We have varying definitions of the phrase “the greatest love of all,” but ours seem to become sadder as days pass. You see, Mommy Rose was not only the light of the house—she has always been the strength of our family. And her condition right now is not good. We are now gathering our strength for the inevitable. Mommy Rose is still fighting but with all the complications, it is more painful to see her suffer.

For the past days, we saw the gradual improvement of her health. While we know it is temporary, we still see signs that the transfusion and medications are helping her regain her strength. More than that, we know that her faith and the love she is getting from all our friends, family, and even from strangers make her better, one way or another.

From being unable to speak and move on her first day at the hospital, she can now sit with support and chat with her visitors with a soft voice. Her color also improved from being very pale. She has swelling on her forehead which we suspect to be facial cellulitis and is still suffering from joint pain to the point of needing tramadol—a strong pain killer known to be used by bone cancer patients. Despite that, she tries to stay awake whenever she can, if only to see her family surround her.

But despite the smiles we put on when she can see us, sadness is still looming in our hearts especially after the doctor advised us to ask a priest to prepare her spiritually for what is to come. We worry that she might be taken from us too soon despite all our efforts in ridding her of her illness. We also worry that she might feel more pain now that the cancer has seemingly spread to her brain. But most of all, we worry that she will sacrifice peace if only to give us happiness.

As the mother either by blood or by law, she has always been and will always be cherished. As a grandmother, she will always be remembered no matter what. And as a wife, her name and face will be engraved in a heart and soul of a man that never faltered to love her through sickness and in health.

Thank you for all your support and prayers through this tough time. You can still help by clicking the donate button.