Missing Sheila.

[Pray]

I miss Sheila dearly! Her advice, knowledge, cander, laughter, love and friendship that is all so obviously missing here has left a big void here. She left an awsome part of her legacy here and I can't help but be sad. I miss her so. I owe her so much. She taught me how to put the anger aside and help me to laugh again.

[Jen]

I was just going to post a thread about missing Mom when I saw yours Nancy my heart is broken without her here.

[Mtngrl]

I miss her too. She was such a wonderful friend to all of us. There's a void.

[Becky]

I miss Sheila too. What a dynamo and so full of spunk. I will always think of her and miss her.

[karen z]

I haven't found a cure for a broken heart.
Jen, we think of you now all the time and your mom is in our broken hearts as well.
Remember all of the good times..............all of the smiles and laughter and happy tears.

[Laurel]

Sheila, Brenda, Kris Vell, Courtney.....gosh, who else am I missing, folks? We lost several brave warriors this year, but I know they lived as large as possible during their fights. Strides are being made and those who courageously toe up to the line to participate in clinical trials blaze new trails for those who follow. One day, soon I hope, prevention of breast cancer will be the focus and the treatments developed to combat it will be a secondary line of defense for the few who slip through the prevention cracks.

[Jen]

EmilieB also passed when Mom was hospice. I know Mom is heaven with all these courageous warriors who are all cancer free now and not suffering. We need to find ways to prevent/cure this disease because treatment will kill you........eventually >:(

[StephN]

Trolling though my digital photo albums I found this one of Sheila taken in 2009 in San Antonio. Captures her well, I think.
Ever the classy lady, she was!

[StephN]

I believe this is also from San Antonio 2009. Sheila was so excited to see Johnny Imerman among the patient advocate booths! She had met him in the Chicago area and become one of his "Angels" to give phone support to anyone who needed to speak to a person with a similar cancer and diagnosis.

Left to right: Chrisy, Sheila, Johnny Imerman.

[Laurel]

Those photos were wonderful, Steph! Thanks so much and Merry Christmas! Chrissy-girl, how you hanging these days?

[chrisy]

Missing Sheila, Brenda and others. Knowing from experience how different this Christmas will be for their families and hoping they feel their loved ones presence and good memories.

Laurel, I'm stillIn limbo about my own situation, will discuss scans and treatment in January with dr Rugo. That picture was a few years back and brings back good memories for me. for now, enjoying a very mellow and joyful Christmas in Chicago visiting my sister and niece and eating good pizza. Now THAT'S a treatment combo to believe in!

So what if NOBODY had time or energy to do the Christmas shopping thing his year. My sister and I are busy thinking of alternate stocking stuffers. Bread nd butter pickle for my niece. Jar of pesto for hubby. Can of fresca for me.

It will be the best Christmas ever.

[StephN]

Hey Chris - you are making me hungry talking about Chicago pizza!

My leg has also not allowed me the usual shopping marathons, so I have found a wide variety of GIFT CARDS.

Stocking stuffers from the pantry - I like that idea ...

[Jen]

http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag153/Jen61364/13668_1198507321153_6435069_n2_zps1b36354c.jpg Steph, Sheila, Becky at San Antontio 2009 (I think)

[Becky]

Yep! Its me. I was always your Mom's roommate there and its how I got to know her so well.

[Pray]

Thank you Jen and Steph for the pictures! This is how I will always remember Wonderful Sheila. Gods blessings to everyone for a happy and healthy New Year!

[greenacres]

I'm sorry I haven't been around for a couple of months, new job, just busy, busy, busy trying to live my life...then I come back and see Sheila has passed..I am so saddened by this, but at the same time, know that she is no longer in pain and this brings a sign of relief. RIP Sheila, always remembered, never forgotten.
Sandra

[Debbie L.]

What a great thread. Special thanks to Steph and Jen for the photos. I love photos, they add a new dimension to our relationships. And while it's sad to see photos of those who have died, it's also impossible not to smile back at them and enjoy their brightness -- that's got to be a good thing, right?

Blending together losses and holidays, balancing humor and sadness -- this forum does it all.

I got to this thread while searching for news of someone who tends to slip her personal news-bits in under other threads. You know who you are, ahem.

Love,
Debbie Laxague

[chrisy]

Debbie L
Did you see the pics of me?

[Jean]

Yes a big open space is felt here....also for Brenda.
The loss of both of these sisters have hit us hard.

Sadly,
Jean

[MJo]

I am reflecting today, along with everyone else. Happy New Year to Sheila's spirit. I also just thought of Madamdubois.

[Joanne S]

Thank you Steph for sharing your photos. Sheila was one of the first here to reach out to me and I cherish her kind spirit and spunk. I will remember her always as she touched so many. Always in our hearts. With heartfelt sympathy, Joanne

[StephN]

Yes, Maryanne Dubois. I thought of her as well. She managed to go into New York City one year when she was not too sick for the Times Square celebration. I could not find the post, so it must be earlier than what is still here. She went to concerts with her daughter and got her son into college.

Here is another photo of Sheila. This time with Becky, Tiptoe, Tex The Tykerb Tiger and "the chicken" that Christine had found at another booth in the exhibit hall. This is also from 2009. Someone had tried to "take" Tiptoe and we had to put our mascots away.

[Jen]

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/395/232323232fp53563nu32679.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/217/232323232fp53563nu32679.jpg/)
Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us) Mom and me.

[Pray]

Jen, You look so much like your Mom! Simply Beautiful! Your a lot like her also, Kind caring always ready to give of your self. I think you know your Mom is very proud of you!

Peace little Sis,

Your friend Nancy

[MJo]

Physically and spiritually, Sheila was beautiful. Her eyes especially.

[Jen]

They say the eyes are the windows to your soul. My Mom was beautiful inside and out. I miss her soooo much!!

[Jen]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAxOcqgwGCQ&list=PLB1A7136F38211A7E

Sheila was featured in this video at 0:32 sec and again at 2:15.

[Jen]

My brother gave me a DVD he made of our Mom. I will share it with you when I can figure out how to.

[Jen]

Sorry I had to remove the link because my brother did not want it posted here. Sorry guys.

[SoCalGal]

Thanks for sharing this, Jen. My mom died at age 57, I was 37 and it was not cancer related. It was sudden and unexpected, she died one night in her sleep. I remember at some point in time, many years later, I realized that if my mom could have foreseen her whole life, including leaving us so early, she still would have gladly signed on the dotted line. She lived to marry, have children, a rich life with friends and good times. She saw her (5) grandchildren and both her daughters grow into lovely young women. I guess what I am trying to say, is after watching the photos, even with the struggles that Sheila had, she had so much love and blessing, I'm sure she would have also signed on the dotted line. All the best to you and your family - thanks for staying in touch with us.

[chrisy]

Flori, what a beautiful way to say it.

[Pray]

Hi Little Sis, I am so bumed about not seeing the video of your Mom and yet I so get that your brother doesn't want to share! Gods blessings to you and your family. Peace my friend, Nancy

[Jen]

Check your inbox Nancy. Love your little sis Jennifer :)