The Rose

                   

Many of you have asked how my mother is fairing? Let me tell you a story...

Years ago when I had cancer I took my chemotherapy treatments on the weekends. After the treatment we would go back to our apartment. I would go to bed while French Husband bundled up our children taking them to the park to play.

French Husband made sure I had everything I needed before he left. I looked forward to resting in quiet. Though one day soon after he left I started to feel terribly sick. Dog sick. I thought I would die! I couldn't even make it to the bathroom and was vomiting off the side of my bed. I didn't know what to do- except to pick up the phone on my bed and call my mother in California.

When my mother answered I could barely talk, I told her I needed help, that I was alone, that I was scared. In her quick-thinking-focused-get-the-job-done-self, she knew that telling me to dial 18 (the French 911) wasn't what I needed considering I could barely talk English at that moment let alone French.

She said without blabbering emotion, "Corey roll out of bed...okay are you there? Okay crawl,  come on you can do it, crawl to the front door, throw the phone ahead of you.... Hello? Corey are you there? Okay do it again crawl, throw the phone ahead of you.... Okay, open the front door...come on you can do it...good, good, now crawl to your neighbor's door, and when they answer pass them the phone."

My mother is the rock rose in the family.

You see my mother knows how to cope under pressure, she knows how to get the job done, she has what it takes to do what one has to do... and does it. My mother has been by my father's side everyday for the last two months...and if I didn't stay here in the evenings, she would literally camp alongside of his bed too.

My mother's first name is Tough. Her middle name is Firecracker. Her last name is Faithful.

Comments

[Jan Vercammen]

Your words about your mother were so powerful I burst out crying while reading them. I have been away, living with my parents in another city for the past few weeks, so am only getting caught up with your blog now that I have returned home. My folks are so fragile looking, in their 80's; while they struggle to live with Dad's cancer, but they are also strong as steel. Watching them care for each other has shown me a new dimension to their relationship that I never took note of before. My mother has been a rock all my life, but she took time to sit with me alone to tell me of her heartache and here fears; making me feel closer to her as a woman than at any other time in my life. I lost my husband to cancer when he was young, and Mother knows I have experienced what she is going through. She knows there are things she will not have to say for me to understand. Although she is old and delicate as porcelain, I still look to her to make my father feel her strength, while knowing he is dying. I cannot do much for them right now, but I promised my mother I would come back, knowing she will need me to help with Dad's care and to hold her up if she should falter.

You have an amazing perception that I identify with; and the way you write about the people you love makes me love them too. Thank you for sharing.
- Jan

[lorie price bishcoff]

love your blog and your honesty that is shared.
lorie

[Suzanne]

Corey, I love your mother's name! :) And I suspect that your own name goes after hers. With a french gentle touch. :)

Big hug.

Love*

[Stephanie]

What a illustration of your mother. A few words and I feel like I really know something wonderful about her. Your family is often on my mind. May God continue to bless you all.

[Irene]

Oh Corey!...

[mary]

nice words, nice embroidered flower...

[wilsonian]

You learned well.
xo

[Julie G. Baxley]

I love your mother!

[diXymiss]

The thoughts and prayers of this stranger go with you, as your journey proceeds. What a blessing you can return the favor and now become the rock rose for your dear Mama and Papa.

Note to self: read Tongue in Cheek BEFORE applying mascara.

[Star]

How fortunate your family is to have such a mother--a rock when you need someone strong, the best cookie baker around when a small hand needs something warm and comforting to hold (and nosh), and the twinkle in your eye when you least expect it. And I can see that the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.

[Mo'a]

Oh!!!Corey, this story made me smile...I have a Mother just like yours...and I have inherited this ability, to be the one to handle things when things are under pressure...she said modestly :)
You are in my thoughts everyday. I say prayers for your Father, You and your whole Family.
You are all amazing...I wonder how your Father is doing?

[patpaulk]

Everyone should have a mother like that. Perfect way to answer the question.

[Rabenfrau]

Really a rock rose... Don't know why it is said that women are weak. My mother is like this, too. Perhaps, women of this generation are stronger than we are. I hope I get so strong, too, when I need it...

I think very often of you and your family. Wishing you strength for this day-by-day-living, and all the best for your father!

[Tracie]

Oh Corey,
All mother's should be made out of the same mold as your mother. That Rock Rose is quite a beauty, heart and soul.

Always in my thoughts and prayers,
~Tracie

[Karen]

Not sure if I've commented you, but I love your blog - thank you for it's insightful beauty :)
This post made me smile for memories; and I am sending you thoughts of peaceful days. I know the cycle of caring and how my mother always says she never wanted to be the "last resort" or the "final answer" with all of the family history and random questions. I guess it happens to us all at some point, but when my own daughter almost left me, I wasn't as strong as I had hoped - or as strong as my own mother. I suppose that is why I am fortunately learning how to handle her teenage stresses....life is making me try to be a rock rose.
Looking forward to reading more things from your heart in the future. xo

[liz elayne]

how this post reminds me how much a mother loves. something i forget sometimes in the midst of my own relationship with my mother.

your mother is incredible corey. a blessing...a beautiful blooming blessing in the middle of your family.

sending you all peace...

[Frieda]

I wish my kids can say this about me someday...what a great role model you have.

Peace and blessing to you and your family

[Carol in Mass.]

