On September 23 2002, I lost my grandmother, Peggy Joyce Whetton. She was 78- and had fought a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. When my grandma "PJ" was first diagnosed with cancer, my family moved in to her house for several months to help take care of her. During her final months, she moved in to our home. We cleared out our dining room and made way for a hospital bed.
I could tell my grandma appreciated the help from my caring parents, but I could also see that she missed being independent. My heart broke to see my grandmother that way. She had never looked so frail, and during her hospital visits, I could barely walk into the room.
I miss my grandmother with all my heart. She was a kind, caring, and devoted woman who always made me feel important. She used to tell me that I had the voice of an angel and that my smile could light up a room. But Grandma PJ was a very talented woman herself, who shared her talents willingly.
She raised my dad and his 2 sisters on her own. She played the piano like a pro, gardened, and was an outstanding bowler and chef.
I was only 11 when my grandma PJ returned home to our Heavenly Father, but I am grateful for all 11 years I did have with her. I used to go to her house for sleepovers, where she would make us homemade Mac & Cheese and we would watch Peter Rabbit. I would give anything to do that just once more.
Cancer takes so many precious lives. We may not understand why, but we have to have faith that He has a plan for them far greater than we could imagine. And yet, at the same time, many people have won the battle against cancer, and continue on the path of life, stronger than ever before.
That is such the case as our sweet cousin, Quinton "Q" who is starting his radiation treatments today.
I promised Q I would take him to see the "Hobbit" in December. I look forward to it, as I have finished the book, upon his recommendation. I also look forward to MANY more years of friendship.
Stay strong, Q. I believe in you. You aren't done on this earth. You have many people cheering for you.
Keep going for all those people who are fighting. Forget Iron Man, Spiderman, The Hulk, Thor-- They have nothing on you. You are a true everyday hero.
And grandma PJ, thanks for being my guardian angel. I feel your presence often, and will always love you.
Forever Strong.
Taylor
