a new summer adventure

This isn’t your typical summer adventure, at least not my typical summer adventure.

One month ago SS and I packed everything we own into a 10′ x10′ cube, minus camping/backpacking gear, clothes and a few other items. We loaded the truck to the gills and headed to northern Idaho. We had a beautiful trip along the way, but I’ll save that for another post.

“North Idaho?” you ask…other than its breathtaking mountains and pristine lakes and miles of hiking, north Idaho is where my Mom lives. Six months ago my Mom was diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. Thus far she is battling it well. There have been some very hard times, and the difficult times are not yet behind us.

I have experienced an emotional roller coaster, especially not being by her side to “help”. Although if I had been here the whole time, I’m not sure what I could have done. So, now SS and I are here. We are doing housework, yard work, and offering as much emotional support as possible.

I am living in the mountains, living by the lake and trying to enjoy every moment of beauty I can. I do have some trips planned, one week long backpack trip into the Selway Bitteroot area. I can’t wait for that and then to share it with you all.

I have chosen to share this on Suniechick instead of starting a new blog, or keeping it to myself for a few reasons. I know that I am not alone in going through this ordeal, but I am hoping by sharing my experiences; what I do to cope, reduce stress etc. that I can perhaps help another woman of the outdoors deal with this and not feel so alone, because there are many days that I do feel very alone. Also, my Mom is the outdoor woman that inspired me to become the woman that I am. She taught me to love the trees and respect all that nature has to offer.

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3 Comments

  1. My Mother was to me what your Mother is to you. Take joy in each and every moment with her. Every day is a precious gift.

    Each and every person that gets this horrific cancer has a different experience and the body reacts differently to treatments. Remember that your Mother is a statistic of one.

    I lost both my parents to PC, most recently my Mom 12/1/08. You can read about her on the blog I kept at http://www.updatesonethel.blogspot.com
    I am also contributing to a book being written about families that have had someone have PC in the family. I would also advise you to check on Johns Hopkins PC discussion board with any questions you may have. It is a great source of strength for family members, caregivers, and patients.
    http://pathology.jhu.edu/pancreas_chat/
    Hope that you find this message helpful.

    All Best,
    Jennifer
    Alexandria, VA

  2. Jennifer,
    Thank you for your message, and the strength you have offered. This is a difficult path and does make me realize that every day truly is a gift.

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