Marleen Golonsky

Put to Rest

2011-02-12T15:35:00.000-08:00

On this day, a year ago, my mom's body was put to rest. Thank you to the many of you that have continued to support the rest of her family as we went through the loss and celebrations of this year...! (I know she is so very proud how everyone has continued on... and is with us as we continue our time and journey here on earth...)

Please remember to pay it forward and continue with the love and peace she taught each and everyone of us.

Much Love,
Marleen's Family

2010 Golonsky Family Update

2010-12-31T18:20:00.000-08:00

Wow… It’s been almost a year, since my mom’s passing on Feb. 7, 2010 and a lot of things have happened for the Golonsky Family in this year…

For starters, my mom and dad’s home in Lindsay, CA was put on the market in April. At which time, my mom and dad’s oldest grandson, Elijah and his family decided they would like to buy the family home. (My mom would have LOVED this idea, so I’m sure she had something to do with the matter :)

As for my Dad, my mom’s wish for him was that he would return “home” to their place in Susanville… where my mom and dad had started their lives and family together… So, in April my Dad and Dawn started the process of purchasing a small manufactured log cabin for my Dad to call home.

Also, in April, the wait for Emily Marleen Castanon was over… she arrived on the date my mom had personal picked… April 19, 2010. My dad came to visit his new granddaughter, then returned back to Susanville to live in his 5th-wheel, while his new home was being built.

In July, once my dad’s place was almost done, Dawn took most of his grandkids (Elijah, Matthew, Kaleb, and Madison) to visit…(What fun they had! A plane flight, train ride, and small road trip all in one visit to “Grandpa’s”.)

After they returned, Dawn had the duty of packing-up my mom’s “LIFE” (her classroom)…, which wasn’t an easy task for many reasons… However, my mom’s former aide and good friend, Amy, helped to complete such. (In fact, she couldn’t have done it without her!) Now, Amy’s husband’s office has a room full from floor to ceiling with my mom’s great classroom treasures… (going through it will be Dawn’s summer job this coming year :)

In September, everyone was back in school… and it started to seem like things were getting back to “normal”, since the loss of my mom. Yet, then… the holiday season began shortly…

In November , for Thanksgiving, my dad, us “kids”, and grandchildren all gathered at Matt’s house for some family time together. (I know my mom would have been so proud of all of us… ! Her “list” of things to do was almost complete…)

Then, my Dad and Dawn helped Laura’s family move into their new family home, in Visalia. It’s a beautiful two-story house with a pool for summer fun! (It’s perfect for them!)

For Christmas, Matt’s family visited Mireya’s family in Mexico… so our family missed not only my mom but Matt’s family for Christmas. However, the rest of us gathered at Laura’s place for a new Christmas tradition.

Andrew’s family continues to do well… and live near the Santa Barbara area.

Ben will be leaving to Alaska in January to work at a Sea Port… (We are hoping that he has found something that he will finally thieve with…)

I hope this New Year brings us and your family good health and much peace!

Love, Marleen’s Family: “ The Golonskys”

Relay for Life

2010-05-22T06:52:00.000-07:00

Celebrating a New Life

2010-04-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

Emily Marleen has finally arrived at 8lbs 2oz, this morning. This is the little one we had all been waiting for...

Welcome Emily! We're so glad you're here!

Love

2010-03-06T07:09:00.000-08:00

This blog was dedicated to my mom during her final journey, here on earth, where she continued to teach us all "True Love"...

Our family would like to THANK YOU for all of your love and support throughout the years... May you now "Pay it Forward" in honor of my mom!

As this chapter closes... Let us open a new one...

Much love and as my mom would say "I'll love you forever and for always!"

Many thanks,
Marleen's Family

"Happiest Memories on Earth"

2010-02-21T16:07:00.000-08:00

In Honor of My Mom

2010-02-18T20:56:00.000-08:00

My family will be going to Disneyland this Saturday in honor of my mom. It is a place where we hold "the happiest memories on earth" with her...

Put to Rest

2010-02-12T22:16:00.000-08:00

Disneyland, "The Happiest Place on Earth"... yet now my mom is in the Happiest Place... HEAVEN

Friends Forever... the FBC's last group picture

Eulogy

By Kathy Jablonski

Everyone that has ever met Marleen will smile when they hear her name.

