The Tale of Ms. Bear After Her Medical Adventures

One year ago today, my mom received those abnormal mammogram results that sent us on quite the roller coaster of medical adventures for several months. I just wanted to say how proud I am of “Ms. Bear” for getting through it like a true champion!! She’s a fighter and one awesome lady!! So happy she’s doing so well this year!!!

And let’s not forget her terrible tumble at the end of the summer! Needless to say, she’s been through a lot this year. It’s always so hard to see our loved ones suffering, and it’s a special swirl of emotions when it comes to our parents, don’t you think? My mom is such a powerful force, and she’s the type who just wants to keep going. So when something sidelines her, it’s hard for her to slow down. Trust me, this is something I’ve been encouraging her to do more often. I’d tell her every day…

“Slow down.”

“It’s OK to rest.”

“You don’t have to do it ALL now.”

“Some things can wait until tomorrow.”

I mean, not even her surgery last January got her down for long. Apparently, a few atypical cells are no match for her strength! She takes them out with a one-two punch and doesn’t even break a sweat!

Maybe that’s why I love the above photo so much. Here’s Ms. Bear sitting and actually relaxing (I know…alert the presses!) a couple months ago after we got a new couch. Granted, it was right after that terrible tumble, but it was so nice to see her NOT running around trying to save the world like she’s always doing. So, over the long Thanksgiving break coming up, I’m going to have this photo at the ready. To show her that it’s OK to take some time for you. Of all the people in the world, I’d say my mom deserves it, doesn’t she? After all, she’s had quite her share of medical adventures in the last 12 months!

What are you doing these days to practice self-care, friends? What does self-care look like for you? Any tips you’d like to share with my mom? And, please, encourage her to slow down. Together, we can help her relax… xoxo