Joann's Weight Loss Journey

My neighbor and friend, Gloria, passed away last Saturday succumbing to cancer.  She lived next door with her mama (who we all call 'granny'). 

Gloria was 60, a truly wonderful lady, but FEISTY, tough to the very end... she never wanted anyone to feel sorry for her, we didn't even know she HAD cancer, until a few months ago when granny thought it was time we knew. 

Gloria had smoked for years (not sure how many, but at least for the four that I've known her)..... but evidently, it was many, many years.

I'm a culprit of speeding up that process.... am I guilty??? 

Gloria was sick and couldn't get around like she used to, so whenever I was going out, I'd ask her if she needed anything from anywhere.... since early on, the only thing she'd ever ask me to buy her were cigarettes (and sometimes beer).  

I'd joke about how bad they were for her, and then I'd get them for her, it was the neighborly thing to do, right.... I mean I wouldn't have told her 'no'.... I just wouldn't.  She knew how I felt, but I never really made a big deal out of it..... in fact, I thought it was kind of funny, I'd never been 'known' at a liquor store before... LOL!!!

I guess this entry is my justification to myself, I knew I didn't feel right getting those things for her, but I did it anyway.... and if she were here and asked me again today, I know I'd go get them for her... because it's all she ever asked me for, it was my little way of being her 'neighbor'.

I really miss you, Gloria, rest in peace, I'll watch over granny for you!!

Joann

|  Add to del.icio.us |  digg this

• #20 Comment from mtrib2 
  5/1/08 3:59 PM | Permalink

  I have read all the comment's about your role in being the delivery person for your neighbor.    Really that is all, as she would have found someone else beside you, if she would have had to pay for someone.   So you just saved her the expense.    I think the example you set is what is important in that you make healthy decisions in your life.   Thank you for visiting me and the support you have been to me.    I smoked before my surgery though only about 5 cigarette's a day.    I needed them to deal with the pain.   I stopped to help my blood vessels to the surgery area as nicotine narrow's them my surgeon says.    I am hoping to stick with it.    mark
• #19 Comment from fasttrack58 
  4/26/08 7:38 PM | Permalink

  I'm so sorry about your friend...
  Special thoughts...
  Linda...
• #18 Comment from ukgal36 
  4/26/08 6:48 AM | Permalink

  I am sorry for your loss ...
  Lyn
  http://journals.aol.com/ukgal36/Britsblog/
  
• #17 Comment from shrbrisc 
  4/21/08 7:54 PM | Permalink

  I am so sorry for your loss honey and I would of done the same , I am sending you big hugs Sherry
  http://journals.aol.com/shrbrisc/sherrys-weightloss-journey/
• #16 Comment from pamal3 
  4/21/08 4:55 PM | Permalink

  Aww Joann, that's sad about your neighbour. Don't feel bad about getting the ciggies for her. You were a good neighbour. Love Pam xx
  http://journals.aol.co.uk/pamal3/almost-40/