A LOVE STORY








I have shared my personal life with you guys for 10 years now.....good times and bad.  Recently I wrote about my own struggles....but that will seem small compared with what I am sharing today.  This is something many of you have had to face.


Let me start from the beginning with a love story.


I think you all remember the One Room Challenges that I have done for my sisters.  The very first one was for "the Bunny" who is 2 years younger than me.  

Maggie is married to Brad.  They met over 30 years ago when they were both Flight Attendants and it was a whirlwind romance!  Bradley Virgil a confirmed bachelor met Patricia Jackson and that was it!  He nicknamed her Magnolia [he was a California boy] and she has been "Maggie" ever since!


Look at that smile.

They got married on Valentines Day....no hoopla...just them.



He just adored her from the beginning.  Brad always said that she made him laugh.....really laugh.


They had Taylor right away and I know everyone says this but Brad was 100% in with having kids.  He made the snacks.....did the homework....a very hands on Dad.



I am not going to say there weren't hard times.  As everyone knows marriage is not easy....add kids to the mix and you just try to navigate through the rough patches relying on your love.  It worked for them.  They came out the other side still passionate about each other.


Caitlin came along 2 years later....



I was always envious of the love they had for each other and their kids.  It was so strong.....



Taylor got married first and gave our family the first grandchild [Lucas]  2 years ago.  Brad and Maggie could not have been more in love.



Caitlin got married last summer....

Brad and Maggie celebrating that wonderful day!

The kids are grown and gone....
They fly together....



A year ago Brad retired to enjoy life.  He lived to take care of Maggie....did the grocery shopping, work in the yard, cooking and play golf.  That's what you do when you have worked hard all your life.  Time to relax.

It started with heartburn 6 or so months ago.  The kind that a whole bottle of Tums provides no relief. And everyday you think I need to get to the doctor to see what this is all about.

PSA.  Do it.

The appointment 3 weeks ago was for a scope and the diagnosis was supposed to be anything but what came next.

It was a Tuesday morning....I was home when Maggie called me.  I heard her say the words Cancer.....we both sobbed.  No this could not be.  Not Brad.  

Not Brad and Maggie. Not now.



Esophageal cancer...stage three.

So many doctors appointments....surgeons, oncologist, nutritionists.....it is overwhelming.

You hear words like staging, spreading, mapping, chemo, radiation.....ports....feeding tubes.....and HOPE.

Hope.....it seems like such a soft word when you put it like that.  I mean wish, goal, plan, dream is not what anyone wants to hear.  That is like saying we are offering rainbows and unicorns.

Suddenly sofas and curtain treatments don't feel that important.

Brad....we are with you.  How trite does that sound?  
You are the one who has to do the hard work. 

You were one of the first to show up when I came home 5 months ago to my husband being gone. 


I can't even begin to put in words how I feel....how mad I am at this.  This is the fight of your life my friend.


I love you.....I love both of you so damn much.  
I'm praying for more time with your special girl and.....Caitlin and Taylor.  To play golf.  To garden.  To take trips.  To live. 

PSA.  The doctor said that everyone talks about colonoscopies for preventing colon cancer but they never recommend scopes....another easy procedure.  Don't put it off.

LoveSherry


















39 comments

vivian v. a said...

This is heartbreaking... Praying for Brad and your family.

Cari Higgins said...

Sobbing. Love you Brad.

Pip said...

My love, my prayers....you and your family have those plus wishes for some outright joy to come shinning through.

Renae Moore said...

Oh my...sorry seems so little. I am sobbing here on my couch. Praying diligently for strength to keep pushing forward, and healing..Much love to all of your family.

Louie said...

Oh my gosh my heart goes out to you and your family. As someone who has been touched by cancer on both sides of my family I know how hard the walk is I just prayed my heart out constantly and every time I thought of my family members and their caregivers I reached out to them whether it was call or text just to tell them I love them I was thinking of them and was there for anything they needed.

Anonymous said...

Heartfelt prayers to Brad and all of your family.

Anonymous said...

I’m so sorry to hear that. It’s so devastating. For some hope, My husband’s father, 65, was diagnosed with esophageal cancer 2.5 years ago (stage 3) and after chemo, radiation and surgery is still in remission. Prayers.

Calypso In The Country said...

So sorry to hear...prayers for Brad and your family. Luckily, there is so much that can be done these days with all the advancements in medicine. I have heard of so many success stories lately. Sending positive vibes to you.
Shelley

Kathysue said...

Oh Sherry my hurt hurtsfor your family. I know this pain and all that goes with it. I will have Brad and Maggy in my prayers. This sucks big time and I hate it for you all. Praying for more tomorrows for Brad. ������������

Cosy Carolina said...

Sending BIG love to your family, Sherry. I'll be praying for Brad's recovery. My husband's grandfather, who is in his 80s, recently fought and beat esophageal cancer; I hope that gives you some hope.

Anonymous said...

Prayers of healing, strength and comfort to Brad and you and your family. Love and Hugs to you, Michelle

Barbara said...

Words escape me, this awful disease brings so much pain and heartache. Wishing all your family strength to get you through this difficult time.

Unknown said...

Heart broken for your sister and all of the family. My family went through the same type of cancer with my dad. All I can say is cancer sucks....

Sending prayers for all of your family.

Mary said...

I’m so sorry for all of you. You & your family have had all the bad luck lately.

