from gxxxxxxx@rogers.com
to cj@thiscrazytrain.com
date: Wed, Sep 14, 2011 at 8:05 PM
subject: That crazy GO!
Dear Ms. Smith,
My name is Gerry. I'm not contacting you about anything I disagree with on your website. My mom asked me to write you. My mom is currently battling breast cancer and right now she's at stage 3 and has a big fight now. She's quite sick and it's difficult for her to take the time to type or use her laptop or phone.
About a month ago, co-workers of hers came to our house for a visit and one of them hopped on mylaptop and showed my mom your website. My mom has taken the GO train to work for the past 16 years and she always comes to work or home with stories about her train ride. She commutes from Langstaff. She swore she'd write a book one day about commuter culture. My mom spent hours on your site after everyone left and she laughed so hard, more than I heard her laugh in a long time. My dad and I had to make her get off the computer and go to bed. The days after were some of her better days. My mom has a biting quick wit. She's positive you and her were separated at birth.
Right now, she's back in the hospital due to a bad relapse on Friday night and she's told some of the nurses who also ride in on the GO about your site. So this week they've been coming into her room with a Blackberry or an iPhone and read to my mom all the "shenanigans"! My mom's favourite so far is the dictionary you wrote over the weekend where you singled out all the kinds of stuff that used to drive her crazy.
She wanted to let you know that your website makes her day. I am so happy you're here! She feels like you're fulfilling a calling for her and I think now that we know about your site, it's a distraction for her. Something that makes her feel normal since she knows all too well why you took it upon yourself to chronicle yours and others GO adventures.
My mom would love it if you gave her a shoutout and shoutout to her work friends Jean, Sarah and Rhonda plus nurses Theresa and Hyacinthe. You can even share this email. I don't know if you have anyone in your family whose had cancer or has cancer but it's a bitch. My mom is so awesome and didn't deserve this. All people with cancer don't. I'm so happy you're here!
Your Truly,
Gerry K.
Dear Denise (your son forgot that all important detail - your name)
I will make it my heartfelt mission to post everyday with you in mind. Please be my Obi-Wan. I'll be your Skywalker.
Love,
Cindy Smith
18 comments:
A wonderful story.
Best of luck to your family and your mom Gerry!
So much for no tears at work policy.
All the you and your Mom. Cancer sucks ass.
Sorry the above post should read - All the best to you and your Mom.
I realized that this post went up without my comment at the end. Sorry bout that! When I scheduled this last night, that must have cut off.
It's been so long since I've written a comment on this site but this made my heart grow big. Good job, girl. Denise, hope. There is always hope.
Fucking eh. Love it.
Thuumbs up, Gerry!
Be strong Denise. Need you back on the train with us for the ride home.
You never know whose lives you touch. Cindy, keep us all laughing. I want to die laughing. I make sure that I laugh with my hospice clients as much as I can.
Thanks for posting this. End of life care - having a good death is possible.
If anyone posts that this site is just about the funny....well they just suck.
Laughter is the best medicine!
keep on rockn' CJ!
Kinda make it all worthwhile eh C.J. :-)
@jenn jilks
I'll make sure my mom sees your site.
CJ, this is so gonna make my mom's day. I see her after school today. You rock.
PS. Thanks everybody!
Me too, haven't commented in forever but read 7x daily! Ha!
Love this. Gerry, you're mom is awesome because you're awesome. Denise, wishing you strength and lots of laughter!
I am sure I know your mom, I've been there for quiet a while. Stay strong Gerry, send my regards to your mom.
Station attendant
Langstaff stn
I'll let her know! She loved this. Thank you.
Best of luck to her and I know many of us readers are thinking of her. Stay strong Denise!! I nearly lost my Mom a few years back and after a long 2 year battle with hundreds of complications along the way, I can say she's still kickin and I couldn't be more grateful. I love her more than words can say.
Best wishes!
Lindsay
I read this on my train ride home last night and TEARS...!
Gerry - I am sending well wishes to your mom and hope she gets better :)
CJ - your site is the best! I still can't believe some of the crap you encounter...thanks for giving us commuters an outlet :)
This is my first post but as a cancer survivor X 7 years. I am rooting for you too! Keep positive and surround yourself with only positive people. Good luck!
Post a Comment