A Note To Taryn

*Taryn has been the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center for the last month.

Dear Taryn,

I remember when you first started at MST.  You were so wonderfully optimistic and full of energy!  You faced challenges head-on from the moment I met you.  You dived right in to teach those first graders, and gave it everything you had.  I had no idea that you might not be feeling well yourself.

One time, I was checking in on you to see how things were going.  You casually asked me if I had ever had a colonoscopy.  I shared my experience, and let you know that it wasn't that bad.  You faced it with optimism and courage, just like you have continued to face everything.

The shirts that you have created to support kids going to camp say BE BRAVE.  You have lived this motto at every turn since your diagnosis.  You attended the Colon Cancer run very soon after your surgery.  You were uncomfortable and still recovering, but you were determined to be there.

April 1, just a day before your big liver surgery, you attended my brother Matthew's funeral. Since Matthew had passed away from Colon Cancer,  I can't even imagine how you must have felt that day.  I could not believe it when I saw you walk in.  You put all your fears aside to support me, and to be there for me that day.  It was amazing, and something that I will never forget.  My hope for my children is that they live their lives with the same fierce determination and bravery that you have.

The poem, The Dash, says it so well:

"If we could just slow down enough to consider what is true and realand always try to understand the way other people feel.And be less quick to anger and show appreciation moreand love the people in our lives like we have never loved before.If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile,Remembering that this special dash might only last a little while."

You have lived your dash so well, and I am so grateful and blessed that I have got to know you.  All my love and prayers to you and your family.  The way you live your life will forever be remembered by those who know you.

......Kate

In honor of the Dear Matthew project, if Taryn has touched your life in any way, you can send a note to the "Dear Taryn Project" by sending her a note with a memory or photo.  Please send it to notestotaryn@gmail.com

3 Years--Gifts

Matthew left us three years ago today.  Matthew has given me many gifts throughout the years, but through his battle with colon cancer, he may have given me the biggest gift of all.

Matthew was diagnosed with Colon Cancer in May of 2011.  He was 32 years old at the time.  Since I was older, my doctor recommended a colonoscopy ASAP.  So I had one in June of 2011.  It came back clear, and I was told to return in 5 years.  Five years have passed, as time does, and I thought about putting off my colonoscopy because--well they aren't the most fun.  However, I went ahead and got it out of the way thinking that the doctor would say it was all clear, come back in 5 years.

This time however, the doctor found several polyps that were precancerous.  For those that don't know, colon cancer can take about 10 years to develop from polyps.  I am 40, and screenings don't usually start until 50.  If it hadn't been for Matthew, my polyps most likely would not have been discovered until they had already become cancerous.  So although it means more frequent colonoscopies, I am so very grateful for the gift Matthew gave me.

I say again, have your colonoscopies done!!  The temporary discomfort is so worth it.

Our friend Taryn has been having a very rough time of it lately.  She has been struggling with a lot of pain, and frequent hospitalizations.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.  She desperately just wants to be home with her dogs and husband!


As I write this post, I still feel the same way I did two years ago in my blog post.

http://thefightingnoodle.blogspot.com/2015/03/one-year.html

Matthew had these attributes, Taryn has these attributes.  May we all strive to have a Kind Heart, Fierce Mind, and Brave Spirit.  

Matthew--you were loved and we miss you.   Thank you for all of your gifts!