#TeamLu

Little did we know that when Mommy went back to work in August for a neighbor who needed help, the evil "C" word would come into play.

This is the story of Lucille.

Lucille had back surgery and we thought the surgery went bad. Lucille had problems walking and was in horrible pain in her right hip. Because she could not take care of herself, the family hired Mommy to take care of her. Mommy would cook, clean, take her to the Dr's & even walk her Labrador dog Joey. Mommy would take her out for lunches and host dinners at our house with her friends. Mommy and Lucille became quick friends. They had a lot in common. And Lucille loved doxies too! It was supposed to be a part time job but became full time very quickly.

In October after having tests done, we received the call that a grapefruit size tumor was found in her abdomen and it ate her entire right hip apart. It was uterine cancer. You see Lucille had uterine cancer 10 years ago and it came back. Mommy and Lucille shuffled off to Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for 6 weeks. Then Mommy had to find her an assisted living facility to live in. Mommy had to find her dog Joey a new forever family (bcuz Muffin wouldn't let him come live with us.)

In between the numerous visits to Moffitt, Mommy had to pack up Lucille's entire house and move it all to a storage facility. Mommy supervised all the numerous contractors she hired to fix up the house to get it up for sale. Mommy had to sell her car.

Many surgeries, blood clots, stents and tests were done. Mommy was there with Lucille all the way.

Last Monday while talking to Mommy and holding her hand, Lucille slipped into a coma. Lucille was in transition. Mommy spent just about the entire week, day and night with Lucille. Mommy held her hand tight and talked to her continuously.

On early Sunday morning, Lucille left for her journey Home.

Lucille was a cancer warrior! She battled with grace, dignity and courage. She was 68.

On the way, she stopped at the Rainbow Bridge to gather her pack who was anxiously awaiting for their Mama. She is now dancing in heaven with her beloved husband Bob and I'm sure chatting up a storm with her sister Clair.

Mommy said we have to remember Lucille with love in our hearts. Remember the fun we provided her during the rough times. Remember the love she had for all of us. She gave us great head scratches too!

Mommy misses her "little bird" as she lovingly called Lucille. A complete stranger who entered her life 9 months ago and left as family.

Mommy has been working hard getting Lucille's affairs all in order for the family. They are from Canada. Mommy is waiting their arrival at our door any minute. It will be a very busy weekend for all of us. They will be cleaning out Lucille's storage facility and Mommy is hosting a memorial at our house on Sunday. Lucille always loved Mommy's strength and her ability to get any job done.

Mommy looked up at the heavens last night and told Lucille "we're doing ok."

Life changes quickly friends! Love them all while they are still here.

Hugs,
Lily Belle