Jean Stylski passed away yesterday at the age of 72 from Stage 4 Lung Cancer that had spread to her bones. She was officially diagnosed on 12/2/2014. I would guess she knew for awhile she was sick. She passed fast. I think that is a blessing for all. She didn't suffer long.
It has been the best of times and for sure the worst the past few weeks. Thankfully, we have a family to lean on and friends that check in. Her daughter Anne Marie and her brother Jerry have been with us since she entered the hospital. It has felt like ground hog day, but we have shared a lot of laughs, meals and hugs in our communal living space as we waited for the end.
Jean, my mother in law has lived with us for the past 3 years. The kids say 5 because for those 2 years before the 3 she would be with us for at least 2 mos out of the year. She would tell you it was perfect. It wasn't. She would tell you we got along great - we did, but she drove me (all of us) crazy. But in the end it comes down to this. She loved me, her son, her daughter, my children and her other grandchildren Sam and Joey more than she loved herself. I don't know that you can say that about many people in today's world.
Patrick, my son asked me yesterday what qualities I loved most about Nana. I would say that it was her ability to love others before herself. I don't know that I believe that is necessarily the best for everyone, but it is what worked for her.
Join me in celebrating Jean Stylski. Have a hamburger and french fries. Read a book. Call your loved ones. Boss somebody around. Sit on a park bench. Enjoy a cup of coffee. Watch basketball. Go to a rummage sale. And for God's sake, quit smoking. In case you haven't heard before, it will kill you.
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