A diary for Grama

Today is Day 1 for my Grama, who underwent chemo and radiation treatments, and was diagnosed with Stage 3 rectal cancer about 3 weeks ago.  My heart was so happy today because she was able to talk to me on the phone.  My Grama and I have a very special relationship, and she holds a special place in my heart.

Grama is my father's mother and I'm very special to her because I'm not only the first grandchild, but the first granddaughter.  She's always been a prayerful, church going, God fearing woman, and would always talk to me about the Bible and how good God has been to her.  She's always been the strong, matriarchal figure of the family.  She bore 7 children and raised them all in the very house that she still resides in today.  She took care of Grampa until the day he died, and has kept the family together with lots of love and prayer.

It's very strange to see my grandmother in such a vulnerable position, as she's always been extremely self-sufficient and able to not only take care of herself, but of anybody else that needed care.  She'd open her home up to the kids and grandkids on vacations and holidays, and make sure we were always taken care of. 

Something so small has turned into something that seems to be bigger than all of us, and has changed the inner workings of my family forever.  There was something going on to where Grama felt like she could try to take care of her medical issues herself using old Southern remedies that she was taught as a child.  Those old school remedies weren't working and she had to get not only a doctor involved, but the rest of the family.  She had been telling people that everything was fine and that the doctor was giving her a good bill of health during her appointments.  It wasn't until my Aunt Marion received a hysterical phone call from Grama, who had just been informed by her doctor that she needed a blood transfusion immediately.  WHAT!!

That was the beginning of what would forever change our family.  It's been one escapade after another with Grama and the family trying to understand what the heck was really going on and trying to get to the bottom of why she needed a blood transfusion.  I love my Grama and am glad to know that today was a good day.  Every day I will give an account of her progress and share my private world with the rest of the world.

Glad you had a great day today, Grama.  I love you.