Andrea Van Scoyoc
Nomad Missionary & Tree Hugging Jesus Freak
Maybe I should title this, "Life's Awful Ironies."
This isn't about me and my gypsy travels, but rather, about Lisa, the lady I've been helping.
I can't tell you what it was about her that drew me to her.
Sometimes I think that old adage of people coming into your life for a reason, holds true.
When I first spoke of Lisa I mentioned that I met her, via her cat, Mollie, who came running up to me.
Four years ago, part of my soul died, when I lost my Bobcat hybrid. I saved her from the starvation and sickness that was claiming her and she saved me in ways I can't begin to count.
For the first six months after she died, I can't tell you much. I was on autopilot... going through the motions, but hardly living.
It was over a year later that I finally learned to let her go.
I think of her everyday and speak of her often.
When Mollie came running up to me, it was like looking at Pooty. Mollie has attitude and a bobbed tail...two traits that I always loved about Pooty. She'd kiss me with her little sandpaper tongue and turn right around and slap me in the face with her tiny paw.
I've been helping both, Lisa and Mollie and have grown quite close to them, both.
I got a call from Lisa, yesterday that she needed to see us, the hubs and I.
This morning, after visiting the food bank, I took her a big box of food and some towels.
What she needed to tell us is that...she's dying and asked us to be Mollie's god parents.
She has melanoma and it has spread to her bones.
She's got about a year, or so. Could be more, could be less.
She asked if we'd take Mollie once she's gone. I'm numb. I'm so numb I can't even cry...and believe me, I want to.
This sweet, sweet woman has persevered through so much...leaving an abusive marriage, living on the streets for over a year (all the while, taking care of fellow homeless) and many times, getting beat up for her kindness, and now, now that she has a home - rent free for cleaning it up (it's a trailer and in bad shape...but it's a roof, walls and some security) and a new job, doing yard work for her neighbor, she's dying.
It's not fair, it's not right and I'm heartsick.
In the midst of all her own troubles, she's collecting cans for me and gave me three bags today (courtesy of the homeless who drink and drop their beer cans up at the corner store.)
She refuses chemo and her only concern, is Mollie.
I know life isn't fair (I've had a lot of struggles in my 46 years, which is why I prefer a simpler and more austere existence, being grateful for the smallest of things) and I know things are hard for everyone, but this just SUCKS.
I'm going to start saving up and collecting money to at least have Lisa cremated, because I'm sure she won't have the money for any type of service.
Thanks for letting me talk about this. It helps.
I'll post updates and pictures and will enjoy my time with Lisa and give Mollie the best home, ever, after Lisa is gone.
This isn't about me and my gypsy travels, but rather, about Lisa, the lady I've been helping.
I can't tell you what it was about her that drew me to her.
Sometimes I think that old adage of people coming into your life for a reason, holds true.
When I first spoke of Lisa I mentioned that I met her, via her cat, Mollie, who came running up to me.
Four years ago, part of my soul died, when I lost my Bobcat hybrid. I saved her from the starvation and sickness that was claiming her and she saved me in ways I can't begin to count.
For the first six months after she died, I can't tell you much. I was on autopilot... going through the motions, but hardly living.
It was over a year later that I finally learned to let her go.
I think of her everyday and speak of her often.
When Mollie came running up to me, it was like looking at Pooty. Mollie has attitude and a bobbed tail...two traits that I always loved about Pooty. She'd kiss me with her little sandpaper tongue and turn right around and slap me in the face with her tiny paw.
I've been helping both, Lisa and Mollie and have grown quite close to them, both.
I got a call from Lisa, yesterday that she needed to see us, the hubs and I.
This morning, after visiting the food bank, I took her a big box of food and some towels.
What she needed to tell us is that...she's dying and asked us to be Mollie's god parents.
She has melanoma and it has spread to her bones.
She's got about a year, or so. Could be more, could be less.
She asked if we'd take Mollie once she's gone. I'm numb. I'm so numb I can't even cry...and believe me, I want to.
This sweet, sweet woman has persevered through so much...leaving an abusive marriage, living on the streets for over a year (all the while, taking care of fellow homeless) and many times, getting beat up for her kindness, and now, now that she has a home - rent free for cleaning it up (it's a trailer and in bad shape...but it's a roof, walls and some security) and a new job, doing yard work for her neighbor, she's dying.
It's not fair, it's not right and I'm heartsick.
In the midst of all her own troubles, she's collecting cans for me and gave me three bags today (courtesy of the homeless who drink and drop their beer cans up at the corner store.)
She refuses chemo and her only concern, is Mollie.
I know life isn't fair (I've had a lot of struggles in my 46 years, which is why I prefer a simpler and more austere existence, being grateful for the smallest of things) and I know things are hard for everyone, but this just SUCKS.
I'm going to start saving up and collecting money to at least have Lisa cremated, because I'm sure she won't have the money for any type of service.
Thanks for letting me talk about this. It helps.
I'll post updates and pictures and will enjoy my time with Lisa and give Mollie the best home, ever, after Lisa is gone.