I met Marleen in first grade at Mary Star of the Sea Elementary School in San Pedro. We quickly became friends with Phyllis D’Ambra and Kathy Brock. We continued with that friendship all the way through elementary school. There was only one Catholic girl’s high school in San Pedro and so we met our new friends Donna Hirn, Claudia Calandrino, Rose Mary Franklin, Corozon Barnett, and Annette Sickatich. We had many adventures in high school, but I am not going to talk about those adventures today. Just know that we had wonderful high school years.

We got busy getting our first two years of college out of the way and then we moved to San Jose to finish college. We all had full time jobs and took as many classes as we could get. These were the years that the servicemen were returning from Vietnam. Marleen wrote her own major at San Jose and it was a new idea at the time.

Marleen was meant to teach special education. Her first love was her family, but her second love was teaching. She had a lot of insight on what was important to teach. Donna and I would come home from work or school and the phone would ring. When we answered it there was just heavy breathing at the other end. Was it a stalker? No, it was one of Marleen’s special education students learning to use a phone for the first time.

When we graduated we went our separate ways for the first time. Marleen joined the peace corp, learned to speak Arabic and went to Morocco to teach classes for the Moroccan children.

When Marleen returned from the peace corp she decided to come to Susanville to figure out what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. She met my next door neighbor, the very handsome and recently returned from Vietnam vet, Joe Golonsky. About the same time I met someone in Susanville that I was really serious about, Tom Jablonski. We both got married in 1976 about five weeks apart. Do you know how much confusion there is in a small town when we changed our names from Marincovich and Schafer to Golonsky and Jablonski?

After Marleen and Joe’s oldest daughter, Dawn, was born, they moved to Lindsay where they had Matt, Andrew, Laura, and Ben. They would make the trip back to Susanville whenever they could because Joe’s dad still lived there.

When our children got a little older, we girls planned different trips over long weekends to different places but mostly to San Francisco, Corozon’s home. We loved getting together in San Francisco, but we could have gotten together anywhere and enjoyed each other’s company. We shared happy and sad stories about our families and loved ones. We spent most of the time catching up on each other’s lives.

About this same time, Marleen went back to work and decorated every corner of her classroom in bright colors, pictures, and beautiful quilts she had collected. She loved teaching and each of her students was very special to her.

One of the greatest pleasures in Marleen’s life was her grandchildren. She has six beautiful grandchildren, Elijah, Matthew, Kaleb, Madison, Mason, and Selah and another beautiful grandchild, Emily Marleen on the way.

Marleen leaves behind her parents Andrew and Matilda Marincovich, her two sisters Andrea and Debbie and many nieces and nephews. Other special people in her family are Mireya, who helped care for her in the last few moments of her life, Hector, Ida, Matt-Matt, and Hailey.

Her beloved Joe and her children would like to thank you for coming and for your support throughout her illness.

We know you are still Marleen and you will be forever in our hearts. We look forward to seeing you in heaven.

Next Time it's Forever!!! We LOVE you Mom!!!

2010-02-08T21:59:00.000-08:00

Marleen Marincovich Golonsky returned to her home in Heaven on February 7, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in San Pedro, California on November 6, 1947 and married her wonderful husband Joseph, on November 5, 1976. They have five children, Dawn, Matthew, Andrew, Laura and Benjamin, and 6 grandchildren, Elijah, Matthew, Kaleb, Madison, Selah, and Mason. A new granddaughter, Emily Marleen, will be arriving in April. Marleen also leaves behind her parents, Andrew and Matilda Marincovich of Long Beach, her sisters Andrea and Debbie and their families. She accomplished many things during her time with us. While in the Peace Corps, she learned the Arabic language and established a school for children in a remote area of Morocco. Marleen went on to become a Special Education Teacher for the Tulare County Schools and was awarded "Teacher of the Year, 2009". But of all her achievements, she was most proud of her loving family.

She will be missed by all who had the privilege to know her: family, friends, coworkers, and students. Because she touched our lives, she will live on through our many memories of her. A Funeral mass will be held at the St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Porterville, California on Feburary 12, 2010 at 11:00am. Following the service, she will be put to rest with her beloved Nicko and Jonathon at the Porterville cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Dawn Golonsky who will forward the charitable contributions. Her address is P.O. Box 1413, Avalon, Calif. 90704.

True Love

2010-02-07T05:28:00.000-08:00

As I sit here... and listen to my family members snore... I know my mom gave me the world and more... She and my dad have shown me TRUE LOVE! Through thick and thin... they couldn't love us more! As a child, I didn't know parents had disagreements... Side-by-side my parents always walked... and now as they lay in bed together I just can't imagine them apart...! I love you, Mom and Dadeo!

