Becoming A Mother in Law
In June my son married his bride, Sarah, and I became a mother-in-law. At the groom’s dinner, I told a story to all that I remember the first time I thought of Sarah. John was only 2 weeks old at the time. I had just ventured out with the car seat, the child and headed off to Target to get the right diapers. I was driving home when I thought to myself; I hope my future daughter-in-law likes me. So I got a chance to ask her right in front of everyone if she liked me and she assured me she did. Whew.
Doctor’s Caution 20 Years Ago
Then I told them what I had done earlier in the week. I looked up the doctor that did my surgery for colorectal cancer 20 years earlier in the white pages on the internet. I have no idea if he is still living but he was listed as 80 years old and living in California. There was an address for him so I sent him a note.
Refreshing his memory, I reminded him I was the 39 year old mom of a 5 year old and 3 year old when he met me and told me I had colorectal cancer. He was worried for me. After he told me I would have to have a hysterectomy, my private parts reconstructed and a permanent colostomy to save my life, he also told me that if the cancer had spread to my liver or my lungs, he wouldn’t bother to do the operation. He would just make me as comfortable as possible.
I remember telling him, “No, you do what you have to do, bring on the bag; I want to dance at my children’s weddings!” At that point in telling the story, I was crying, and I wasn’t alone.
Dancing at The Wedding!
The next day at the wedding, I never sat down. The music, the friends, the happiness of my children and husband was the best day ever. I am so grateful to that doctor and all the people that helped us along the way. Click this link for a photo of the five of us from the wedding.
