Embarking on a New Life Journey

Becoming a Caretaker

During the years of  2016-2019, the caretaking duties increased for my sister and I. My mother, Bobbie, and stepdad, Robert’s health started to decline more. Age and diseases took their toll despite both of their determination to be as independent as possible. I admired their fight to take care of themselves, but their bodies could only endure so much. Robert recognized his mortality and prayed for God to take him. We gave him daily reminders that when God is ready, He will end it. A week before his 91st birthday,  my stepdad, Robert began to sleep more and more until God answered his prayer. 

Now, mom was left alone and still determined to live independently despite her health challenges. Stubborn and hardheaded are her middle names. “I can do it,” is her motto. She said those words to herself and us many times; however, they became less and less accurate. For almost two years, mom tried to prove us wrong. Then in December 2019, she showed us right by falling and breaking her hip. Living alone is no longer a possibility, and it’s hard for her to face reality.

Unhealthy News

The year 2019 seemed to be an unhealthy year for family and friends. It turned out to be the year of the Big C. One of my dear and close friends discovered stage 4 lung cancer was now her reality. Shocked, I cried a tub of tears for her.  Our friendship is more than 35 years. The news hit like a ton of bricks, but I wanted her to know that I am and always will be her ride or die, friend. Both of our life journeys experienced a significant detour.

The final year of the 2010s should have come and gone without additional heaviness. In the first week of December 2019, I scheduled an annual mammogram. Not worried about it, I went into my appointment with confidence. I occasionally did self-exams and felt nothing unusual. 

A small spot on the left breast showed on the mammogram scan, and the radiologist ordered an immediate ultrasound. I complied with the recommendation. A couple of days later, I scheduled a biopsy, and my anxiety level skyrocketed. On December 18, 2019, I had a biopsy and another mammogram. Deep down, I knew the outcome.