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Sunday, September 16, 2012

A very special visitor is coming.....

I'm sorry I have no photos today, but I have been working very hard stay ahead of the homework demands because our family will be having a very special visitor for the next two weeks;

It will be my beautiful niece, Tiffany, who lives in Japan.

My niece is 23 years old, lives in Okinawa and is a cancer survivor. She's my brother's daughter; he lives here in the states. She has lived all of her life in Japan and has only made rare visits here.  I am so excited; she is going to be here tomorrow!   The last visit was three years ago.

Sadly, the reason for the visit is to spend time with her Grandmother (my mom) who has been diagnosed with metastasizing pancreatic and bile duct cancer.  Although the reason for her visit is a serious one, we are going to make the best of it and make sure she enjoys her time here.

By the way, my mom is doing well and is not in the end stages of her illness yet.  She will be soon, but her spirits are up right now and she is relatively comfortable.  She feels good enough to enjoy this visit with her lovely granddaughter.  My mom needs some joy right now.  You can read a bit of my mom's difficult last few years at my post "Not in My Family"(find in archives, 2010).

I will post lots of pictures as they become available.  Please say a prayer for my niece...she is flying here as I type.

Thank you to all of you who follow me and generously post on my blog.  I'm so appreciative of the friends I am making here.

Lisa

16 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry you all are going through this.

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    1. Thank you; I am strong and will continue to be so.

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  2. Life is throwing you a lot of curveballs right now, Lisa. I admire your positivity and strength. Looking forward to pictures! :)

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    1. Thank you, Sheila. I'm looking at the things that are right in my life and that helps. Can't wait to share the pics!

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  3. Dear Lisa, I am so sorry to hear about your mum! I will say a prayer both for her and for your niece! Don't feel bad if you don't have any pictures to share, it is very demanding to be in academia sometimes (but still the best kind of work in my mind) and of course we all have other obligations too. With or without pictures I read you blog with great interest every time. Enjoy your time with your niece, they bring soo much joy into our lives! All my best, Anna

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    1. Thank you, Anna, for you kind and supportive words. I sincerely appreciate them!

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  4. Lisa, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's illness but glad to hear you still have some time. I wish your neice a wonderful trip with lots of happy memories made.

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    1. Thank you. I think its going to be a wonderful visit.

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  5. It's so bitter sweet. I'm glad that you have family to hold on to during this difficult time. There is always a reason to be thankful despite circumstances and I admire your positivity and hope. I will say a prayer for you and your family. Sending you positive energy.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers and positive energy. I agree and I thank you for pointing out there there is always a reason to be thankful...and I am.

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  6. Enjoy your time with your niece and sorry to learn of your mother's illness.

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    1. Thank you, Terri. I will be seeing her tomorrow....she arrived yesterday and will need some restorative time post flight!

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  7. I'm tremendously sorry to hear about your mother's illness, that much be taking such a stressful toil on you and family. I commend your fortitude and hope that you and your niece with been able to have a lovely visit together even under these serious circumstances.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you very much, Jessica. I appreciate your very kind words.

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  8. Have a wonderful time visiting with your niece. Even sad visits can create warm memories to sustain us through our grief. I traveled to see my aunt several times before she died of cancer, and I am so glad I did.

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    1. Kristen, thank you for reminding me of that. Your words brought tears to my eyes.

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"When you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"--Mark Twain