Mom, you taught me to be the "mommy" to the world... "See you later alligator." and as you always said back "after awhile crocodile."

Next time, it's forever!

"I Love My Girls Forever and for Always...

2010-02-06T17:25:00.000-08:00

my babies they will always be..."

Asking for her Mom and Dad

2010-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

No matter, how old we get... we some how always want our mom and dad. Lately, my mom has been asking for her mom and dad. They will be coming...

A Very Special Poem

2010-02-05T20:36:00.000-08:00

After a rough morning and a visit from Lisa, my mom's home health aide, my mom got to enjoyed some visitors... Christian read a very special poem that my mom loved! And ice cream with brownies were shared.

Thank you Mary Ann!

Visitors

2010-02-04T23:40:00.000-08:00

My mom had a restful morning to build her energy for her many visitors that keep her going. She loved seeing everyone, since she was unable to get out for dinner.

A Day of Rest

2010-02-03T17:56:00.000-08:00

Today my mom was very tired and rested for most of the day. Tomorrow she hopes it will be a better day, since some co-workers would like to take her out to dinner. However, the reality is that she will have to see what tomorrow brings... her energy hasn't been the greatest and her breath has been shallow; making it really hard for her to do much of anything...,yet she will be getting an oxygen tank soon, which should help.

Meds.

2010-02-01T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today, my mom's nurse checked-in on her and had her meds. increased to help with my mom's pain management. Although, this will cause my mom to be a bit more sleepy... it will hopefully hope her feel less pain. (We love you, Mom!)

The Girls

2010-01-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

A GREAT DAY!!!

2010-01-31T11:03:00.000-08:00

Thank you Aunt Debbie, Aunt Andrea and Grandma Marincovich for putting on such a nice Baby Shower for me! It was a great day!

2010-01-29T22:38:00.000-08:00

Nana and Aunt Andrea made a great meal.

And then, of course, ice cream with grandma!

My mom would like to thank everyone for the love and support given to her through the comments on the blog and cards. She truely enjoys hearing from everyone and it keeps her spirits high.

2010-01-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

My mom has been spending the last couple of days resting and trying to manage her pain. Her medication has been increased and my dad and Mireya have been doing an amazing job with the care of her wounds.

Today was an emotional day, but the Ice Cream Man came just in time to sweeten the day. We enjoyed the ice cream together, compliments of Holly, and soup from Olga.

THANK YOU!

Surviving Without Dawn!

2010-01-24T20:41:00.000-08:00

Dawn returned home today and left my mom in the care of my dad, Mireya, and myself. I know my mom is in good hands, but it will not compare to the 24 hour care that Dawn was able to provide.

Today was also a quiet and restful day even with the grandkids!

Archangel Oracle Cards

2010-01-23T18:59:00.000-08:00

Kathy Hall come by, today, with a deck of Archangel Cards for my mom. "Archangels are very powerful, wise, and loving guides who can motivate and heal you in miraculous ways..." Thank you, Kathy! My mom and everyone enjoyed your visit...and books.

Wonderful Cards

2010-01-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the many friends and family members that have been sending my mom cards. (Especially, Kathy Hall, who has sent a card almost daily.) She has truely enjoyed getting them...

Taking a Break...

2010-01-23T18:40:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was an emotional day for many of the girls in the family... so... my mom treated all of us to a pedicure. Thank you, Mom/Grandma!

Andrew and his family visited this weekend and my mom enjoyed recording a very special book for all her grandchildren "All the Ways I Love You".

"I Love You, Grandma!"

2010-01-21T21:26:00.000-08:00

Today, Matthew wanted to be with his Grandma ALL day. I love you, Grandma he would say... and then when it came time to go to bed he wanted Grandma to get in bed with him... sooo she did... (Oh, how he wishes he could make his Grandma well again!)

A Double Rainbow is a sign to...

2010-01-21T21:14:00.000-08:00

GET OUT of the house!

After feeling stuck in the house for the past few days... my mom didn't care what it would take to get her out of the house, even if it meant taking the grandkids to Denny's and Target on a rainy day...

Charlie Brown, Yesterday...

2010-01-20T09:45:00.000-08:00

Wendy/Pippi Long Stocking today... (My sister-in-law, Mireya, loves to dress my mom up)

A New Day

2010-01-20T09:41:00.000-08:00

I helped my mom get out of bed today so that Dawn could lay in bed a little longer...

A Rough Day...

