My Mom, Lynne morrow

My parents are uncomplicated, simple people…Farmers, ranchers, a hair dresser, a house cleaner, a dump truck driver an oil driller. Hard workers with hearts of gold, Intelligent but satisfied with having enough. My whole life, their only concern was making sure me, my sisters, and their grandchildren had what we needed, and that those lucky enough to call them family or friend, never went without. One of the biggest lessons I have learned from them is “When looking in your neighbors bowl, make sure they have enough food.” This mantra, which they have lived by, has often been to their detriment. Still, they have persisted, giving more than they have ever received. Over the years I’ve watched more and more taken from them. Five years ago, my father lost his grandson after a tragic ATV accident, despite performing CPR on him on the front porch, attempting to save his life. Then, this past December, my parents lost a daughter, my sister, to sepsis pneumonia. They were the best of us. It doesn’t seem possible that they are gone. My parents took my sister’s remaining children in, no questions asked. They would be loved unconditionally by them, by my remaining sister, Carolyn and myself. However, loss would continue. Most recently I’ve had to watch my mothers health begin to decline. My heart goes out to my father, as he watches the love of his life struggle to walk, see, hear and taste. Just a little over two weeks ago, after a lengthy stay at the Cleveland clinic for a brain bleed and hydrocephalus, the neuro surgeons were finally able to get a definitive answer from the biopsy of her brain mass. My mom has a high grade glioma. Without treatment, it’s projected that she would have four to six months to live. With treatment (consisting of of 6 weeks of radiation and chemotherapy) her life expectancy could be extended 24-36 months. My normally calm father, always the voice of reason, and frequently the comic relief in any situation, was shook. Unsure of what to do, we immediately wanted a second opinion. The issue is, my mom does not have insurance. She has gotten care through the Cleveland clinic through grants offered by them. A second opinion will be difficult without insurance. My parents have spent their entire lives helping others. Now they are the ones who need assistance. Feeding and clothing two teenagers, while coming up with gas money to travel to Cleveland five days a week, for six weeks, is going to be difficult. That does not even include paying for the second opinion. This brings me to the point of this post. I know that I’ve asked for so much over the years…from family, friends, acquaintances, even strangers, but I look at my broken family holding on to each other, all of us in a sinking boat… one of us plugging the holes, one of us siphoning the water out. None of us are giving up. That’s another life lesson my parents taught me. We don’t quit. When we fall off the horse we get back on. When someone else falls, we lift them up. Looking back on everything that has happened. I can’t give up. I’m gonna do whatever I can, ask whoever I can, for any kindness they can offer. On September 2nd, my friends and I are planning an evening of fundraising with The Rust Belt Theater Company at Club Switch, in Youngstown, OH…including a Dolly Parton themed drag show featuring local performers. I don’t know the specifics of it yet, there will be more to come about that. For those not able to attend, I’ll be opening up a gofundme campaign for anyone who would like to contribute. I know times are tough and some might not have anything to give, but every little bit counts. Even a social media share would be much appreciated. Admitting that you need help is difficult. I don’t like to talk about the bad things. I like to post pictures of my dogs and our cute little life. Sometimes the bad things need talked about though. I think back on all the amazing memories of my mom and my sisters. Driving around in her Buick listening to Dolly, singing at the top of our lungs. Always supportive. Always loving. The mom who bought her own clothes at Goodwill…so we could have nice clothes. The mom who drove to my school immediately the time a history teacher said something hateful and homophobic. This mother, who has lost so much, deserves a chance to see her grandchildren do the amazing things I know they are going to. These grandchildren deserve more time with the woman who raised their mom, because she is second to none. I know because I had a front row seat to all of the amazing things she has done for the people around her.