Peace
This is tough, yo. Mom's not doing well: possible multiple myeloma, pretty far along, or a flare-up of her sarcoidosis, but whatever mysterious ailment it is has her really sick. Heart, lung, kidney, stomach, blood sick. We're about six tranfusions in so far, and she's still, two weeks later, in the hospital.
She's the best little mama anyone ever had, and I really believe that. No one could be better.
We took her cat to her today in the hospital. With the blessing of the vet and the staff and a bill-of-health fax, we surprised her with Bailey. She liked that. But she worried what she'd do with a cat in the hospital until we assured her we'd take Bailey home for her, it was just a visit -- just give him a little pat now, Mom. He put his big paw on her little one. She liked that.
So if everyone who comes here thinks a good thought for her, a thought of peace, and tranquility, and more PEACE, we'd sure appreciate it. Just for a second, think a thought for Janette Herron. Thanks. My love to you. Now go give someone a kiss, or a hug, or a phone call. I mean it. Then tell me in comments what you did or are going to do (but mean it, really mean it). All that love being spread around the world in Mom's name. It has to do her good, right?
Peace. And health. But mostly peace.



I've read your blog for years, but I don't think I've ever commented. I said a prayer for the little mama and have been thinking about her. It's 11 pm, so it's too late to call anyone. The only other person up in the house is my son, so I gave him a big hug and told him how very special he is to me and how lucky I am to have him in my life. Tomorrow, when more people are awake, I'll continue spreading the love in honor of your little mama. I promise.
Posted by: Kim | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:05
Loads of peace and love to you and your mama!
Posted by: Tamara | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:10
Spreading the mama love in Idaho!
Posted by: melanie | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:19
Rachel-
I am giving YOU a hug and telling that I am thinking peaceful thoughts for you, your mom and your family.
Another hug just for good measure.
Posted by: Maxly | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:24
i don't know if this is any help at all - but annie modesitt's husband had multiple myeloma - maybe, if that is what is happening with your mom, you might want to email her?
just a thought - her being a knitter and all.
big hug to you all
Posted by: michellenyc | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:29
here is her blog
http://www.modeknit.com/
but you probably already know that - just in case
Posted by: michellenyc | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:29
Oh, this post made me cry. I am sending lots of positive thoughts of peace and tranquility for your mom. And I just hugged my husband and told him how much I love him, and will wrangle the cat for some love and treats before bed tonight. And I'll keep on sending those waves of peace for her.
Posted by: TheBon | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:41
Aw sweetie. Been thinkin' about yomama the past two days. Got ahold of my Boyo today and he's in a funk. Guess I'll talk to him tomorrow, too. Come to think of it, I'll talk to my Girlie, too. And my mama. All in honor of yomama. Peace out.
Posted by: Celia | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:41
I gave my kids an extra squeeze and kiss tonight and thought good thoughts for her.
Thinking only peaceful thoughts and wishes out to her.
I hope it does her, and you, some good.
Posted by: Micky | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:44
Peace is what I hope for every day. Sending a bit of it your way.
Posted by: Mel | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:48
So sorry sweetie - it sucks that this happens to anybody and sucks extra that it's happening in your life.
When we call home (that's up in the Indian Himalayas - we're in Oregon right now) I'm going to ask the Tibetan nuns on the mountains to do mantra for her peace and well-being, and, therefore, everyone's peace and well-being. I'll be doing it myself in the meantime. Hang in there.
Posted by: Joy | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:58
So sorry sweetie - it sucks that this happens to anybody and sucks extra that it's happening in your life.
When we call home (that's up in the Indian Himalayas - we're in Oregon right now) I'm going to ask the Tibetan nuns on the mountains to do mantra for her peace and well-being, and, therefore, everyone's peace and well-being. I'll be doing it myself in the meantime. Hang in there.
Posted by: Joy | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 21:59
hugs + positive thoughts your way..
Posted by: hahnak | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 22:19
Hi Rachael,
I have never written before but followed you for a LONG time! You bring a smile to my face, you are just that awesomesauce! :) I just sent out a prayer for the Little Mama, and loved on my tortie -cat, and will be giving more love to my Mom in a little bit. I'll be praying for you, and keep your chin up! *hugs*
Posted by: Desi | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 22:19
Sending positive thoughts of peace and healing your way. My husband and I are going through some really tough spots right now - spots that have been eroding our closeness. Thank you for the reminder of what really counts. I'm off to hug him and suggest we look through our wedding album - a reminder of why we're sharing our lives.