2010-01-19T19:41:00.000-08:00

Today was a not so good day... the reality of my mom's illness was really rough for her to handle throughout the day... (Some days are just better than others...) Yet, she was cheered-up with some Olive Garden soup and salad that her good friend, Olga, brought by.

In addition, her daughters are spending the night, near her side, in hopes that she has a better night..., since she lately fears being in bed...

Friends and Family make a Great Day

2010-01-18T14:20:00.000-08:00

My mom has TRULY enjoyed having her friends and family around...

A Better Night

2010-01-18T09:04:00.000-08:00

Last night was a better night for my mom... she enjoyed her famous recipe of Spaghetti and good company... (We all cleaned our plates! :)

A Rough Night

2010-01-17T15:37:00.000-08:00

Last night was a ROUGH night for my mom... at 4am in the morning she woke-up in a panic... she felt as though she was trapped in her body and in bed and wanted to get up right then and there! However, my mom can nolonger do such on her own...so she woke Dawn up to help her...

Later things got better... after everyone was up; a big effort was made to put her make-up and new eye lashes on for her outing with my Dad and long time friend, "Aunt" Kathy.

A Restful Day

2010-01-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Today, my mom enjoyed a restful day with her family...

Wanting to Feel Pretty in Pink

2010-01-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my mom wanted to feel pretty in pink... so her cousin, Holly, and I helped to paint her finger nails pink to go with her pink lip stick and over-all outfit.

Making Memories...

2010-01-15T08:00:00.000-08:00

for her grandchildren...

(Although she is tired and weak my mom wants to continue to put on a front for others especially her grandchildren, so that they can remember the good things... not her illness... Of course, that's my mom, always thinking about others before herself.)

"T" is for Tea Party with Grandma

The Restful Stage of My Mom's Journey

2010-01-13T13:12:00.000-08:00

Since last night, my mom has been at peace...going in and out of a restful place in her mind... so we let her lay in bed as we bathed her and got her ready for the day... Shortly, after her bath, the Swans Delivery Man rang the door bell with ice from her cousin Holly. YAY!!! (We all screamed... for ICE CREAM!)

Sooo... it was ice cream for lunch and then time to go back to sleep...

The Carpet is in...

2010-01-12T20:00:00.000-08:00

and the room is almost done... Thank you, Aunt Debbie for your time and energy on this project! (My mom can't wait to see her "new" made-over room!)

"Nurse" Mireya

2010-01-12T11:48:00.000-08:00

Yay, Mireya did it! With a little bit of couching from Dawn on the side lines... Mireya was able to take care of my mom's wound care... and now thinks she may have found her calling in life... Nursing...

Feeling "Crappy"

2010-01-11T17:02:00.000-08:00

It was a good thing that school started today, for the little ones..., since this was a "crappy" day for my mom. She didn't feel so hot all day... Now she is waiting for Mary Ann to arrive with dinner, a friendly smile, and much love to help her feel better...

A Quiet House...

2010-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

School started again... so my mom had a quiet house this morning. Dawn took this time to start trainning our sister-law, Mireya, how to care for my mom so that she and the Hospice team can continue with my mom's care next week... while Dawn goes back to the island.

A Restful Sunday

2010-01-10T21:45:00.000-08:00

Today, Dawn and I enjoyed a movie with my mom and then some time with a family friend. Thank you for your visit Kathy! We enjoyed caughting-up with you...

A Lazy Saturday

2010-01-09T17:36:00.000-08:00

After many outings in the past couple of days including taking the grandkids to see Alvin and the Chipmunks the Squeakquel movie and to McDonalds... we had a lazy Saturday... resting most of the day and eating well... (Thanks for the recipes, Grandma Marincovich! :)

Much Love Around Her

2010-01-08T22:31:00.000-08:00

In the last few days my mom has kept all of us very busy... she has truely enjoyed her family and friends around her 24/7

Out to Lunch...

2010-01-05T22:03:00.000-08:00

My mom needed to get out of the house... sooo we took her out to lunch, where her friends Susan and Nurse Jill got a chance to say hi and visit a bit. (Oh, how a friendly face can make you feel much better...)

A Busy Day!!!

2010-01-05T22:01:00.000-08:00

My mom made it home, today, to see the work being done to her bedroom...

the walls are up, the popcorn ceiling is down, and the room is painted... now all that is left is the carpet, which will be put in some time in the next couple of days...

A Women of Many Things...

2010-01-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

To help with her care... Including grandkids...

