Live~Laugh~Love~HOPE

Why do I Relay? That is a really good question. And trust me I get asked it all the time. So here is my story.

I have never had cancer, but I have family members and friends that have been affected by cancer. To be honest, I never really thought that I would have to deal or take care of someone that has cancer. Sure, I have been to Relay’s and walked my laps and then went home or out to and never gave it a second thought until the next year.

Well, all of that changed in March of 2009. My Grandmother, Joyce Hogge was giving a few weeks to live, that’s when my life turned upside down. March was the last time she walked, as of right now she has not been out of the bed. She just lays there looking out of the window, thinking, and still loving her life and being grateful for each day God gives her to spend with her family.

I have been a caregiver for her since March. At first when my aunt asked me to come and stay with Grandma for a few hours on days that I got off work early, I was very unsure. To be perfectly honest I was scared to death. All of these questions were going through my head. What would I do if she had to go to the bathroom? Would I hurt her if I had to help her move? And the biggest or the worst question was What if she died while I was there alone?

Here it is November 2009 and she is still in the bed, but I am no longer scared, it is the complete opposite. I love everyday that I get to spend with her. I give her pedicures and manicures. We talk about when she was child, her favorite things to do, she tells me stories about all the different things she has done and seen.  There are something’s that I can never tell anyone because they are our secrets and I will always have them in my heart. When I walk into her room see her light up and smile because I am there, it makes my heart feel so warm. My heart is so full! I wish everyone could feel the way that I feel when I spend time with her. She has given me so many memories that only her and I will have together.

So, that my story. Now why do I Relay?  I have HOPE. I have HOPE that there will be a day where a granddaughter, aunt, sister, etc. Do not have to take care of someone that is sick with cancer. Because there will be cure and there will be no more suffering.

For me my Grandma is not dying from cancer, she is living with cancer until the day she takes her last breath.

Live~Laugh~Love

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