My beautiful friend, Amy lost her battle with breast cancer today. She and I have gone to school together through junior high, high school and college. We shared lots of fun times, but especially bonded in 2007 when we had our boys. Harrison is a few months older than Mitchell. She fought a long, hard battle starting back in July of 2008 and we thought she had it beat numerous times just to continue to have the cancer resurface in other places. :( Her friends and family have spent lots of time at her bedside the past 5 days as the nurses predicted each of the days to be her last. I am very comforted to have watched her family feel very peaceful about her passing. Amy has had a strong group of friends by her side through this struggle, including our close-knit group of high school friends. We have supported each other through some unthinkable things through the years, but never imagined we'd support ourselves through the death of one of our own this early in life.
Each of the last few days, we've been beckoned to Amy's side for what they have been predicted to be her final breaths, but I knew today's call was different. When I left Amy's late last night, I knew that I was telling her my final goodbye. Instead of rushing to her bedside again today, I did what I knew Amy would've suggested. I picked Mitchell up early from daycare and brought him straight home to cuddle on the couch and read him book after book until he was smoothered from my kisses. I called Jacob to remind him how much I loved him and invited my only in town family member (Dad) to come spend some quality time with us.
I did venture over to Amy's later this evening to help prepare things for her memorial service. It's been an emotional week and I think all are looking forward to have a little closure after Monday's service.
Amy was a sassy gal, never afraid to speak her mind! I can't think of a better advocate to have in heaven - what a beautiful angel she will make :)
5 comments:
What a nice tribute Mandi.... Something you'll find out for yourself, is that no matter how old your children are, when they are sick, you don't feel well either; when they go through rough times, you want to help them however you can; when they are hurting, you want to comfort them because you are hurting too. Thinking of you in your grief for AMY...she'll be an awesome angel!
Love you.
Oh my goodness...I am so sad to read this. I didn't even know Amy and I'm sitting here sobbing.
I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. I am so sorry to her family for the loss of their mother, daughter and wife. You and them will be in my prayers during this time of grief.
Thankfully, Amy is out of pain. Her son will always have his own personal guardian angel. Thank you, Mandi for the reminder about the delicacy of life. I will hug my babies a little longer tonight.
My heart goes out to you and my hat goes off to you--you are such a special young woman. The more I get to know you, the more I understand why Jacob loves you so much.
Oh Mandi, I am so sorry about your wonderful friend Amy, how heartbreaking. :(
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