I'm just now catching up on a few recent posts......
Corey..this has got to be one of the most incredible stories about a mother that I have ever read. Makes me want to sit by your mother's side, soak in her spirit and learn all she has to offer! Bless you all...and as always...
Hugs to you all,
Carol

[Betty]

Corey,
A virtuous lady you have for a Mother...a biblical example.

I'm sure if the tables were turned, your Father would be the same steadfast rock to your Mother...the result...a caring, faithful daughter.....you all are in my prayers and know our Heavenly Father holds you all in the palm of His almighty hand.....Betty

[Lana]

Like Mother, like daughter. Prayers for you all Corey.
I couldn't help but notice the beautiful rose in the photo. As one who does ribbon embroidery, I admire the detail in that lovely piece. Could you share the whole needlework?

[Di Overton]

Your mother is perfection. She is doing what comes naturally to any GOOD mother.
Much love to you all
Di
xo

[Deborah P]

What a beautiful tribute to your Mother and a perfect way to describe her for all of us who do not know her. Thanks also for the story of your Father and his sister - angels indeed. I believe that the angels are ministering to all of your family during this time and I hope and pray that you feel the comfort they bring.

[sandig]

Thank God for our Mothers. This post brought tears to my eyes. God has blessed you. Thinking of you. Blessings. XO

[Merisi]

Dear Corey,
I was not able to comment on today's blog (Monday's), so I do it here. I hope you are feeling strong today, the flowers of today's post do look reassuring, like a messenger from the world beyond the window.

[cruststation]

Your family is an inspiration, generations of strong women and amazing male supporting members :)

[amber]

This is the kind of woman I want to be.

ox Thinking of you. I have something that I will send very soon. ;)

oxox :)

[Ariane]

Sounds like you are both amazing women! Saying a prayer for you all. (Also I love the photo on the flower on the window sill in your next post. It's beautiful!)

[Kas]

Inspiring, I am so inspired by both your mother and your father during this phase of their life together. I draw strength from hearing their faithful story and I share it with those I meet too.

[Linda]

What a beautiful testimonial to a Mother's love and strength. But, how is she?

[anna]

This is such a beautiful tribute to your mom...as are you, Corey.

[m read]

Dear Corey,
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family during this trying time.
Sincerely,
M Read

[tut-tut]

Dear Corey, what a blessing your entire family must be; I'm praying for all of you during this time. You are a strong woman yourself . . .

[Lee]

Thinking of you and your family. xxx.

[Travelingmama@pobox.com]

What a beautiful picture of strength. And what a beautiful legacy to pass on.

[Leanne Beasley]

Mothers. My Mother is a Rock Rose too. I remember when my daughter was born and my husband had returned to work I found it so hard on my own. I simply picked up the phone and I couldn't even speak through the tears. She just said, "I'm coming." I think of her as the mother I want to be. We are lucky to have such women to be our role models.

[Barbara Jordan]

Dear Corey,
First, let me thank you for your kind message of condolence on the loss
of my dear mother. Yes, I have seen the Universe in her eyes, not as
she held my gaze, but as she saw beyond me, her feet becoming planted in
the next world. Yes, who could doubt Heaven after having the privilege
of making this extraordinary journey, as far as we humanly can, with
those we love. Please accept the Healer's gentle touch for your Dad,
for you and for your family.

I find it helpful to share my feelings regarding this
most intense yet blessed journey.
When my dear Mother died, it seemed as if she laid her strength on my
shoulders like a mantle, as if saying "Here, take it. I have no use for
it any longer. It is yours". Like your Mom, as I read today, her
second name was 'strength'. It guides me now.
As ever, you and your family are in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Barbara Jordan
your France-loving Canadian

[Donna O.]

The apple doesn't fall from the rose bush. Mixing metaphors for you tonight. Thought a smile was in order.
xo
D.

[Sue McG]

You are a rose from the same vine Corey. Sending blessings and prayers as always, for you and your family, your parents, God bless and keep you safe.

[Elaine L.]

She sounds like my mom. Tom Brokaw, was right when he refered to them as "The Last Great Generation". Being Portuguese, also, helps.

~elaine~

[nel]

I think you are very much like your mother... Nel xx

[Tracy]

Now I understand why you are so incredible, you come from an incredible woman.

Tracy

[Mary]

.............and even when you are across the pond I know you are still so close. It was like that for me when I still had my strong Mother. 3000 plus miles between us but we still felt one another's hearts beat.

As always, my love to you both.

[Laura]

Corey,
Your mom is my mom...I wish I were like them. I am a puddle of tears, always...You are blessed to have her for your mother.

May angels touch you and yours this evening,
Laura

[Betty @ She's Sew Pretty]

I would say that the Portuguese in her makes her tough. But, instead I will tell you that I wish my mother was just a tiny bit like yours.

[Marva Plummer-Bruno]

Corey - I had totally forgotten about your triumph! You and your mother are awesome ladies! Still praying for all of you.....

[herhimnbryn]

Dear Corey's Mum,
Grace.
Strength.
Toughness.
Love.
Take a little care of YOU, if you can.

[Toni]

Corey, I love your mother

[Gillian]

Her daughter's name is...Chuck.

Kidding!!!
Love you.
The acorn falls not far from the tree dear Corey. You are quite capable yourself.
Take care today...xoxo

[My Melange]

Sounds like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, Corey ;)

[Rosemary]

You have an amazing mother Corey. You are pretty amazing yourself.
My prayers are with all of you!
Rosemary