2010

2010-01-02T08:58:00.000-08:00

WOW!!! 2010 is here!!! My mom started this journey 2 years ago and is still fighting strong... As she says, "I'm not ready to go anywhere yet..."
She has really enjoyed being at her son's house with family and friends 24/7...

New Year's Eve Party!

2009-12-31T21:16:00.000-08:00

We all enjoyed my mom's spaghetti together this New Year's Eve while we waited for the ball to drop.

Natural Meds...

2009-12-30T21:21:00.000-08:00

My mom's natural meds. include a trip to Target, Disneyland Magic, and "Natural Juice" from a Juicer that Matt bought for her for Christmas.

With Family and Friends

2009-12-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

My mom is now being cared for by family, friends, and hospice at her son, Matt's house in Lemoore. If you would like to send a card to cheer her up... she would love to hear from you.

Marleen Golonsky
1254 Summerwind Dr.
Lemoore, CA 93245

Nurse Madison helps Grandma...

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T22:32:00.000-08:00

After a lot of effort and my mom's determination she was released and made it home last night for Christmas with the family. All of her kids and grandkids stayed at Matt's house for Santa to arrive. My mom enjoyed watching the grandkids' Christmas morning and being around family. It was a Christmas to remember.

Elijah played a very special book my mom recorded in the hospital for all the grandkids to enjoy for years to come.

"Twas the Night Before Christmas"

Friends Always Lift You Up!

2009-12-22T21:48:00.000-08:00

Friends Always Lift You Up... And break you free from the hospital!

That is a true friendship!

Many have asked...

2009-12-21T11:34:00.000-08:00

Where is my mom, exactly:

She is at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center (9920 Talbert Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708 in room 236) Yet, she hopes to go home (back up North) soon.

A True Survior!

2009-12-21T07:59:00.000-08:00

Last night my mom couldn't wait to see who the "New Survior Finalist" would be... However, she fell asleep... Yet, it didn't matter because she is the "TRUE SOUL SURVIOR"...

Never giving-up on her duties/purposes in life...

Little Rest...

2009-12-20T08:02:00.000-08:00

Last night was a rough night for my mom... Everyone at the hospital tried hard to make her comfortable with different positions... even to the point of putting her on a special air bed... however nothing seemed to work that well, at this point... However, the day-light is entering the room and my Dad has arrived for the day shift.

Ghost Riders

2009-12-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

I just wanted everyone to know that I have "ghost writers" on this blog... a sister here, a sister there...
Laura, guess who is posting this now...

A Pain in the Butt!!!

2009-12-19T18:38:00.000-08:00

Well... it turns-out that my mom has a MAJOR sore on her bottom; a bed sore, in fact. (OUCH!!!) Now she is being a pain in the ass in the hospital (literaly)..., since she will be staying here...at least for the weekend.

In the Hospital

2009-12-19T11:05:00.000-08:00

My mom was put in the hospital again... more updates later... But for now...

My mom is a famous lady!! No time was lost for visitors to arrive and she was prepared for pictures with her Raindeer Antlers ....

Christie forgot to take a picture of her cookie basket with instant starbucks coffee for visitors....and the yummy cookies, which my mom even tested. :)

Tree Decorating

2009-12-13T20:31:00.000-08:00

My mom picked out her tree the week before at Target.

Kaleb and I spent the afternoon helping decorate my mom's small Christmas tree. My mom hung ornaments while Kaleb strung popcorn.

The Hero...

2009-12-13T09:22:00.000-08:00

THE HERO AND HIS LADY FAIR

Tall and lanky, middle-aged, breeze ruffling his gray hair,
He walks behind his lady fair, as though he’s not a care.

The telling scarf upon her head speaks words so loud and clear,
Body fighting, chemo biting, it’s been an awful year.

As they approach the waiting car, his arm encircles her,
No ravages of cancer his affections can deter.

He pulls her near, with kisses dear, a lover’s sweet embrace,
And comfort’s share is written there upon her upturned face.

Letting go, he holds her hand while opening her door,
On with their day, in separate ways, he to work, she back to war.

Secure of heart, a work of art, their worth to each is known,
Where two have grown together, neither now will tread alone.

Although a damsel in distress, she’s not a woman weak,
It takes a mighty spirit to scale this mountain’s peak.

And by her side there walks a man, a hero to be sure,
Who takes command and firmly stands as battles they endure.

Charlotte Hartman

Trying to Fix the Problems in Her Life...

