I love this picture of Joe's Mom and Kate. I took it back in the summer of 2006 at our first Berryhill Family Reunion up in Sula, Montana. It just typifies her. I see her brightest smiles when she has a baby in her arms or she's playing with her grandkids. Life=Service for Fran. I've often heard her say in so many words, "If I can't serve, I don't want to be here!" What a great example she is to me. I love her.
Well, I was stopped dead in my tracks a few weeks ago when I came home from work one Saturday. I looked at Joe and knew something was wrong. Those dreaded words came out of his mouth-- "My mom has colon cancer." We both just let the tears fall right there in the middle of the hallway before I even set my purse down...
This winter has had it's challenges. We have definitely felt them. Why do both of our moms have to face cancer at the same time? I don't know. The realization that life is fragile hit me again for the 5th time in the last 2 months. Life is constantly changing
and I'm finally realizing that it applies to me as well.
Fran went in for her surgery this last Tuesday. When we walked in to see her, the very first thing she said after hugs was, "Have you eaten? We have some food over there in the corner and Kate might like..." Yes, that is Fran.