February 16, 2016

Contemplating Mortality (Again)

I have not been feeling well lately.

My symptoms are odd and scary.  I'm passing out (vasovegal episodes) when I go to the bathroom.  My ankles have swollen and my feet have had intense neuropathy.  My joints ache, my muscles are weak, my head is spinning.  Thankfully, most of my symptoms respond well to steroids.

I've been diagnosed with everything from having normal aches and pains for a mother of 8, to Aids, to Stage 3 Lymes Disease.  Every test I take comes back positive for something weird.  My internal inflamation is rampant so it's probably some sort of auto-immune disease.  So many people I know struggle with the challenges of life that I am well aware I'm not unique or even particularly special in my challenges.  

They recently found two grapefruit-sized cysts on my right ovary.  They look complex and cancerous.  These cysts, combined with swollen lymph nodes, spots on my lungs, an inflamed spleen, and neuropathic involvement led my doctors to suggest that I might have stage IV ovarian cancer.

Don't google that.  It's very scary and very sad.  17% 5 year survival rate.  It's also probably not a good idea to watch youtube videos of moms who had stage IV cancer, vlogged about it, and then died.  It might give you a headache.

Sigh.
See this mom?  She died only a month after this picture was taken.  Good, good people are not spared the trials of life.  I know this.

I had a tough weekend.
It's scary thinking your body is filled with bad stuff.  Thinking that you could die is terrifying, purifying, humbling, and somewhat empowering.

Honestly, I believe that contemplating and accepting my own mortality (on more than one occasion) has been a powerful process for me.  
It brings perspective and beauty to life.

Please excuse me for a moment while I share this walk into the darkness with you so I can record here in this place,  the beautiful light I found on the other end.  I don't mean to sound melodramatic, although I think a little drama is quite cleansing at times.

Saturday morning I called my sweet aunt, I was sobbing.  I kept telling her that I NEED to finish my picture albums.  Leaving my children without leaving them their stories as told by their adoring mother is my single greatest fear.

I will die someday... Maybe sooner maybe later.  I do not want to die without leaving them a tangible reminder that they were conceived in love, birthed in love, cherished, adored, and raised in love.  We have some family books but I want them to have personal books. 

I'm doing this-- now.  
This year.
No excuses.

I also want to make each of them a quilt.

I am not going to spend another year caring how messy my basement playroom is.

Isn't that funny?
The possibility of IV ovarian cancer has me crying about picture albums.  
(This was also the reason I knew I wouldn't die with Ben.  I just felt that God would let me prepare my children and I knew I had not done that.)
My single greatest fear when faced with terminal cancer was that I would die without telling them their story.  I want them to know it and always remember.

I'm a lady that has already been blessed with nine lives and I'm just not going to take any more chances.  I need to make their books.  (Oh friends, help me figure out how to do this!!)

Can I be honest with you about something else?

My second greatest fear about dying is that my children would hurt and do without if I died. 

I believe mothering is so important-- I want my children to have a mother.

It was such a painful thought to me that it took my breath away, I couldn't breathe from the ache.  I would just sob to my husband or sob when I saw my kids and felt my momma love for them.  

(This was a cheerful Saturday at my home as you can imagine-- mostly I just stayed in my room contemplating death while Todd handled life downstairs.)

Sunday was a holy, healing day for me.  
Gut wrenching agony always carves room for the holiest of healing balms.

A dear friend and an Elder in our church, came to our church meeting.  He spoke to us, he counseled with us, and he blessed both Todd and me.  My favorite part of enduring illness is feeling surrounded by a tangible love.  I felt that on Sunday.

My heart was changed.
It was a gift from a loving Father.

As I prayed earnestly during the sacrament, I heard God.  I am someone that loves others easily and He knows that.  

While I was pouring to Him my fears and aching-- The Lord whispered to me the promise that my children would have me for as long as they need me.  I knew it.  I will live every day of the life I am created to live.  And I know my mothering will not end with death, it is an eternal calling.  

I know that He loves me and He loves them more than I do. 

He whispered a simple idea into my soul.  He asked if I could imagine another woman with strengths and talents different than mine that coul love and bless the lives of my children?  Yes!  I know so many woman that I cherish who are way better than me at so many things.  I love so many amazing women.

I felt the sweet assurance that IF God ever decided to call me home, He would bless them with another mother who would love them like I do. Taking me would not diminish my influence, but it would only open the way for them to have MORE.  The sting of death would hurt for a moment, yes.  But like all experiences of life, it would be for their good.  

My fear and hurt was washed away.
Where before I saw punishment I began to see blessing.  Where at first I could only see loss, I began to see GAIN.

Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I began imagining so many of my beautiful, single friends and how I know they could love my children.  This might sound dumb, but my heart aches for women who aren't loved like I am loved.  Todd is my greatest gift.  I would share him with someone that I love.  I would also share my beautiful children and grandchildren with a good, good woman unable to have children of her own.  

