It's been a long time since I blogged, most of you probably have given up and do not even check us anymore it's been so long. For those of you needing a quick recap, Hope had cancer come back in May of 2008, surgery in June that removed half of her tongue, almost a month in the hospital with horrible side effects, almost 6 months of torturous depression, anxiety, and loss of 1/3 her body weight, and all the meanwhile keeping up the strongest spirit of anyone person I have ever met. She has loved her boys, her friends, and done her best under the most excruciating of body failures. She is now for the first time in over 6 months resting comfortably in a Hospice bed with hopes of coming home on Monday.
Yes the 'C' word is back, yes it has taken over her tongue, jaw, lymph nodes and who knows what else, but most importantly she is comfortable again. She is Hope again, and I haven't been able to say that for a long time as many of you know from my e-mail pleas for help. Her eyes light up again, she makes fun of me constantly, she is planning for the future again, and one more time because this is so important to her loved ones she is comfortable again. She and I are comfortable with the decision she made, and that is there is no more fight in her. There are no more options for surgery, treatment, or otherwise. We have no regrets, and we are trying to savor every moment we have left together and with our boys. She will not ultimately win this fight, but she is the strongest fighter I have ever known.
Hospice is keeping her comfortable for as long as she has left with her failing body. She will always be with us, every future step or trip along the way. We love her unconditionally and her boys will always know and remember the only mother that could have provided the magical life they have today. They know how lucky they are, but they will soon have to learn the hardest of life's lessons that nothing lasts forever. Our love for Mom will, but her body was not up for the task. She will leave it behind for much better and brighter times as she joins us and watches over us. She'll still be there to make fun of me, help Reese get up when he falls down, and help Nathan when he's so nervous he can't make one more step without Hope's help.
Hope's body will be back home on Monday for us to enjoy for as long as we have, but her spirit will live with each of us that loves her forever. I love you Hope for coming home to us body and spirit, and I love you even more for staying with us forever in spirit. More importantly, our boys will always know and love their mama for what she has given in body and so much more that she will give in spirit. The four of us will always be together, and you will forever be a part of every life you touched. Hope will ultimately lose the battle, but she has won the war with more love than any person I have ever known from anyone that has crossed paths with her. Hope is coming home on Monday temporarily and forever. We love you Hope.
- Just Jake.
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19 comments:
Stunningly beautiful tribute that is spot-on. Hope, your strong and fun spirit has touched countless lives and we are all better for it.
What a family you guys are!! If only every marriage and family could be like the Wise's. I am so thankful Hope is confortable and can have quailty time with her family and friends.
Hope and Jake are the strongest people I know. Hope has given me so much support with the girls and the courage to be a foster parent. And hopefully to be an adopted parent in 2009.
I am so proud of my little niece Hope. And Jake you have been and continue to be there every step of the way. Thank you. What a man and husband!!
Love to all of you.
Aunt Myra
We love you all so much, and we're thinking about you constantly.
--Keith and Lisa
We love you all so much.
Love,
rach, brad, liv and ethan.
I love you guys.
Love to all of you!
Laurie
Thanks for the update Jake. Hope is a wonderful woman. My hope and prays to all of you.
Jake, what a beautiful blog. You speak of Hope's courage... which has been undeniable... but you too have shown strength beyond words. We are here for Hope and you and the boys for no matter what for however long you need. All of my love, Jennifer P.
Just beautiful Just Jake.
Our love to you all.
It has been a true blessing not only to be your friend but to share this time with you. I treasure every moment these days and love you both. xoxoxox
I cannot tell you how stunned I was to hear the news just recently that Hope's cancer had returned, and it comes with such heartbreaking news. Hope not only touched my life as a person, but also as a cancer survivor, she touched my life in such a very special way! I know though she is ill, her body is full with love and determination to enjoy each moment with the "3 Wise Men" she adores so much! I'm right around the corner on Post Rd., so I'm here at any time you need me to laugh, to talk ... to continue the encouragement and support and "HOPE" as she and your entire family has always provided to us! With our love, The Price Family, Joanne, Jim, Lauren and Steven
Jake, you have written the most touching accolade of such a woman of grace and strength. I am restless tonight as I digest such earthly finality of a woman, a mother, a wife, and a classmate. I want to strive to make a difference for the future. I feel that I was given new life (with a pacemaker) and know that I need to use this life for good - as long as I have it. Please let me know of benefits and other opportunities where I can contribute to research & scholarships. Hope, You are and will ALWAYS be an inspiration. I will share your story with MANY others...promise!
- Walker (Fairey) Massey
Hope, you are a beautiful person and your spirit will live on in many hearts.
Sending you and your family lots of love..
Natalie
Words can't express what we're feeling. We love you all so much! Your courage as a family through all of this has been inspirational. Hope's spirit has been a part of our lives for these past 7 years and will continue to be. We have such wonderful memories.
Love, Aunt Lois and Uncle Cliff
I just wanted you both to know that I am thinking about you and your family. Hope, I can't begin to tell you how shocked I was to hear of your most recent battle with cancer. My heart breaks for you and the struggles that you have had to endure. You have been so brave and your courage will live on forever in the people whose lives you have touched. Love to you and your family, Tina
Thank you for sharing your lives. I have enjoyed how candid, heartwarming, and special your family is. My best wishes for a very peaceful time as Hope returns home.
Hope and Jake we are blessed to have had our paths cross! Hope, you have been such a warrior in your fight against "c". You have fought a good fight and have been an inspiration to me as well as many others. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Lon & Melissa Hadwin
Hope, you continue to inspire me with your strength and courage. I am sending lots of love to you and your family. You are always in my prayers.
Words just can’t express how much we love all 4 of you. We are truly blessed to have you in our family. I promise to always offer to take the boys to any family gathering be it in SC, NC, AL, VA or wherever. Hope, you will live forever in our hearts.
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