2009-12-11T18:11:00.000-08:00

Today, I went over to my mom's house to help with a few things that are to hard for my mom to do anymore... like the dishes and laundry. Later my mom got her med. bag changed...thanks, Steven; while I continued to help with things around the house. As you can see...my mom's bedroom wall and ceiling are still under construction from the water leak that happened at Thanksgiving...(She is hoping to have the house fixed for our family Christmas gathering. So keep your fingers crossed. :) At this point, all of their bedroom belongs are in the big green bin at the side of the house.

As for yesterday, my mom got away from the mess at home... and joined the church girls for breakfast... then went with Aunt Debbie to supervise her at work. She truely enjoyed this time, since she gets lonely at home, while my Dad and the rest of us are working.

A Busy Day... Followed by a Day of Rest

2009-12-09T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, my mom came with me to my doctor appointment so that she could see her granddaughter on the screen. She couldn't be more thrilled to hear that everything looks good... she's a healthly little girl and will be arriving April 19th.

Then, I dropped my mom off at OTP, where she got a chance to visit with some of her co-workers and have lunch...

After spending time at OTP, my mom was taken to her classroom for a visit with her students and staff. (Oh, how she misses them...!)

She was sooo proud of herself for making it all day... from 7am to 4pm, in the afternoon. (You Go Mom! We are proud of you!)

Sooo... Today, my mom spend the day in bed resting...

2009-12-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

My mom has been very tired this week, since chemo last Friday, and has been resting at home. Hopefully, she will feel more energy next week.

More Driving Practice

2009-12-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

My mom was sooo excited to get a Target card in the mail the other day. She couldn't wait to go driving at Target, again. This time she did much better...

Black Friday Driving

2009-11-28T20:14:00.000-08:00

Well... my mom didn't want to miss out on "Black Friday"... so she took down some more displays, after chemo, as she tried to drive the crowded asiles at the Target in Long Beach. (What fun she and Dawn had looking for deals.)

A Big Thank You!

2009-11-28T20:08:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU, Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dave for holding down the fort this past week...

For those of you who haven't heard yet... my mom and dad had a BIG water link that damaged much of their bedroom... walls, carpet, and all... sooo my Aunt Debbie and Uncle Dave took care of the house... while they traveled for treatment this past week. (We all know... when it rains it pours!)

Thankful for...

2009-11-28T19:58:00.000-08:00

YOU!!!

I would like to take this time to tell each and every one of you how much we, as a family, THANK YOU for all the love and support you have given us throughout my mom's journey and battle with cancer. She and we couldn't keep going without you. Thank you, again and again!

Where do I begin...?

2009-11-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

To say the least... this was a busy, but successful week for my mom...
Everything that she put her mind to... she did, and then more...

On Tuesday, she had a meeting with her doctors. A new plan of attack was discussed. My mom will be a first to try taking a combo of the two chemo drugs Avastin and Ixempra (What a fighter!).

On Wednesday, she picked-up more meds. at Long Beach Memorial and was on time to pick-up Dawn from the boat landing to head home for the holiday. (8 hours later... they arrived at my house).

On Thursday, we all enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with our families at Matt's house. Then, my mom, dad, and Dawn travaled back down for treatment on Friday. (Wow! What a traveler!)

2009-11-23T17:43:00.000-08:00

My mom had 1 liter of fluid removed from her lung today and feels that the new meds in her bag are working better...

An Update...

2009-11-22T15:05:00.000-08:00

Many of you have recently asked how things are going for my mom, since I have not put anything on the blog this past week...
The truth of the matter is: not much has changed for my mom in the past week... She is still in great pain and hasn't noticed a difference in her pain levels, even though the Pain Management doctor said he was going to try a different mixture of pain meds. for her... so we have just been encourging her to hang-there-in. (We love you, Mom!)

As for this week, she will be having her lung fluids drained, again, tomorrow.
Tuesday, she will be traveling down south for a meeting with her doctors.
Wednesday, she hopes to pick Dawn up from the boat and head home for Thanksgiving.
Thursday, she plans on spending time with her family at Matt's house.
Friday, she continues to hope that her doctor will continue her fight with a dose of chemo... (we will see...)

Driving

2009-11-15T08:27:00.000-08:00

Since my mom can nolonger drive... she feels as though her independance has been taken from her. As a result, my mom enjoys going to Target to shop, so that she can get her driving in with the mobile cart. Needless to say, this is fun for my mom but crazy for the target displays...

Pain in the...

2009-11-15T08:20:00.000-08:00

ARM...

