Aug 12, 2008
Ten-Word Tuesday.
Pictured above is Bossy’s cousin. She’s standing next to her mother, who is Bossy’s aunt: the sole sibling of Bossy’s father. And in this photo, taken last month, Bossy’s cousin is surrounded by extended family.
Bossy’s cousin is one of two children who were raised Jewish in an affluent suburb—but Bossy’s cousin veered off the path and did something unexpected: she married into an enormous Irish Catholic family.
Although her upbringing was so different, this enormous Irish Catholic family enveloped Bossy’s cousin and helped to mold the down-to-earth person she is now—she rolls up her sleeves, throws a baby on her hip, and navigates a sea of brother-in-laws.
When Bossy returned from camping she found out that her cousin is in the middle of a very sudden and threatening health crisis, and Bossy is consumed with worry.
Bossy struggles with protecting her cousin’s privacy while also understanding that it doesn’t hurt to have many people pulling for you—which brings Bossy to the point of today’s post:
In ten words, can you share with Bossy who you are worried about and why?
Just maybe if we collectively think about each of these people we can quickly pull them out the other side into sunny days spent in pools with extended family.
I worry about Dad. I wish he would live forever.
Sorry about Bossy’s cousin, will pull for her too!
My son (23) who had brain tumor removed last year still on chemo
I worry about my brother, who has poor mental health.
Thoughts and prayers for Bossy’s cousin, Ellie’s Dad and whoever Crabby worries about.
I worry about my elderly parents. I want a peaceful, painfree end of life for them. Could be tomorrow, could be 5 years..I want quality of life for them.
Sorry couldn’t do that in 10 words.
One son going soon to Iraq, another struggling through depression.
Me…lower body pain, 6 mths of tests, no conclusions.
Co-worker, BAD cancer, Awful treatment, wish them both peace/wellness.
Stephen, nephew, 20. VonHipple-Landau Syndrome. Mystery tumors grow and it’s genetic!
My dad has esophogeal polyps. Need many prayers and healing.
Today I am worried about Bossy’s cousin. I am greatly blessed in that everyone else is ok right now.
Me…depression, sounds so cliche… it’s real and it hurts.
Friend dying of cancer. She only has a few weeks.
Man on corner jonesing for a sip. Got some change?
My husband’s cousin. Cancer. Had little children. it’s all bad.
Worried about dad, hit by car, can no longer walk.
mother in law has MS, well controlled, but still scary
Divorce looming; worried about kids. Hoping Dad’s cancer stays gone.
Close friend, third round with cancer, kick cancer’s ass, man!
My son, former Airman Shmoops, what will he do next?
Hallie
http://wonderfulworldofweiners.blogspot.com/
My bullying uncle, eating himself alive with rage and pain.
No use to worry. This too shall pass. Stuff happens.
Bossy’s post warms my heart today.
My dear husband. MS. Heathly now, but scary at times.
Prayers for Bossy’s cousin and me – skin cancer.
Mayhem. His ears & throat are still giving him incredible pain
My kids – can I put them in a bubble forever?
…Worried you’re worried and praying for you and your cousin…
My jobless brother. He’s worked too hard to be twisting.
my boyfriend’s sweet turkish parents in 50’s–both have cancer.
I’m fighting sadness, but it’s nothing compared to Bossy’s cousin who I will pray for.
Choosing, today, to think on Bossy’s cousin instead of myself.
Not a worrier. Sending blessings and reiki to Bossy’s cousin!
mom’s worries
dad’s health
mj’s job
g-rent’s age
cousin’s records
Aunt. End stage emphysema. Hell of a way to die.
My friends!
2 are fighting infertility
another’s husband has emotionally left the marriage
Anorexic sister fighting with mother. Wanting to slap nosy mother.
From what you have told us your cousin is strong and brave. Her strength and everyone’s prayers will help her through. Today you are both in my thoughts and prayers.
….because nobody likes a sad Bossy!!
Husband’s father hip surgery today. Grandbaby with gastroscisis arrives tomorrow.
My alcoholic mom, close to relapse: is today the day?
An unknown spot on my dad’s lung. More tests soon.
It’s selfish, but my marriage: I am thinking about separation.
Mom..Dad passed away 12 weeks ago..mom very sad…
No worries presently. Will be praying for you and yours.
Neighbor–mom refuses treatment. Terrible, painful death: family watching helpless.
