Читать книгу Pink Ribbon Stories: A Celebration of Life - Tammy Miller - Страница 26

In 1987 my mother, Baba, was diagnosed with breast cancer; in 1996 my sister Terri was diagnosed with breast cancer; in 2003 my mother’s sister, (my favorite aunt) Patti was diagnosed with breast cancer, and in 2005 her daughter Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer. Through all their treatments, reconstructive surgeries and continued battles with cancer, my message to them was: “if I could fight this fight for you I would. I hate that you are going through this, and although there are days when you just want to give up…please keep fighting because I love you and can’t live without you”. Through the years, I’ve seen more family and friends face the struggles and hardships from this terrible disease. And I still have this overwhelming desire to let them know that they are very special to me, and I need them to fight this, because I can’t let go.

Then one day in April, I was driving along and Rascal Flatts song I Won’t Let Go came on the radio. I have a dear friend, Phyllis, who was just going through her chemo treatments at that time, and again I felt, “if I could fight this fight for you I would, but since I can’t, please know that I’m here and I’ll always be”. I’m sure there isn’t a caregiver, family member or friend who has a loved one facing this battle that doesn’t “feel” the words to this song deep in their hearts and souls. I had to pull over and have a good cry…I went right out and got the CD and gave it to Phyllis to let her know she is very special to me.

So, to my Mom, my sister Terri, my Aunt Patti, my cousin Karen, my sister Bev, my dear friends Tammy and Dana… and to you Phyllis…please know “I Won’t Let Go”.

Dianne lives in Boalsburg, PA with her best friend and husband of 36 years, John. She is blessed with two beautiful daughters, Shelli and Paula, and a very handsome son-in-law Ryan. Her greatest gifts are her two precious granddaughters, Princess Madelyn and Princess Lily with the “triple crown” expected in January 2012.