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Friday 29 April 2011

Happy Birthday Mama Turtle!

A little while ago, American Deb sent out some teal coloured wristbands with 'strings attached'.  She asked that today, those people who received them, showed our support to her mum by dedicating a post to her.  So, firstly - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARTI - hope you are having a special day with your family.
Deb suggested that we share something regarding an experience we've had concerning cancer in our families or friends and so with that in mind, I have made a layout of a rare picture of my sister, me and my mum.  We weren't a great photo taking family so this was a real find!
I'm guessing I was about 16 in this photo which would date it at around 1974.  We were at my cousin's wedding and as you can see, hats were very much in vogue at the time, and the bigger the brim, the better!  Mum was not a great hat wearer and much deliberation went into choosing one which she felt suited her. I remember her quoting an advertising slogan 'If you want to get ahead, get a hat' on many shopping expeditions.  Trust me, there were many shopping trips before she found one she liked ......
My family's experience of cancer relates to my mum, who died in 1997 at the age of 76.  She was not ill for long, as unbeknown to us, she also had an aortic aneurysm which was not discovered until she was scanned for the cancer.  I still remember that feeling of shock and disbelief when her diagnosis was made and that is why my heart goes out to Deb and her family.  I know that they are loving and supportive and will do all they can to give her mum the strength to fight this horrible disease.  I send them my love and hopes that the treatment will be successful and that Marti will be one of the success stories.  I have taken part in the Cancer Research 'Race for Life' 5k runs three times now and it is such a wonderful, emotional experience to see all those running in 'Survivor' hats.  Let us hope that it will not be too long before Marti can call herself a survivor too.  Let's all raise a glass to her:
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18 comments:

  1. Deb @ PaperTurtle29 April 2011 at 12:25

    Ok. I'm running out of words and tissues! Thank you so much, Deb, for this wonderful post in honor of my mom's birthday, and in support of Team Teal! Thank you for sharing the story of your mom on this day as well.

    I LOVE the shot of you at the end of the post with your teal band and glass! Cheers to you, my friend. And thank you from the bottom of my heart!

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  2. Amy29 April 2011 at 12:34

    Deb this is a beautiful tribute to your own Mum and wonderful wishes for Marti - here's cheers to Team Teal! :-)

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  3. Sian29 April 2011 at 12:47

    So nicely put Deb. It really brings it home how many of us have shared the same experience

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  4. Cheri29 April 2011 at 13:24

    beautiful post Deb. Seems we've all experienced this first hand in one way or another.

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  5. scrappyjacky29 April 2011 at 13:36

    A wonderful post,Deb....a lovely tribute to your mum, as well as to Marti.

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  6. Denise29 April 2011 at 14:07

    Cheers Deb, and what a wonderful post.Lovely photo of you three in your hats x x x x

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  7. Lizzie29 April 2011 at 14:21

    Yes, "Cheers" to you too, Deb! Lovely post.

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  8. Valerie--(Deb's sister)29 April 2011 at 14:42

    I am reading all of these post for my mom and CRYING like a baby---this group of women that my sister is so blessed to know are truly amazing---thanks SO much for supporting "team teal"!

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  9. Maria Ontiveros29 April 2011 at 15:01

    What a moving post today Deb. I lost my dad to cancer as well, and you really capture the shock and feeling of getting the diagnoses.
    Hugs to you,
    Rinda

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  10. Becky29 April 2011 at 15:08

    Such a moving post Deb. Let's hope Marti has a great day today x

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  11. janae @ jelly roll29 April 2011 at 15:09

    Great post! Yay Team Teal!

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  12. Clair29 April 2011 at 21:54

    Hi Deb. I think we're 'meeting' for the first time through Team Teal. Great post today x

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  13. Anonymous29 April 2011 at 22:48

    What a lovely and heartfelt post Deb. I have been waiting all week to see your lo and it certanily was worth waiting for.

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  14. furrypig29 April 2011 at 23:07

    your post is so personal and very touching thanks for sharing xxx

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  15. Lisa-Jane30 April 2011 at 12:41

    Beautiful words and a beautiful layout. Best wishes to Marti!

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  16. Marti1 May 2011 at 02:05

    Thank you so much for your kind words and beautiful posts. I know how hard it much have been for your family when you lost your mom. I'm blessed to still have my mom--she'll be 91 this summer. Having 4 of her children diagnosed with cancer has been very hard on her. But the only way to get through hard times is to face them head on and have the support of caring people surround you. And for this, I thank you very much! xo

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  17. Rachel Brett1 May 2011 at 19:24

    Beautiful post Deb, I like that you used a teal coloured glass to toast Marti :)

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  18. Unknown2 May 2011 at 19:34

    What a wonderfully written post! And I LOVE that picture of you raising your glass. Thanks for joining in Team Teal and for making my grandma's birthday so special. ♥

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