Karen,
I seldom read this section of the forum primarily because it brings me to tears and sometimes frightens me. But tonight I am glad that I visited this section and read your comments. You share your feelings in such a beautiful way...giving us an insight into the pain and passion of your life. And yet you are trying so hard to help others understand how important it is to communicate their feelings, esp. at such a difficult time.
I lost my mother to lung cancer 20 years back and that is one of my biggest regrets, that we didn't know how to talk with each other, even at the end. My brother-in-law also died from lung cancer about 18 months after my mother passed away...he had two sons, one 10 years and one only 10 months old. I so wished he had taken my advice and had tape recorded some conversations or done some video tapes...as the younger boy has no memories of his dad. You are so very wise to recognize and to push for the family to communicate, to share their feelings, so there will be fewer regrets and more precious memories to cherish later on.
Karen, I have you and yours on my daily prayer list. You are a woman of great strength and inspiration. Your family is so lucky to have you. May God bless and give you the peace of mind you so desperately need. Hugs! Melodie
Melodie, Indy Pouch, U.W.Medical Center, Seattle, Dr. Paul H. Lange & Jonathan L. Wright