Posted by: Stash Haus | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 22:23
Janette- I wish you comfort and peace. But mostly I want to tell you how much you are loved. By your family and beyond.
Posted by: Nell | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 23:11
my boyfriend just went to bed so, i can't wake him with a hug or a kiss right now but, i made his lunch for tomorrow! my thoughts are out to you and your mom.
Posted by: jennifer hoverson | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 23:22
Love and peace to your mama, and so many hugs for you, my friend.
And now, to go snuggle in bed with my boys who are already asleep.
Posted by: cari | Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 23:32
Aw Rachael, I'm definitely thinking of your mama and sending some good juju her way. I'm going to go hug my snoring beast of a hubby and give my mama a call in the morning (she's in FL, I'm not sure she'd appreciate a 3am phone call..). Much love to you and your mama.
Posted by: Teenuh | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 00:03
Rachel - you and your mama have been in my thoughts since you first posted about her being in the hospital. It's never easy when someone you love is not well.
I know from recent experience that long distance love and prayers can help. I lost my older daughter in a car accident a month ago (just 3 weeks before her 22nd birthday, and 3.5 weeks from graduating from college with her bs in history). Her college (PLU in Tacoma Washington) allowed her to graduate with her class, her little sister accepted her diploma, and the entire graduating class (700 +) gave her a spontaneous standing ovation.
What has kept me going this last month has been the waves of love coming from all over the world from people that knew my little girl - her housemates, the kids she worked with at the Boys & Girls Club, friends and families that knew her, and even complete strangers.
You and your mama are in my prayers and thoughts, and if all our love can fix her, your little mama will be home in no time. Peace & best wishes to you both.
Posted by: Sue | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 00:13
Peace. To you, to your little mama, to the people working with her in the hospital, to your sisters.
I stopped and told my guy how special he is to me. Love.
Posted by: anna | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 00:14
Rachael, consider it done. Prayers are already on their way upward. If I could call or hug my Mom, I would, but she's already upward so I'll go hug my cats instead, and send an innernets hug to you— {{{{hug}}}}
Posted by: Jeanne B. | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 00:46
I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes ( it is 10.30 GMT here) I have said a little prayer for your mum and tonight, when I get home I am going to thoroughly embarass mt 18 yo daughter by hugging her in front of her BF before they go to her senior prom and tell her how proud I am of her and that what ever her exam results we will still be proud of her ( she is predicted 3 A's and is due to go to uni to do a masters degree in Astrophysics - but even if she flunked the lot we would still be proud of her)
Hugs :-)
Posted by: janine | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 02:30
The only one handy right now is Murphy. I picked him up and hugged him for your mom, and send positive thoughts and energy.
Posted by: Catherine | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 02:46
Delurking in Brooklyn to send some some peaceful thoughts your and your mom's way...and then leaned over to snuggle with the husband. You guys are in my thoughts.
Posted by: rachel d | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 02:58
Prayers for your mom and for you.
Posted by: Estella | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 03:23
I've prayed to ask that the spirituality that surrounds your Mom and you and your family, please embrace and support her and that God
will offer her peace. Light and comfort to you and to her.
Posted by: Linda in Waterloo | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 03:28
I'll give Hannah a hug and kiss before she gets on the bus this morning. That's something I don't normally do, her being a prickly sort of teenager these days. I really hope the little mama improves soon. Hugs to YOU, too.
Posted by: Carole | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 03:33
Lots of love and peace coming from VA, and when I call my family in Toronto today, lots of love and peace will be coming from there.
Take this time to lean on the people you love, that is what they are there for. Good thoughts and hugs
Posted by: Dani | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 04:00
I'm here and I'm holding you and yours in my thoughts. Peace and love to you all.
Posted by: jee | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 04:23
Aw, what a great idea. I just tried to send some power and peace over the ocean and now I'm going to kiss my little son.
Posted by: Astrid | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 04:32
Since your first post about your mom's hospitalization, I've been sending warm, healing love-thoughts your way, at least once a day - every time I see your blog's name as I check in on my Bloglines account. And now, I've just finished holding my son really close, telling him just how much I love him before sending him off to the bus stop. Once I'm done with this, I'm going to crawl back into bed with my love n' snuggle him close, making sure I tell him that I love him very much before I drop back off to sleep.
