What a week.
I would have gone on and on here about how tired I was returning from vacation and all that’s wrapped up with “rejoining the real world” after a week filled with sunshine-y happiness. The amount of laundry I had to do to wash away the sweet smell of salty ocean breezes and suntan lotion now meaningless compared to the news I received when I returned home.
My oldest first cousin (but not much older than myself) lost her battle with cancer this week. Just like that, she’s gone from us and this world. From her diagnosis to this finality….maybe it was six months? A rare form of cancer had moved in and taken over without a lot of symptoms to warn her of its presence. Chemotherapy was started in hopes of prolonging her time here with us. Sue was a fighter…until the very end. But she couldn’t tolerate it and the treatment was stopped as quickly as it started. Sadly cancer won.
It’s hard to really accept that this vibrant being is now gone from our lives. She was young…strong…full of energy. Sue was by far, a force in this world, always living life to its fullest. She always “told it” how it was and I appreciated that more than anything. As a nurse she spent her whole life caring for others and likely found it hard to accept that level of care from others in her time of need.
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While she has left a big hole in our hearts she will never be forgotten. I truly hope her loving husband, children, my Aunt, her siblings and other extended family find the peace, understanding and acceptance they need to keep smiling and living their lives gracefully in her memory. Sue wouldn’t have it any other way.
While a dark cloud was present this week, responsibilities do carry on. The 6th grade science fair was on the agenda. My son did a really cool project to test “Paper Airplane Flying Distance by Paper Weight”. He really enjoyed building a launcher and figuring out which planes flew the furthest.
Thank goodness for some good mail days this week. A huge box of Peeps showed up on my doorstep. I had no idea there were so many kinds. My kids really loved the Peepsters chocolates filled with marshmallow cream. It was something different for them.
And to top it all off, Kettle Chips sent over their new flavors. I am so excited to try them, but afraid to open the bag knowing I will eat them all.
Have you entered my Giveaway for a $100 Visa card?
Things I’ve seen around the web this week:
15 Foods you won’t believe you can make in the microwave.
The cutest cookies.
Darling Easter dessert.
A bunch of FABULOUS Quiche recipes for Spring.
THIS milkshake. Swoon.
90 carrot cake recipes that will inspire you.
Rub this on your meat.
This frosting needs to go on everything.
Artful polenta.
12 knockout Bread Pudding recipes.
Yummy looking Spring salad.
Spring inspired skillet pizza.
A gaggle of Spring veggie recipes.
This lovely pie.
Casserole of the week.
15 Simple & Tasty Slow Cooker Pork Recipes
Breakfast I want right now.
And then there is this frosting too. Yum.
More Easter dessert adorableness.
Asian food fix for the week.
50 swoon-worthy grilled cheese sandwiches.
That is all friends, until next time. See other editions of Bites of Life.
One Year Ago: Decorating a Thirteen Year Old Boy’s Bedroom
Two Years Ago: Party in the City Where the Heat is On
Three Years Ago: Apple Matzo Cake
Val Clews says
My condolences for your loss. Cancer is a horrible thing. I have lost members of my family as well, and I, too, wish that cancer could get cancer and die. So sorry.
Diane says
I just want to extend my sympathies and tell you and your cousin’s family how sorry I am for the loss. Sending warm thoughts your way today and also to her family who will have some tough days ahead… xox
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I am SO sorry. I’ve lost people to cancer and it’s just devastating 🙁
Kate | Food Babbles says
I am so very sorry for your loss! Life truly is too short and things can so unexpectedly turn. My heart breaks for you and your family.
pam says
So sorry for your loss, we are going through the same thing….my husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer….it’s a sad wait….
Jo Wake says
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin. Even when expected it is still a shock. My father took two weeks from discovery to death. Best way to go rather than lingering for ages in my opinion.
Suzanne Fondl says
I’m sorry for your loss. Cancer sucks! I’ve been undergoing treatments for 3C epithelial clear cell carcinoma for 7 years. I’m one of the lucky ones…while I haven’t been able to beat it, I’m still able to live a full life. Prayers heading your way for your cousin Sue & your family.
Kristina says
sorry for your loss, my friend. thinking of you and your family during what I know is a difficult time. xo
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I am so sorry for your loss, Cathy…. My thoughts are with you and your family!
Karen says
Our deepest condolences to you and your family on the loss of your cousin, Sue. My Dad died of prostate cancer at 58 years old. So very young. It is hard but you do eventually find the peace and a way to keep smiling and living your life to the fullest.
Kari says
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin. Thought and prayers are with you and your family.
Channon Moore says
My condolences to you and your family. Cancer is cruel, isn’t it?
Maggie Blackwell says
Cathy, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers go out for you and your family!
Ashley @ Wishes & Dishes says
So sorry about your cousin!! I hate cancer. My dad has prostate cancer and is on hospice and my mom just had surgery for skin cancer. Also, my friends 5 year old daughter is losing her battle to brain cancer. Just awful!
julianne @ Beyond Frosting says
I am sorry to hear about your cousin. Sending you positive thoughts and hugs.
Vicky Stauffer says
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I am currently fighting this disease, diagnosed in 2009 with stage IV ovarian cancer and have had two recurrences. Hugs to all.
Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin! Sending prayers and sweet vibes your way!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
So sorry to hear about the loss of your cousin, Cathy. My heart goes out to you and your family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. xo
Lynn says
So sorry for your loss. She will live in your hear forever.
Stella Rose says
I too lost my best friend from high school sunday. I still can’t quite believe it. She had surgery in Dec. and chose not to do chemo. The start of symptoms was about a year ago. I was a rare cystic system cancer. She is in my heart forever. Sorry for your loss, blessings.
katie says
So sorry to read about your friend Cathy. Sending positive vibes and lots of hugs to you friend.
Cathy F says
So sorry to hear about your loss. I just lost my father last week and I know how painful this time is for you. Your and your family and friends are in my heart.