This past Sunday a close family friend Joanne passed away from Lung Cancer the same cancer that took my Granddaddy when I was 14. Joanne did smoke for as long as I knew her but it is still an awful way to go. I was in shock when I found out she passed. I knew it was coming even though the hospital had just released her a few weeks ago for doing so well.
Joanne and I always made each other laugh. Our birthdays were 6 days apart. Her's was January 25th and mine is January 31st. My mom and Joanne worked together for a long time. She was just a great person to be around so fun and made you laugh when you needed it.
Cancer is terrible it ruins peoples lives and takes the ones we love but it also causes us to come together to help raise funds and awareness to help make it so this doesn't happen to anyone else.
I wish Joanne had quit smoking. Maybe she would still be here if she had, but that is a hard habit to kick. I remember when I first found that she had Lung Cancer. She had already gone through Chemo but there were still spots left and her doctor said her body couldn't handle anymore treatment. I couldn't believe it. I had already lost my Grandma and Nana this year and now this. This year has been the best and worst year so far. If it wasn't for my idol Lucy Hale and her music I would have fallen completely apart by now. Lucy keeps me going, she keeps me strong, and she keeps my hope alive that things will get better. I love you so much Lucy!!!
No matter how hard it is, you can't give up, you can't let it get to you, you have to stay strong and try to be happy and know that one day you will see your loved ones again. I will always remember the good times Joanne and I shared and the laughs. I always remember how much she loved Guinness Beer and how she used to go wild turkey hunting. RIP Joanne!
Joanne and I at a BBQ when I was 12 years old
My Mom and Joanne at our other friend Susan's 40th bday party
Mom, Joanne, and Joanne's husband Tom at The Celtic Festival in Richmond,VA
Joanne, Susan and our other friend Kim at my High School Graduation party!!
Just a few pics to remember the good times!
Lung Cancer Awareness Month is next Month November!!!
~Peace and Love~