A Change of Plan
Mum and Nora feeding a kangaroo this week at Urimbirra Wildlife Park, Victor Harbor, South Australia.
This trip has been the greatest investment in our family, beyond even what I had hoped it would be. For more than eight months, Whitney, Scarlett, Nora, Hazel and I have shared literally every fun, sad, happy, challenging, energizing and sapping moment. I am so grateful.
Our time in Australia has been very different than we had hoped. Lots of amazing family time but, as I referenced in a post in November, a family member was diagnosed with cancer. That person was my Mum. Unfortunately, the outlook has continued to deteriorate as the uterine cancer has now been confirmed as stage 4 and has not responded to chemotherapy. It will be a miracle if we have her with us for Easter next year (April 2021). We are hoping for a miracle.
We are proud of Mum’s courage through surgery and treatment over the past three months. She is now turning to feeling better post chemo and enjoying, thriving, each day.
We are pressing pause on our itinerary. We are going to keep being with Mum, enjoying time with her, helping her and Dad each day and to help her prepare for a massive year ahead. We will evaluate it each month and see when it is time to continue.
Mary, my sister, is expecting baby #1. So that means grandchild #4 for Sue and Neville will arrive in London in May 2020. That is goal #1 for Mum. Mum has traveled all her life so adding to those experiences is a major goal too, we will no doubt emerge with a new family plan soon. Stay tuned!
Thank you for all the messages and support of my Mum, it is really awesome and appreciated.
