Abby-Jill

She's the one in the middle of the other beauties.

This day she's just wearing a ball cap & sunglasses.  The next day the hat becomes a tiara that she proudly wears like a 6' TANNED princess (with chemo she wasn't supposed to tan but was NOT going to go around "lookin' like cancer!").

August 11th.  This day of great victory. Surrounded by love. Adored. Cherished.

August 22nd - I received this note from Abby-Jill
...Yesterday turned out to be a rough one.  I received my cancer markers  and they are on the rise again and looks like we will be changing my  chemotherapy.  I'm not to thrilled since this is a really toxic one  and i'll most likely lose my hair again.  Oh well...need to stay  focused on the path ahead and remain positive.I think that i'll order one of those 'heavenly beds' from the  marriott.  My mattress's are actually in need of being replaced...and  i'm thinking that i'll be spending some more time in my bed so might  as well be in luxury.

Thanksgiving 2007:didn't expect to make it much longer...
Dec 16: can no longer talk, the last round of chemo they decided to not administer - probably wouldn't do much good -

Without saying the words - read between the lines... there are volumes there.

My daughter-in-love (oh so very brave) read a poem at her daddy's funeral - about living in the "dash".  Born date -- death date.  The poem was inspiring and powerful - making the best of the time in the "dash" - the here and now...  Many reminders of the present.  Looking around at those in our present and being aware - very aware of them.  Drinking in each other rather than rushing by with projects and programs and agendas.

Abby-Jill lives in the dash.  Giving while in pain.  Laughing and loving and soaking up the love of family and friends. 

Part of me is sorrowful - we're being robbed of amazing people.
Part of me is angry - we're being robbed of amazing people.
Much of me is grateful - for knowing and being eternally "touched" by amazing people.

Thank you Ashlee for the reminder of the "dash".
Thank you, Abby-Jill for the living example of fully, consciously, purposing to live in the dash.

Comments

[Janelle Keller]

I found this when I was googling Abby-Jill. The last week has been so emotional and I loved reading your beautiful words. Thank you for the encouragement you gave us during the walk. You also are a beautiful person - a kindred spirit to Abby-Jill :)

[Deb Geary]

Judy,,,
Are you and Scott walking in 2008?
Join Abby's Angels.
Deb
fourgearys@aol.com