OUR FINAL BLOG POST!

I can't think of a better day or better way to update my mom's blog on her final post, with a note of thanks. It's been a crazy ride for my family these past few months; however we're all thankful for the journey! Having just read the blog in its entirety, I feel blessed & eternally thankful for all of the support everyone has shown to my mom & our family & would like to thank you all one last time. From the bottom of my heart thank you to each & every one of you who have kept my mother & our family in your thoughts & prayers in recent months. We've definitely "FELT the LOVE"!

The recent weeks have been filled with normalcy back in the Hawkes household. I hosted my mom's 60th birthday celebration back in November, a fun night indeed! Thanksgiving, my mom's favorite holiday, was fantastic! Of course, we had lots & LOTS to be thankful for this year for sure! Christmas was wonderful as well. All the while, as our family partook in our annual traditions of celebrating the holidays, I stood back & took it all in, so grateful for the days prior that have lead us to present day.

I've said this before & I'll say it again...I thank cancer for coming back into our lives. Albeit, "she" left some physical scars this time around, the transformation cancer has made in my life, my mother's life & our entire family's life is truly invaluable. Those who know me, will attest that I'm a passionate person. I love hard, try to live every moment to its fullest, cherishing the little things along the way. This journey has solidified how I've already been living my life; however, it's now tenfold. It's also made me appreciate the fragility of life & how things can forever change at a moment's notice, for the good or otherwise. My relationships with family, friends & loved ones have seen their revitalization as well. Today, I reflect on the days in recent months & am so gracious to have had a "silver lining" to what once was a considered a "devastating blow" to our family. I’m also mindful of others struggling with adversities from fighting their own battle with cancer. I realize the harsh reality, being that some of them may not have the same fortunate outcome that my mother has had. My heart & prayers go out to those individuals and their families who are "weathering their own storm" & especially to those who have lost loved ones to this disease; May you draw strength, comfort & solace of the company you keep & the loved ones that surround you...and NEVER lose hope! As we all know, no one goes through this "battle" alone. Always remember, "In times of test, family is best." -Burmese proverb

A very special thank you from my mother, in her own words:

Dear family and friends,

What a journey it has been. How do I begin? I was so reluctant to have Amy start a blog back at the beginning of my journey. I was nervous & fearful not just about sharing the information with everyone, but also the unknown...how will my "story" end? The decision to start the blog came from a conversation Amy & I had when she recounted a story I told her long ago. The story was about a dear friend of mine who provided me with endless support with my battle of cancer, the first time around (19 years ago). The gist of the conversation was how I felt forever in debt to her for helping me through all of my dark days. My friend simply replied, "Carol you don't repay me! You pay it forward!" Once Amy reminded me of that conversation, it became clear to me; this is my time to pay it forward to others. Whether it be a battle with cancer or another hardship in someone's life, perhaps my story would make them feel not so alone & frightened as I once was. The result of the blog has been amazing! I felt as if you were all right there with me. As time went on, so many of you reached out to me. Your comments and well wishes were very uplifting. Whether you came here and cried with me, spoon fed me soup to make me well, or posted an encouraging note on the blog, I felt your love. Even my silent followers gave me strength (those who only knew me as "Amy's mom"). It was great  to receive a cheery hello and your well wishes. I truly felt all of the prayers and thoughts from each and every one of you. I wasn't on this journey alone, each of you had a role, and for that I'm eternally grateful. There is a lesson in this for all of us; Live more presently. Love more. Never lose hope! I wish you all wellness today, tomorrow and years to come. Thank you to everyone for all of your love and support!

Happy New Year!

Love, Carol

And to add to my mother's words...

To everyone;  I wish you only the very best for the New Year! May you all have continued happiness, health & love for 2012 & many years beyond. Love to all!

XOXOX,

~Amy

Below are some excerpts from the "normalcy in the Hawkes household", I referenced earlier in this post! AKA, Mom's 60^th Celebration! Enjoy!

Only my brothers could be wackier than me!
...ummm, well, Dave should really be included in the "wacky crew" too!



COUSINS!
Jana keeping Miss Emma under wraps! hehehe!




Old friends & new ones too!



Ahhh, the Bettencourts!
John & Crisolina...you're gonna have your hands FULL
 when Lydia reached the teen years! EAA PAH! ;)

MORE cousins!



and even MORE cousins!



Little brother Brian & his love Pammie!

Da "LAY-DEEs"
 & my Auntie Rita with my Pooh Bear she gave me on my 3rd birthday!



The fabulous Megan & favorite furkid! (yep...Jaxon made a cameo at the end of the evening!)



Family & friends, that may as well be family too! ;)

My crazy, wonderful, fantabulous family! LOVE YOU ALL!

All because two crazy kids fell in love! Love you Mom & Dad!!!