Mum Has Cancer

[Phar Lap]

It was a big shock to learn my mum has stomach cancer a few days ago. It’s also in the lymph nodes. And yes, I broke down and cried when I was on the phone. 
After ringing the children and telling them, Junior offered to drive me to mum’s on Saturday. We went there yesterday. The strange thing is, it sometimes can get a bit boring at mum’s but not yesterday, as the song goes, “I could have danced all night”, well I could  have stayed all night. After some hours, Junior wanted to go home. It was the first time I can remember where I didn’t want to leave early and go. If I said  I was having too much of a good time, it would sound wrong,  it wasn’t that, yet it was more than that.

Before the news, it was Mum’s 96, hope she lives to a hundred - 100! We used to joke about her still being here when she turned 100 - she’s get her letter from the Queen! Of course the Queen died and Mum reckons it won’t be quite the same as getting a letter from an old man with a red face and big ears!

Now I’m not sure if I feel it would be proper to joke about turning 100. I was so glad Junior said he would take me to mum’s, it is a long drive, in the past it never bothered me, in fact I always enjoyed the drive, but now it’s as if I have suddenly become old, very old, because having to drive a longish distance does thrill me with delight! 

I will ring Mum a bit later, it’s only eight in the morning Sunday morning no less and I don’t think I went to bed, I think I fell asleep on the couch, but I can’t remember. This isn’t good I know. I find I am  forgetting things I do so hope I am not losing my marbles!

[groo]

"Of course the Queen died and Mum reckons it won’t be quite the same as getting a letter from an old man with a red face and big ears!"

A sad and sobering day. I am pleased that you were able to turn adversity into a pleasant day and that your mother has obviously not lost her sense of humour.

We are thinking of you.

..... and welcome to the world of old buggerdom.

[Liiisa]

Yes, thinking of you.

[whothingie]

Phar. It's tough but just continue with the jokes etc, as your mum is unlikely to want doom and gloom visitors. She hasn't got to that age without being a resolute fighter, and will continue to do the same.

[Webs]

I'm sorry to hear about your mum. Make sure she and you both know that living is what we do. Just continue doing that and eek all the joy and laughter out of it you can.

[lisamnz]

sorry to hear that news, Phar. Big hugs for you.

[Phar Lap]

Junior was unimpressed when I asked mum if she remembered the little poem dad told her. Mum told me this when I was about forty - she said my dad told her and she was horrified (poor mum, being brought up the only girl by strict Victorian Irish Catholic parents!) mum said dad told her and I quote, “A whore is a substitute for the prostitute who is desperate in the institute.” Junior did not like that! Silly boy, my children can be so straight-laced! I do think with age comes a devil may go attitude. There are many things I would never have said or  done, in my younger years - especially not in my 20”s, or 30”s! I always did Ike dirty jokes though. Not that I told them to men. Women, yes, men, no.

[tzarine]

more hugs, phar
keep the humour. the laughs will be good for all of you.

[ozziegiraffe]

Hugs to you and your mum, Phar. Make the most of the time you have.

[romily]

All the best, and as others said, keep on living, and cherish every moment you have with her, in person, on the phone, doesn't matter.

[fishface]

I'm sorry phar. This must be hard for you all.