Sweet Marvene

This is a picture of David's cousin Marvene (left) 

and David's mother Jeannine.

Marvene is the oldest grandchild in the Slade family and David is the youngest.  Because of their age difference we usually refer to her as Aunt Marvene.  Marvene is one of the sweetest people you will ever meet.  She has had cancer several times throughout her life so she goes in for a check up every 6 months.  6 months ago everything checked out just fine and she was cancer free.  In May she went back for her check up feeling confident that everything would check out fine again.  Instead just the opposite was true.  Not only had the cancer returned but it returned very aggressive and in a location that makes it inoperable.  They decided to go ahead with chemo therapy to prolong her life as long as they could. 

David and I had the opportunity to sit with her just a few weeks ago when she was feeling well enough to sit.  She had had her first round of chemo and was feeling weak but good enough to go out to the front porch and visit with us.  We talked about her condition and the realization that she won't be here much longer.  She expressed her great desire to attend fast and testimony meeting so that she could stand and bare her testimony while she still had enough strength.  She looked adorable like she always does.  Wearing a cute outfit with her hair and makeup done.  At the end of our visit she was feeling weak and needed to lay down for awhile so we left just after expressing our love and exchanging hugs.

A few days after our visit with her, her heart started going crazy and she ended up in the ICU.   She is now at home being cared for through hospice and everyone is doing all they can to make her comfortable and to let her know just how much she is loved.

We visited with her again this past weekend.  It's hard to see someone you love struggling to live.  Even though I know she will be going to a much better place she will be so terrible missed!  Her sweet husband Dave gave us hugs and kisses as we left and my heart just broke for him.  He is a wonderful man and loves Marvene very much.  He is so tender and sweet with her and always has been.  I'm so grateful for the good example they are to us.  And I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.  We should all be happy for Marvene and the journey she has ahead.

We love you Marvene!