On December 17, 2004(one month and 10 days after Cailyn was born), my mother, Becky Gropp, had brain surgery, beginning her war with a glioblastoma tumor. Coming out of her first surgery, the surgeon announced that she probably had about a year to live, due to the aggressive nature of this type of cancer. For 3 1/2 years now, she has battled taking radiation, chemotherapy, an additional surgery and more chemo, all the while being a fabulous mother, grandmother (AKA Meme), teacher, CES Missionary, daughter, sister, friend, and wife.

Last Thursday she had her last MRI and the doctors discovered that the tumor has grown substantially. It is now the size of a baseball and has grown 3 smaller tumors in different areas of her brain. After hearing advice from many doctors, serious thought and many prayers, my parents(with full support from their children) decided not to do another surgery. They(the "experts") say that we might have 6 months with her, but we are probably looking more at weeks, maybe even days. The funeral arrangements have been made and we are cherishing each moment with her.
I can honestly say this is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. I never thought that I would have to say goodbye to my mother before I turned 30, but here I am, trying to thank her for everything she has taught me and sacrificed for me, and for all the love I have felt from her over the years. She has always been supportive of me(even through my stupid decisions). Mom has always had a perfect balance between tough love and holding me through my struggles. I pray that she knows how much I love her and look up to her. If only I could be even half the mother, wife, daughter, and friend that she is.

Mom, I love you completely and will miss you terribly!