Posted by: Kim | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 04:48
I have been sending out prayers for your little mama since you wrote she was in the hospital. More thoughts of healing and peace for you and your family.
I will also be extra good to my own little 82 year old mama.
Posted by: JudithNYC | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 04:57
Sending you a hug. Thinking of peace for everyone, everyday.
Posted by: John | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:04
Sending you a hug. Thinking of peace for everyone, everyday.
Posted by: John | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:06
I just said a prayer for your mom and you. I'll give my big sister a call when I get in from my bike ride.
xxxx
Posted by: beverly | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:10
Oh, honey.
Love and peace and hugs to Little Mama, and you, and Lala, and all the four legged loved ones.
Posted by: Sarah | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:23
Hugs to you and your family sweetie. I'll be praying for your mama and taking some extra time to call mine on the phone tonight. Steve and I only know you from your blog, but we love you very much for your honesty and wit and only want good things for you. Take care of yourself.
Posted by: Krista M | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:26
Awwww, sweetie, that SUCKS. My thoughts are with you and your mama and Bailey, too.
As soon as it's a "reasonable hour", I'll be calling my mum and telling her I love her.
Also, big hugs your way, and gentle hugs to your mum.
Posted by: chris | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:35
I won't be seeing my gorgeous girlfriend until about 2am when she comes home. I was planning to squeak at her from my deep sleep, but I will do my damndest to wake up enough to give her a bit of a squish as well. I will also be warming up her teddy bear for her.
Fingers crossed for your Little Mama.
Posted by: martian77 | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:39
I've been arguing with my brother a bit - nothing too serious - but I phoned him just now to remind him that I still, and always, love him. And told him to pass it on too. Wishing peace for the Little Mama.
anna
x
Posted by: anna | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:52
Oh, Rach, hugs to you and your family. I just said a little prayer for your mama, and I'm going to put her on every prayer list/good thoughts list I can think of.
hugshugshugshugs. you guys are in my thoughts.
Posted by: Carrie | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 05:59
Love to you, your mom, your family. I'll be sending thoughts of love and peace to you all. And when my kids get home from school today, I'll hug them and let them know how much richer my life is because they're in it. Same with my baby bro and youngest sis, who are going to be at my house later today also. In the meantime, before I put myself to bed for the "night", I'll lavish some extra attention on the two kitties of the house.
Thanks for the reminder that we should share the love and peace now, and always.
Posted by: toni in florida | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:03
I'm so sorry this is happening to you and your family. One of my closest friends just went (is probably still going) though a very similar situation too. I'll make my phone call to him. I hope your mother begins to feel better.
Posted by: Laura | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:08
My heart holds peace and blessings for your mother and your family. Now I'm going to go kiss my son.
Posted by: Liz K | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:10
Sending love and peaceful thoughts to you and your mom. I called my brother yesterday, who's going through a tough time and has been hard to talk to. But we did and I'm glad. I'm calling my son today to tell him I'd like to pay for him to come visit.
*hugs*
Posted by: no-blog-rachel | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:19
Hey R -
I'm thinking very good thoughts for your mom, you, the cat, your family and especially for her caregivers and doctors.
It's a rough road, and quite painful, but - having been there this year - there are unspeakable joys waiting, too. I know this sounds weird and flaky (I don't mean to sound that way) but so many things will transpire in the next few months that are unexpectedly beautiful.
Even in the worst crap, life is very beautiful. The tragedy is not in the loss of a life, but in the loss of a chance for a GOOD life. It sounds like your mom is having a good life, which is the best any of us will ever get!
Geeze, I sound like I belong in that monastery in the Himalayas...
If there's anything I can do for you (some yarn, a free pattern, a book) please let me know! Gerry and I are both thinking of you!!
Posted by: Annie | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:23
A peaceful thought and a prayer too for your dear mother. God bless.
Posted by: Barbara | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:28
Oh, honey... best of luck with your momma. I'll send positive vibes her way. Hugs.
Posted by: jessica~ | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:28
I am talking to my mom right now, and we both send all our love and hope.
Posted by: Michelle | Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 06:34