Shirley Ann Blakely

I know a lot of you have followed mom’s journey through my post on Facebook. My post were just a fraction of her journey. Most don’t realize her journey first started in 1999. 23 years ago. I wasn’t able to be with her at her first diagnosis but my ex sister in law was. Mom didn’t cry. She really didn’t ask questions. She just accepted what they said and went on. She did, question the fact she would lose her hair. Mom had beautiful thick, black hair. I remember her calling me to come trim it up, and cut it short. I went and realized, I couldn’t, her hair was falling out and it had to be shaved. She just said ok, it will grow back. Again, she never cried, she never questioned it. She just accepted it. She was a prime example of strong and courageous. And she was that! She was beautiful with and with out her hair. Her hair did not define her or her spirit.

Her 2nd diagnosis came 10 years later in 2010. It was a bit of a blur for me. In between chemo treatments, came surgery after surgery after surgery. She did not cry, she did not question any of it. And mostly what I remember, she never once complained about what she was living through or going through.

Some where in between 2010 and her next diagnosis, Mom was diagnosised with the BRCA cancer gene that is hereditary. In 2017, along with mom, myself and my kids, we were all tested and we are all BRCA positive. This is when we started researching everything we could about any and all cures or anything that would help mom through this journey.

Mom was in remission for about 10 years until the cancer returned in 2021. This diagnosis we were told it was ‘Stage 4’. I knew what it meant, but was determined to do whatever research I could to help mom. We changed products that we used on a daily basis, she tried changing her diet, she tried natural remedies all while doing chemo.

Even with the best doctors and research – we can’t stop the end result. We all wanted a miracle but what we want is not always the will of God. I believe God was calling her home last year, but she wasnt ready to leave. God gave us one more whole year with her. I believe she loved every minute of it, because she got to be here with her family. Mom fought this disease not just for herself but for this family. Her family was the most important thing in her life aside from God. She loved her family more than anything. She wanted you all to know that. She wanted you all to know she was there for all of you, even the extended family.

To all the family,

Mom loved you all. Don’t be sad today. Yes, she will be missed, but I can guarantee you she will be by your side in spirit for everything you do in life. She wouldn’t want you to cry for her. She would want you to know she is alright. She is finally cancer free, free of sickness and not tired anymore. She is whole and complete and she wouldn’t trade places with you. She earned every jewel in that crown she is wearing.

Dad,

You may have been mad at me to help her plan for this day. But as you look around, this was all mom. From the casket, to all the beautiful red roses, to the pall bearers yellow shirts and us wearing yellow and pink and even her pink night gown and along with the Elvis gospel music. This is all mom and she had it in her head what she wanted and I hope we made her proud.

Dad,

You had asked me about what might be going through her mind the past few weeks. I cant be completely sure. But from our conversations, she never mentioned being scared or even fearing leaving this world. I know one of moms favorite chapters in the bible is Psalms 51 but Psalms 112:7 says ‘They do not fear bad news; They confidently trust the Lord to care for them.’ I solely believe she knew she would see Jesus and all would alright. I have to believe that she was silently speaking with Jesus when He would bring her home.

I could not have asked God for a better mother to show me the love, the courage and the strength that she did. I believe I speak for this whole family when I say, She was all of this and more. Thank you for showing not just me but all of us the strength and courage and most of all the LOVE you gave everyone. I love you, MOM!

Your loving daughter, Kristie