Yesterday, my mom was really complaining about the pain in her left arm... Although she is on many pain meds. her left arm has continued to give her GREAT PAIN... so she called her Pain Management doctor to see if there is anything more he can do... At this point, he is going to try to mix a different amount of pain meds. together to see if that will help with my mom's pain.

We Support our Vets!

2009-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Thank you, Dad and Matt for serving our country!

The day was enjoyed at Roller Towne where we celebrated Veteran's day and Kaleb's birthday.

It's a Girl!!!

2009-11-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

I'm having a girl...due around Easter time. (GO PINK!)

In sickness and in health...?

2009-11-08T22:48:00.000-08:00

This past Thursday, my mom and dad celebrated another year of marriage. Looking back... my dad may have an out...because he doesn't remember the phase "In sickness and in health" in their written vows that they said. Yet, it wouldn't matter... my dad would do it all over again... After a day at Disneland and returning to our hotel rooms for the night, my dad popped the question to my mom again with a Mother of Pearl ring as he said "in sickness and in health..." for sure, this time around.

"The Happiest Place on Earth"

2009-11-08T18:46:00.003-08:00

This weekend, my mom spent time with her family at Disneyland. There is nothing like celebrating birthdays at "The Happiest Place on Earth"... (May all your dreams come true!) We love you, Mom!

Happy Birthday: Mom, Madison, Kaleb, and Elijah

The next day we all enjoyed breakfast at Denny's...

Halloween Weekend

2009-11-02T21:07:00.000-08:00

On Saturday, after my parents enjoyed breakfast at Mimi’s, they stopped by for a quick haircut. My mom sported a mohawk for a minute before going bald.

Later that night they had a quiet evening at home passing out candy to little ones like Wolverine.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-11-01T17:45:00.000-08:00

Thank you to the many of you that donated for breast cancer research this past month. Many thanks!!!

2009-10-30T09:42:00.000-07:00

This past Tuesday, my mom visited her classroom for a little while... to check-in on her students and staff. She was so glad to see that everyone was doing okay without her... Thank you, Mary Ann and Lori for holding the fort down.

On Wheels

2009-10-26T18:20:00.000-07:00

My mom and I spent the morning at Target where she finally decided to try a motorized cart after insisting that she did not need one. Once on the cart I could not get her off and she almost took a couple of displays with her. We had a good laugh. She also decided not to shave her head and let her hair fall out on its own, but she did cut it short with her one good arm.

In Honor of My Mom

2009-10-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Carolyn Morison and friends who walked in San Fransico, this month, in honor of my mom.

2009-10-23T18:00:00.000-07:00

My mom has been spending the last few days at home resting from her treatments. She has been very tired and her hair is starting to fall out again. I hope you have your knitting needles ready grandma because she is going to need more hats!

Thank you everyone for your love, prayers, and cards. They really help lift her spirits!

HOME!

2009-10-21T18:59:00.000-07:00

My mom, made it home and couldn't be happier... ("There's nothing like HOME!")

In with the Good out with the Bad

2009-10-19T20:53:00.000-07:00

Today, my mom had another blood transfusion, which lasted 3hrs. and then had her left lung drained again... (almost a liter of fluid was taken out).

Sooo... the doctors didn't want her to be traveling home tonight... So as of right now, the plan is for her to be traveling tomorrow morning... (We will see...)

Determined...!

2009-10-18T21:23:00.000-07:00

Although my mom's blood counts were low and she needed and had a blood transfusion on Friday... She was determined to celebrate Dawn's birthday with her at Goofy's Kitchen. A wheelchair was in order, since she was sooo tired... however, she made it!!! And that's why we LOVE her... she keeps going and going... What a fighter!!!

A BIG THANK YOU!!!

2009-10-17T09:28:00.000-07:00

A big thank you to Cindy Sanders who walked for a cure in honor of my mom. Cindy raised $3,900 out of $4 million for Breast Cancer Research. She walked 53 of 60 miles. (WOW!!!) What an amazing job!

WAY TO GO!!!

Busy Week

2009-10-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

My mom has had a busy weekend and last few days.

Saturday/Sunday - My Aunt stopped by with soup and her matching fanny pack to lift my mom's spirits... while Kaleb and Elijah enjoyed watching a movie with grandma.

Thank you Torre Boy's for the Snake! It helps support her arm and
Auntie Marleen loves it.

Monday - Father Alex came from Fresno and held a small mass for my mom at home.

Tuesday - My mom and I spent the day watching a movie, "The Proposal" while she taught me how to make Sauerkraut.

Wednesday - Rest and a visit from the Home Health Nurse.

