Sharon Stewart: A Mother I Wouldn't Trade For Anything

My name is Charlie Stewart and my mother is Sharon Stewart.

The two of us have had a whirlwind weekend with her entering hospice care in our home this past Sunday (3/23/25). If someone had told us just one month ago that this is where we would be, we would think you were telling stories. But, here we are with my mother's best friend Sherry and myself being told she has until maybe the end of the week left on Earth.

This all started a few years ago with an initial diagnosis of lung cancer. From there, it spread to the lymph nodes, then to her liver and spine. We have been undergoing cancer treatment for nearly two uninterrupted years, but we all, including her doctors, believed we still had a fight in this.

She began to eat less and less and became more withdrawn. She eventually called Sherry, her best friend in the world, in North Carolina and told her, "I need you," and Sherry jumped on the next available flight down to Georgia. After a week spent nearly entirely in bed, I spoke to her oncologist who told us, and her, to head to Kennestone Hospital to be evaluated for a Failure To Thrive. When we went to see her on Saturday, the oncology team informed us that she was Covid-19 positive and had perhaps weeks to months to live. The palliative nurse visited with my mom, Sherry, and I and told Sherry and me in private that she feels it's maybe weeks. The next day, we met with her oncology team again who told us they had found a blood clot in her leg. Her platelet count was far too low to administer heparin to break up the clot, and due to her overall condition, she was not a candidate for a filter.

There was nothing more they could do for her. She gave us an estimate of 3 weeks.

We made the decision to bring her home and enter hospice there. Since she has gotten home, it has been a rapid decline. We asked the hospice nurse how long she believed we had left with her, and she told us, "...maybe the end of the week." At this point, we are focused on keeping her comfortable and pain-free as we wait for her to finally be at peace.

My mother has always been easy to love. I work at the local Target store and so, so many people there love her with all their heart because she is so lovable. She always put others before herself and loves to see people be happy. And she has so many friends and loved ones at doctor's offices, too. They have, each of them, been shocked to hear that her condition was so severe and are heartbroken to be losing someone who has always been so vibrant and full of life. She is an amazing mother who has always taken care of me and has raised someone who always tries to help any way I can. Even after hearing the worst news a person can hear, she pulled Sherry aside and said, "Take care of my Charlie for me." And by being here as support in this trying time, Sherry has done so much more than I could have ever asked.

The outpouring of support has meant so much to us. It is beyond comforting to know that Sherry, her brother Steve, and I are not alone in this.

We had briefly discussed final arrangements some months ago after multiple deaths in the family, and I know she wants to be cremated, mixed with my father's ashes, and spread in the garden that she loved so dearly and worked so diligently on.

We have not been able to save the money to have available for final expenses. This is why I come to you asking for help. I understand times are difficult, and if all you can do is pass along this fundraiser to others and spread the word, I thank you.

If you donate any amount, I will be so very grateful for help to ensure my mom is taken care of.

I would ask everyone who reads this to keep kindness in their hearts, always. Like my mother did and like she taught me.

The funds will be used to cover the expenses related to her passing and to her cremation.

I wanted to thank everyone who has been so supportive in light of this horrifying news.

Thank you to everyone at the Cartersville Target store for being there for us and especially those who work at the in-store Starbucks. Visiting there for coffee and seeing her "Starbucks Girls" was often the highlight of her day.

Thank you to all her doctors who always did their absolute best to ensure she was as healthy as she could be.

Thank you to her friends and our family who have shared so many wonderful memories and photos. Especially Steve, her brother and my uncle, who has given me advice and support that has made the whole ordeal more manageable and has always been there for us.

And thank you to you, whoever is reading this, for taking the time to do so.

I'll leave you with what my mother wrote to me a few months ago.

I think it'll help others who need good, motherly advice:

"Charlie,

Never forget how much I love you,

as you grow older you will face many

challenges in life. Just do your best.

Life isn't about waiting for the storm

to pass, it's about learning how to dance

in the rain. Every day may not be good,

but find something good in every day.

Laugh, love, live. Follow your dreams,

believe in yourself, and remember to

be awesome. I'll always be with you!

Love you forever!

~Mom"