I have spent a few late nights whispering to Todd the traits he should look for in his second wife.  Ha!  I promised him that I would pick her for him and made him promise me that when and if I died, he would marry again.  (Not too quickly, but pretty quickly.)

He is not enough.  
My kids NEED a mother.  

He has gently endured my passionate instructions.  

She has to love Anna as much as Eve.
Bring her to the store and see if she picks out things for herself or if she says things like, "Leah would love this!"
She has to be able to organize large gatherings and fun family reunions.
She has to be beloved by those who know her, everyone you talk to will tell you what a great woman you're getting.
Look for someone from a strong family.
Tidy and well groomed is more important than hot and high maintenance.
But, I do hope she's beautiful and lady like and classy so she can teach that to my daughters.
Educated, well-read, organized, discerning.
For his sake, I would choose a women with a mild, tender voice (I have always wished I was a bit less "passionate" with my opinions on... everything.)
Choose someone like your mother, I make him promise.
Rebekah (my sister in law) will know, I insist.  And so will Ellie.

It's actually quite fun thinking of the angel woman I would choose to co-mother my children with.

In a moment, this part of the pain and fear of dying was simply removed from me and replaced with peace, love, hope, and a perfect assurance that ALL THESE THINGS shall be for our GOOD.

I know it.

I know one more thing.
I have never written this blog for strangers.  I have always written it for my daughters and shared it with strangers.
They will know my voice after I'm gone.
I have poured out my advice to them on the pages of this blog for years.  They will know me.

Today, I want them to know one more thing.

Since I was a young girl, I have felt Heaven near.

I've known angels were surrounding me at my wedding, at the birth of my children, as I've given talks, on days when I'm overwhelmed with life, and on days when I'm overflowing with love for cute little toddlers as they eat their lunch.
I feel my grandmothers near me.
And, I actually think they are MORE a part of my daily life since they've passed than they ever could have been when they were alive.  They really know me, they know my children, and they help strengthen me.

Just recently I was heading to a meeting and I felt very ill.  I could barely get out of the car.  I had the thought that I could do this.  I just needed to put some lipstick on, put a smile on my face, and keep my head up!  As I swiped my lips with red, I laughed.  I KNEW that was my grandmother.  She was right with me, strengthening me.  I feel their humor buoying my spirits.  I really have no doubt that angels are here and active.

I have ALWAYS wondered why God has given me this spiritual gift.  And now, I understand.  This gift was given to me so that I could teach my children what I know.  Even if I die, I will be with them.  I will talk to them, I will babysit for them so they can sleep in on Saturday morning, I will cry at their weddings and I will make their babies smile on the day they are born.  I will hold them when they're sad and celebrate with them when they're happy!  I will help them find the perfect wedding dress and I will send them gifts like flowers, sweet scriptures, good friends, and convenient parking spots.

I don't fear death because I KNOW death is not the end.  I know it.
Yes, there is a veil.  But it is thin.
I will be a really great angel someday!!

I'm sorry.
I'm sorry that there is pain attached to death.
I believe that grief is holy and it is the price we pay for loving someone.
I know that grieving is temporary!
We are not alone, we are loved, this life is but a short chapter in the eternal story.
Death is not the end of the book, our story continues.

Here is my favorite quote on death--

What is dying
I am standing on the seashore, a ship sails in the morning breeze and starts for the ocean.
She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her till at last she fades on the horizon and someone at my side says: "She is gone."
Gone!
Where
Gone from my sight that is all.
She is just as large in the masts, hull and spars as she was when I saw her, and just as able to bear her load of living freight to its destination.
The diminished size and total loss of sight is in me, not in her, and just at the moment when someone at my side says,
"She is gone"
there are others who are watching her coming, and other voices take up a glad shout:
"There she comes!"
and that is dying.



I'm sorry that I have spent so much time talking about death.
I promise I don't have a death wish nor am I walking around in sack cloth and ashes.
I thank God that I'm not dead yet.
I don't want to die.
I want to grow old!!
I LOVE THIS LIFE.

BUT!!!  BUT--
I am at peace with death.
It comes to all of us sooner or later.
You don't die because you're bad and you aren't spared from death because you're good.

The span of my life is in God's hands and He is a God of omnipotent love and mercy.  I trust Him and I trust His plan.

Today-- I am going to build memories.
I'm going to enjoy this life!
I'm going to spend time loving my family, teaching them, feeling them.
I'm going to write their stories for them!

I'm meeting with a surgeon, an oncologist, and a rheumatologist.

My blood test results came back yesterday and they showed a LOW likelihood that I have ovarian cancer.  !!!!  Yay!!  But, you know what?  I don't care.

I don't care if a doctor tells me I have two months to live or fifty years to live-- all that we know for sure is that we have right NOW.  And I'm so very grateful for today.  

Oh my friends-- if I only had 38 years to live, I would choose to spend my years surrounded by little children, the best husband, and cows with cowbells.  I'd have bunnies in my chicken coop and little boys who sneak screwdrivers to take apart my vacuum cleaner.