Thursday- Headed back down south for a pain management appointment.

Friday- Infusion and chemo day...

Home Again!

2009-10-09T16:56:00.000-07:00

My mom made it home this morning. The Home Health Nurse came over to start her meds. She has to carry the med bag around 24 hours and is not happy with the size. This does not look like a small big, Auntie Donna! Hopefully it will start helping with her pain soon.

At the Hospital doing Good...

2009-10-07T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone... I know many of you are wondering how things are going... At this point, she is having a produce done to hopefully help with the pain and make her comfortable. After spending the night here at Long Beach Memorial she will then be released in the morning to head up north for Home Care so that she can be at home, which she is looking forward to...

A Long Day... But a GREAT Day!!!

2009-10-06T22:59:00.000-07:00

Today, my mom had Communion at 7:30am, then preceded to try on many outfits for Picture Day at school...

These are the three GREAT L's (Lori, Letty, and Leticia) that are giving LOVING CARE to the classroom...

One can not express the joy and strength that the classroom fulled my mom with today! Thank you all!!! She loves and misses you guys, GREATLY!!! That is her life!!!

That is what she is soooo fighting soooo hard to have back!!!

Although my mom would have LOVED to stay at work and feel as though life was back to "normal"... she couldn't, since she needed to get back down south to be admitted to Long Beach Memorial before 5pm, which meant a quick trip back to the hospital...

For a Cure

2009-10-05T11:31:00.000-07:00

Cindy Sanders was busy this weekend walking for a cure. We are sooo proud of her! Thank you bunches! Our thoughts were with you the whole time! Love, Marleen

Prayers

2009-10-05T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thank you everyone for your continuous thoughts and prayers! Last night, my mom had a circle of friends that showered her with love and prayers! What a wonderful thing the Lord's graces can give us... Much Peave, Love, and Faith to all! We love you!

P.S. Debbie- The song, "I didn't know my own strength" was wonderful!!! (We played it all morning...)

A GREAT DAY!!!

2009-10-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

What a GREAT DAY we all had with everyone yesterday!!! My mom was sooo glad to be around everyone...(Thank you for those of you who came by to visit and share your time to celebrate life with us!) For the first time (in a LONG TIME), my mom was up all day... not wanting to sleep and miss a thing...

HOME!!!

2009-10-02T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yay!!! My mom is home!!! After many hours on the road... she pulled into the drive-way late last night to a wonderful welcome home sign and balloons... Now, she is looking forward to an open house event, tomorrow. Come by to visit... starting at 11:00am to help us enjoy each others friendships, love, and support. The family welcomes you and looks forward to seeing everyone... (214 S. Harvard Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247)

Working on Going Home...

2009-09-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, my mom will have one more Doctor's Appt. at 1pm, before leaving to come home... (YAY!) and she can't wait to see all of you... speaking of that... My dad's 60th and Selah's 1st birthday will be this Saturday, so the family would like to have an open house party this weekend so that we can all CELEBRATE LIFE together. (We will keep you posted on the event...)

Brightened Spirits

2009-09-29T12:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you, Craig Family! For your gift of love... it truly brightened my mom's spirits! Reviewing my mom's journey through her blog pictures was amazing to see... WOW!!! How wonderful it is to have such a support team! Much love and peace!

Going Home?

2009-09-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

My mom would like to go home... sooo... Dawn has been working on arrangements for my mom's care at home... If all goes according to plan... My mom and dad will be on their way home Wednesday morning.

Good Friends, good food, good memories...

2009-09-27T21:24:00.000-07:00

Last night my mom's GOOD friends from grade school came over to visit, laugh, and share good times...

Doctor Donna and Nurse Dawn are taking good care of my mom... I hope... Hang in there mom!

"If an apple a day could..."

2009-09-27T10:40:00.000-07:00

Too cute! Cindy Sanders' class sent my mom an orchard full of apple trees in the hopes of helping my mom feel better... ("If an apple a day could keep the doctor away then we'll send you an orchard full of apples trees to help you feel better!) How sweet! The trees are now over looking her in her room. Much thanks and love!

Continuing the Fight

2009-09-25T21:22:00.000-07:00

Today, my mom woke-up with great hopes that this "new" chemo combo (Ixempra and Xeloda) will help with her fight against this stubborn cancer... (They say attitude is half the battle! Sooo let's think positive!)

She had her first infusion of this chemo, today, and then went to the hospital to have her left lung drained again...(1 liter of fluids) sooo hopefully she can return home soon...