My Mom - Sally, a.k.a. Big Red

[Hot Ta-Molly]

Three years ago today, my mom went to be with the Lord.  After 10 years of chemo, radiation, pills, illness, pain, and suffering, she left, surrounded by her family.  The Metastatic Breast cancer had taken its toll and rampaged through her body until every organ, every bone was contaminated with the enemy.  And though we didn't always see eye to eye, I've chosen not to dwell on the bad things in our relationship but to remember the good things.

At the Cancer Treatment Center of America in Tulsa, OK mom was know as Big Red because she always wore a red wig.  She had hoped her hair would grow back in red and curly but that wasn't to be.  Even though mom was in pain and sick, she always greeted the nurses with a smile and laughter, which surprised them because they were used to the look of sadness and illness.  Very few folks at CTCA knew her as Sally, but simply knew her as Big Red.

My mom gave the best hugs.  She was a large woman (before her two mastectomies and the treatments and cancer shrank her) and she had a pillowy chest which was at the right level for me to just lean over a little bit and lay my head down.  She would wrap her arms around me and just rock.  I miss those.  After she died, I would turn to warm, soft, sweet foods to try to make up for those hugs.  But nothing can take the place of a hug.

This year is easier than last year and definitely easier than the first year she was gone.  I miss you momma!  I love you lots!  I hope I bring joy through warm soft hugs like my mom.

[Sally R]

What a beautiful tribute to your mom! She sounds like a firecracker!

[Hot Ta-Molly]

Thank you everyone.  I really miss her and get pretty weepy the week before.  My kids are remembering her laugh which always turned to a cough.  Grandkids night with blankets and pillows, movies and sometimes my dad would make his special breakfast treat.  Family get-togethers were always at her house.

A funny story, when mom had her first mastectomy, she opted not to have the other removed.  Then she felt lopsided.  She wore a triple zzz bra. (You get the point; she was pretty large in the shelf area.)  She tried the fluffy stuffed prosthetic and it was too light.  So she took out the stuffing and put in filled penny rolls till it her bra fit right!  She said that way if the needed toll she had the change hand.  hahahahahahahahaha!  Makes me laugh still!

Amy, I think your son will love hugging you no matter what shape you are.  Even after my mom had her mastectomies, I still liked her hugs.  I would tell her there wasn't a comfortable place to lay my head anymore and she would laugh.

Suezee, I'm sorry about your mom too.  30 years.  You never forget, huh?

Foulweathersal, go hug your mom!

Bette, you and your mom have been in my prayers.  

 

[Bette Bliss Shaw]

Moms are Gods way of making sure every child is loved beyond measure! Moms are so precious and priceless.

Been in my Moms health stuff and it has been one of the toughest things I have been through.

This made me feel sad for you Molly. I see you are keeping her memory alive, all there is to do! She lives on in you!

[Foulweathersal]

Very sweet tribute to your mother.  Makes me want to go hug mine.

[amy lou]

Molly - this blog gave me goose bumps! Thank you so much for sharing the love you have for your Mom with us.  What a gift to keep her loveliness in your heart!!  I actually wonder if I manage to lose the weight I desire (at least 100lbs) if my body will become to angular for my son to enjoy.  He loves to cuddle and sit on my lap every night.  Interesting that you equate her softness with love.  Maybe those things which we don't enjoy about ourselves (i.e. my extra body fat) are a joy to someone else?  Though provoking for me! THANKS

[Vegan♥for♥Life]

Awwwww. Nice tribute.

You know - your Mom's (((hug))) memories will always be with you. And I KNOW she is still with you and very proud of you taking charge of your health!!!

[Hot Ta-Molly]

Jill, one day I saw an older woman driving a red scooter, like my mom's.  She was wearing a big red wig, like my mom's.  And she was shaped like my mom, at least from my back.  My heart started racing and I nearly ran up to her and hugged her.  It was uncanny how much like my mom she looked.  <sigh>

[jill anderson]

Rest in Peace,Big Red!!!She has a beautiful smile:)I lost my mom in "00"I cant believe how quick the years have gone.It is such a weird feeling i get when im out in public and smell someone wearing her perfume scent,or a song comes on and it stops me in my steps:)r.i.p mom,and please know I love u and miss u alot,until we meet again.luv Jill:)

[Mae Jardine]

A beautiful tribute to your Mom, Molly.  A beautiful joyful looking woman.  I'm sure your hugs are just as warm, soft and full of love.  I wish I there with you to give you love & pillowy hugs.  xo