My life is perfect.
I am SO blessed today, I was blessed yesterday, and no matter what mountains I am asked to climb, I know eternity will be full of joy AND family.
All is well, all is well.

21 comments:

  1. Reading that made me sob, made me ache... but it also filled me.
    You will live to make many more memories, I am sure, but you will live those moments with the added knowledge, peace, and perspective you have just shared with all of us.
    As I read this I felt renewed confirmation of the reality of God's love, and His perfect plan for each of us.
    Thank you, jen.
    I love you, sweet sister!

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  2. Tears as I read this. You are a stronger, braver, more confident woman than I. But it was the reminder I needed to not waste the time I have with my kids. Thank you

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  3. You are an amazing woman! How blessed the world is because of YOU! My prayers are with you and your sweet family!

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  4. Mixbooks.com. You can put all your photos on there and you can have friends or family of your choice able to access you books to help you get them going. Then, when you're ready, you can edit, add text, and finalize them. There are many styles to choose from, and the print quality is very good. It may help get over the hurdle if just doing it.

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  6. Sister Moss! I just wanted to thank you and your family for all that you've taught me. I was incredibly blessed to serve in your area as a missionary. You put me to tears just now as I read your post. Thank you for being such a huge inspiration to me. You taught me so many things by your small actions. Things I want to see in my future family. I love your family and still think of you often. It's been a good 10 months since I've seen you, but I do love everyone of you. Even the crazy dog :) have a blessed day and may God be with you til we meet again.
    Connor Flaherty.

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  7. Jen, you have been a gift. Your smile, your openness, your eagerness to learn about others. You voiced your fears, those that others will not, about going into the South Side, about going to a Mosque, yet you go. You ooze both joy and an open love for God and for Jesus. When you are judged by others in your faith, when people say you have "changed", you smile with the confidence of someone who knows the importance of reaching out to others, without judgment. I believe God knows you very well and will give you the strength you need to face whatever our Creator has planned for your future. I look forward to spending time with you at whatever events bring us together. May God's grace envelop you and yours. Love, Penny

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  8. Jen, Crying as I read this. We've never met but I think of you often and you inspire me to do better and to be better. I think you're an angel on this earth. My prayers will be with you and and your family.
    Love, Elizabeth

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  9. I am one of those strangers who has found you through your blog and consider you a friend and sister though we've never met. I send my love and my prayers and wish I could do more. You have an amazing amount of strength and faith. You're an example to me and I'm grateful to you for the reminder to keep an eye on the eternal perspective.

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  10. Jen. Thank you for sharing such a deeply personal journey. Given the subject matter you are writing on,
    I feel simple and trite to share how beautiful I think your words are, but it's still important that you know that. I am praying for you. While you eloquently and generously proclaimed what a future might look like for your children, I pray that it always includes you and your example of strength. If you need anything for your children's personal books, please let me know. Would love to send any supplies from Virginia. God bless you and I will continue to say prayers for you and your family.

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  11. I thought I was clicking to see an album and instead I saw God, I heard God and I believe God. I love how he works. You delivered me and gave me peace in my heart. You restored my faith in Love from my future husband one day. You showed me the woman I am and aim to be. You nutured my acceptance of death and fed it peace. I Love you Jen. I admire your courage, strength and Love for our father. You are an angel bith gere and on the other side. Virtuous Wife and Mother. <3

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  12. Jen
    I have been missing you and wondered what happened to this beautiful, vivacious, searching and intelligent woman who came to our book group several times and contributed honest opinions while reaching out to all of us. I love your stories and humor about all your children and admire you and your husband as a wonderful couple. Your poignant words are filled with wisdom and beauty and generosity. Thank you for sharing them. And those angels will, indeed, keep being there for you.

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  14. Jen 
    We've crossed paths through the strange circumstances of life as acreeta sisters. We've written to eachother in a few instances through FB. Like Anne of Green Gables says I feel like we are kindred spirits!You are an Angel to many. Your sweet spirit touches the lives of many. You are an inspiration and one of God's precious gifts to mankind. Your words have so touched me. That is the quest to live life with no fears or regrets and to understand God's perfect love. I pray that Our Lord and Savior may continue to pour out His love for you and your family. I pray that you may be blessed with the desires of your heart. Thank you for sharing your feelings.

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  15. Urgh, these are hard things to write . . . harder still to live through. You seem to know it already, but perhaps it won't hurt to repeat that no matter how long you live or what trials come your way, you are building and leaving a remarkable legacy to your family.

    May God bless you.

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  16. beautiful and heart wrenching.... wise beyond years....you keep amazing me Jenifer and I pray that I may meet you some day in person...

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  17. Ha! That's my mom who did the two comments above me. Hi mom! :)

    I hope you'll keep blogging through this whole adventure and then maybe turn your posts into a book because computers hurt my head ;) because I am learning a lot from you.

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