Lisa @ Shine Your Light said...

I'm sorry to read this about your beloved brother in law Sherry. It just totally sucks. But have hope!!! Modern medicine is truly amazing!!!! Esophageal cancer isn't for sissies but stage 3 is good and there is SO MUCH that can be done. I am living proof....just got back from a mile walk with my sweet golden puppy Kaia, every day is a miracle. Sending lots of love to you and positive vibes, prayers and my very best wishes to Brad, your sister and family!!

Anonymous said...

XOXOXOXOXOXOX

Chris said...

so very sorry to hear about your family and their heartache. I will send good healing thoughts your way and say that I have witnessed some miraculous recoveries with the medicine of today. Stay hopeful. XOXO

Anonymous said...

What heartbreaking news! Sending wishes and prayers for hope, strength and a successful outcome to you and your family.

Jenny B said...

xoxo - love to you and your family

Stephanie Kraus Designs, LLC said...

prayers to you and your whole family. I'm praying for brad. xoxo

Anonymous said...

What a great LOVE story. I’m praying for you, for Brad and his family. Please try to be positive. I know that may sound like dribble, but staying positive helps.🙏🙏🙏

Anonymous said...

Lifting you and your family in prayer!

Gail Storti said...

This brought me to tears, Sherry. Keeping positive thoughts and sending lots of prayers and love to you all for this beautiful love story to continue for many, many years to come.

michele said...

Sherry - this is such a lovely tribute and love story. My heart goes out to you and yours. My prayers are with Brad. This disease can steal so much from us, and that can feel unbearable. But love is stronger than it all, and when we lean into the truth of that with new eyes, well, it's still hard. But we find extra reserves of strength and we begin to find healing in the absence of cure. Holding your hand through this time of uncertainty. And holding on to hope which does not disappoint. xox

Pam Bolton said...

Damn! Can't your family get a break. As a two time cancer survivor, I know the road that Brad and Maggie are about to walk. It is rough and full of holes but with faith, love, good docs and nasty meds, they can come through the other side stronger than ever. I know that you will be supporting them every step of the way. My prayers are with Brad, Maggie and you, dear friend who I have never met IRL.

Unknown said...

Know I hold all of you in my prayers. Keep us posted as I'm sure most readers feel as I do-- that we're all family even though we've never met.

cindy hattersley design said...

Oh Sharika I can't believe you and your family are dealing with this too. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I know how much you love your sisters and their families.

debra @ 5th and state said...

sending you hugs and prayers Sherry for Brad & Maggie, of course you, and the 10th. All so tragic

I am finding myself searching for the next words to say, to send you comfort & strength. i am coming up empty, do know we are here, we are hearing you and hurt for you and your family plus you are loved.

too much to bear dear friend

debra

onnery said...

So sorry to hear this story and sending prayers to your family.

Charlotte said...

Prayers for your family and especially your brother-in-law.

Elstar said...

Looks like several people commented with shared experience and good outcomes!
Brad and Maggie will be included in my prayers.

Debbie B said...

Goodness, that’s a tough and moving situation to share. Hugs to all, hoping for a positive outcome and great doctors. Cancer stinks. Sending lots of love to you and your family. Please keep us posted. 💕

AnneHH said...

Thank you for sharing the beautiful story of Brad and Maggie's love. My prayers are with Brad and Maggie and all of you as you walk this journey together. When we have had health crises we have imagined our loved ones marinating in the a stew of love, strength and support and it has truly given us comfort.

Jennifer Vondross said...

May God bless your whole family. Too many really tough struggles for all of you in too short a span of time. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sending love and light.

Anonymous said...

I’m so sorry. Thanks for sharing their beautiful story. Praying now for complete healing.

Anonymous said...

First, you are looking super cute and hot in your fashions lately girly. This is what I did....made a list with two columns,things I want and things I will give. On the want side note things that are negotiable. Pour martini and sit in soon to be ex's home office with feet on his desk, called him and said I'm feeling generous so take advantage and let's talk this out. Note, I kicked him out months prior. Talked turkey, poured 2nd martini. Agreed to terms. Sent it to my attorney to type up. Done and won. Important point is that I was divorcing an attorney and had a father in law who was an attorney. My attorney's name was Stephen King and I received a refund on my retainer because I settled it. Don't send a man to do a woman's job! Good luck and maybe pack a flask of liquid courage. You got this.
Big Hug,
Monica

Unknown said...

Sherry- I am so sorry! You have had a year and as difficult as it is, try to hold onto the good things in your life. I have had many clients with this diagnosis. Keep the faith, keep praying, keep laughing, keep loving! Some times the dark moments really teach us so much. I am so happy you have your sisters and I will be praying for Brad and your beautiful family! xoxo, Missy

Brenda said...

What a year you’ve had. I am so sorry to hear this about your BIL. I hope and pray his treatment is successful. Hugs to you, Miss Sherry.

TnRvaGrl (Susan) said...

So late posting. This is a beautiful Tribute to your wonderful Brother in Law who is an Angel on Earth. Like many who commented, I just sobbed reading this. The sobbing has continued off and on for days now.

My heart is breaking in to a million pieces for you. This has been a hell of a year. I don't know how you have done it. I can't Thank you enough for sharing ALL of your life with us.. We are grateful. I wish there was something I could do. I pray for you every day and now your precious Bob, your sis, their children.

Sending much love and BIG HUGS to you.

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