heart is heavy today, and the only thing I can think of doing is memorializing her with some more ink. She would like that - and since she has always called me "Angel Jenn" I think it would only be appropriate to get angel wings in her memory. One wing for her, and one for Kaitlyn. Rest in peace, my sweet friend. I hope you are dancing with your sweet baby today.
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Today we have a reminder post for you at:
I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
I used Rags the Zombie rubber stamp from Prickley Pear and Gauze Border die from Cheery Lynn Designs. I created my background by using alcohol inks and blending solution. Text is a sticker from SRM Stickers.
And we have a new sketch challenge for you at:
I'd like to enter this into the following challenges:
Come play along for your chance to win a fun Prickley Pear Rubber Stamp set & die! I used Rags the Zombie again and Chain Mesh die from Cheery Lynn Designs. Papers are from Authentique. Peace.
Made me cry.... so sad and senseless, and cruel. You're gonna be able to apply for the tattooed lady position in the circus before much longer. I think the wings are a beautiful idea.
ReplyDeleteYou ARE an angel in the truest sense of the word, Jenn.
Hugs,
Glo
Reading your post actually made me tear up....I know that life is not fair - especially when it comes to dealing with cancer. I know pretty well!
ReplyDeleteBut it is wonderful that you have these precious memories to keep and carry with you on your own journey.
I am glad I read your post more thoroughly (although being in a bit of a hurry) - as I almost would have written something like "LOVE your gorgeous and whimsy ATC. It is soo cute and so much fun"...but after reading the post all of this seems ridiculously inappropriate.
Thank you for sharing your ATC with us at FunwithATCs anyway! It is really gorgeous and cute ;)
Claudia x
oh Jenn.... how I wish I was there to give you a great big hug right now. yep, cancer just flat out stinks. there is no nice way to put it. your wings are a fab idea. love ya!
ReplyDeleteJenn, I wish I could give you a big hug right now. I can't imagine how sad you are. I agree..cancer sucks. I lost my dad on Memorial Day to cancer. Your wings are a fab idea. Please know that I am praying for you.
ReplyDeleteI love you guys. Thank you. xo
ReplyDeleteJenn, Your cards are gorgeous!!! I am so sorry for your loss. What a dreadful thing to watch as cancer took your friend and her baby.
ReplyDeleteLovely layout and super colours. Thanks for joining us at SDD challenge. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry to hear about your loss, and how it reopens wounds that never really heal al the way. Hopefully she is now painfree and reunited with her baby.
ReplyDeleteHaving gone through some tough times myself lately I no longer know what to believe but I think the best is for us to find some brightness in anything that happens.
That does not take away the saddness.
I'm echoing Claudia's response above... visiting to thank you for joining in at Fun With ATCs, I found your post, and can only offer my thoughts and condolences, and so much empathy with your anger too.
ReplyDeleteAlison x
wow so spooky with great colours! Thank you for joining us at MAWTT
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Jenn...words don't feel like much when your heart is broken. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your PPRS cards...we appreciate them.
Tears are just streaming down my face as I read this, Jenn. What a senseless tragedy for two dear ones to have their lives cut short by such a cruel disease. I'm so sorry for the loss of your friends, but know in your heart that you touched the lives of them both. You truly are an angel, my friend. I'm surprised you don't already have wings. xxD On a happier note, Fab projects! I don't see any rules on the Prickly Pear Blog. Can anyone join in?
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing, well done. Thanks for joining in over at Stamping with the Dragon.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Jo dt member
xxxxx
I am sorry but had to come back to your ATC after reading your post it is such a cruel disease and I love the idea of your tattoo wings -your chemo Angel and tattoos rings a bell-I am sure I have commented on your blog before and gave you a link to my sons tattoo work Karma Inks in England on FB--love the background you created and great gauze border die,not seen that one before--thanks for joining us at Happy Campers
ReplyDeleteCarol DT x