Tuesday, May 27, 2008

10 Years

It was 10 years ago today that my mother passed away at the age of 55. Still seems unfair to have lost her so young. She was a good, kind person and had so much life left in her.

The worst part of it is, her death -- from malignant melanoma -- was almost 100% preventable. She had a mole on her leg that had grown unchecked for several years, and by the time she got a doctor to look at it, the melanoma had metastasized and her body was already wracked with tumors. She was dead within months. It didn't help that she had been a longtime smoker, which only hastened the cancerous advance.

My mother was a smart woman, but did not know the warning signs of melanoma (such as a mole that grows in size or changes in shape). Do yourself a favor and learn what they are -- click here. And if you're a smoker, all I have to say is: if you love your children, please quit.

We miss you mom.

2 comments:

Steve said...

Mr. Mayor-

I'm sorry about your loss. This post is a nice reminder of the small things that we can do to try to prevent others from going through the same.

lani said...

brother you echo my thoughts exactly. yes, we miss you mom.