Sunday 7 November 2021

Sad Times

 My cousin Gill gave me this little decoration the year after we started buying Cornerstones - it's hung here ever since...

Maybe some people would dismiss as twee, or cutesy. But during this past year, many people have realised that their life, or their way of life, was not as secure as they thought it was. Sometimes things have proved fragile - easily broken, not always easily fixed.
A surprisingly large number of people I know have given up work because of Long Covid. Others have lost loved ones and had to cope with bereavement without the hugs and social interactions which might have helped ease their pain a little. Many people are waking up to the fact that the way we have abused the planet is affecting our life on it. 

We shouldn't take things for granted. When things get tough, I find prayer - conversation with God - does help me get things into perspective. Believe me, I've been doing a lot of it in the last six months, for one reason or another! 
Right now, my prayers are for my cousin Gill - tomorrow is her 65th birthday. She lives with her son, and is primary carer for her Mum who is in her nineties and lives round the corner. We visited them In September, when the distancing rules were relaxed. All was fine. We had a great afternoon together. 
That week, Gill developed a sore throat, then a lump . Eventually she got a GP appointment and was sent for tests which proved inconclusive. Monday October 25th Gill messaged me that breathing was difficult, and I replied Dial 999 NOW. She was admitted to hospital that night, and given the worst diagnosis. 
My dearest cousin, who is more like a sister to me, is now in the St Francis Hospice with a rare, aggressive and untreatable thyroid cancer. 
On Friday 29th, we went down to Essex and saw my aunt, and Gill's son [no visits allowed at the hospital] Wednesday 3rd November we were allowed to see Gill in the hospice. Gill is amazing - her body is very weak, but her faith is strong. She's not afraid of death, just concerned for those she leaves bereft. We talked, and reminisced, and laughed and prayed together. The progress of this disease is horrid, and heartbreaking, and so unbelievably quick. The next few weeks will be tough for my family. I'm living in a state of "Pretend Normal" as Liz calls it.
And I'm praying... lots. 

19 comments:

  1. She sounds like an amazing woman. I'll be praying too.

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  2. I am so sorry to hear about your cousin's diagnosis. I am sending you and your cousin my prayers.

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  3. Praying for your cousin Gill and for your whole family. --Elise

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  4. So sorry to hear this, thoughts and prayers with you both. The Arthur's.xxx

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  5. So sorry to hear this. There are some cancers that still need much more research. Will be thinking of you.

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  6. So sad for you Angela. I will be praying.

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  7. I will be keeping Gill, her mum, her son, and your whole family in my thoughts.
    May she slip gently away without pain or suffering. X

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  8. May you all be comforted and find strength in the love that supports you.

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  9. Praying for Gill, her family, and you.

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  10. So sorry to hear about your cousin. I will keep Gill in my prayers for healing in this life or the next.

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  11. Prayers continue as I pray for everyone, everywhere and trust God to sort it out.

    Big hugs!

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  12. My heart goes out to you, Ang. How wonderful that Gill has a strong faith which is sustaining her. I am praying for her and her mother and son, and you. Xx

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  13. I'm sorry to hear this, Angela. Will be praying for her!

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  14. Praying for your cousin and your family.

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  15. I am so very sorry. Aggressive cancer such as this is so heartbreaking. I will keep your cousin in my thoughts. Grace to you, Celie

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  16. I will continue to pray for Gill and J and P as well as you and I really am sorry that they and you are having to suffer at this time. St Francis' hospice is such an important place in this community.xx

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  17. I've just caught up. My prayers are with you, and your family. What a difficult time. May God hold you all in the palm of his hand.

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  18. Oh so sorry!! God bless you all in this difficult time ❤

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