Kids. Husband. Family. Friends. Soldiers. Elizabeth Edwards. Barack. Bossy’s Cousin.
my sister, divirced, mother, living at home, lost one job, broke!
Kids, new aftercare person lacking,
being a working mom sucks
(Hugs and prayers to you Bossy)
My daughter … still.
My spouse’s mom: the last grandparent left.
Daughter, emotionally surviving aftermath of car accident losing best friend.
Friend’s sister went into preterm-now strict bedrest for months.
My mom. She is struggling to find peace and purpose in life since my dad died.
Oh bossy- I am pulling for your cousin. Really. Goood Thoughts.
“Anything is Possible.” anything. especially miracles.
God bless all of you. I read them all. I prayed…..sometimes life is just not that funny ya know?
Mom and Dad – both elderly, fragile, dementia and osteoporosis
My Bugaboo: His safety, lack of speech and danger awareness.
My big sister has cancer, I pray for her everyday.
Every day, our troops in Iraq.
Staggering casualties.
So wrong.
MIL had stroke. FIL wearing himself out. Could lose both.
Company closing-concern for those who live
paycheck to paycheck.
Me. Surgery yesterday, bad news in my lady parts. Owie.
Me and my son. Depression and heat are stifling. Help.
TerryLee, his cancers back, full bone marrow transfer coming up soon, months in sterile hospital..
I worry about my sister, who’s drinking her life away.
I worry about my daughter. so far away
Teen nephew with severe bipolar – tearing my sister apart with anguish.
Stepmom, pneumonia, hospital 3rd week. Also worried about Bossy’s cousin.
My Daughter, Xrays, CTScans, HidaScan … BAD Gallbladder! … Surgery canceled … She’s Pregnant.
My dad, going in for amputation of his foot tomorrow
Bossy’s cousin. Illness Sucks. Happy thoughts your way and hers.
My Grandmother suffered stroke yesterday. Effects unknown as of yet.
My son. Insurance company being an ass. Need help.
My husband. Working himself ragged for his family’s well-being.
The future of our country and those suffering right now.
Marisol’s family:
http://www.andiamnotlying.com/2008/goodbye-marisol-caceres/
Don’t know them, but wanted to help.
My Mother is sad and lonely, becoming reclusive and bitter.
Last two grandparents. Difficulty caring for themselves. How much longer?
My brother, who struggles with manic depression, hallucinations and psychosis
Tiny baby growing in me
Dad with Stage 4 cancer
(Nothing’s wrong with the baby, just the normal preggy fears that don’t leave until the baby’s here safely)
father’s poor health. hellish pain. can’t live, can’t let go.
My sister is mired in addiction – Wish crack didn’t exist
Life. The Universe. And Everything.*
Bossy’s cousin. My Family. Everyone.
(*Thank you Douglas Adams)
Daughter leaves for college Thursday. Wish for safety, success, happiness.
Stopped reading comments because I started to cry. Good thoughts for all. (You need to make this 12-word Tuesday)
My nephew. Has terminal brain cancer. He is only 32.
My dad: colon caner last week
prayers to your cousin…..
Phenomenal woman beat breast cancer twice now fighting brain tumor.
My friend Shannon has metasticized melanoma taking over her body.
granddaughter-son, hubby, I battling for visitation priviledges and rights
Intelligent, eloquent friend Sally: breast cancer and three adolescent kids.
Thoughts and prayers to your cousin, Bossy.
Dad. Heart Disease. Diabetes. Depression. Doesn’t care. Waiting to die.
(I’m not doing the 10 word thing – just want to comment.)
It’s really hard to see a photo of someone so happy before bad news. Because then you look at that photo and long for that time. It’s like a milestone you passed and can’t go back to. I’ve had a very serious health crisis and there is a photograph taken of me and my three little boys the day it all began and that photo… it haunts me.
{{good vibes}}
My mom has cancer, because she smoked for 50 years.
Mom has MS. Doing OK for now. Am I next?
My poor MIL, dying from grief, after losing her husband.
I’m worried about those I cannot help because I’m broke.
My Mom, she drinks and smokes heavily, never sees a DR.
I have two:
My nephew, who just left for his second Iraq tour.
My shy son, who must readjust to a new daycare.
My mother. Suddenly alone. Unable to handle anything by herself.
My dad’s having a health crisis too; he’s my hero.
Awaiting husband’s cat scan results for “complex kidney cyst”.
Everyone. Everything. Despite all try to keep hoping for better.
SIL battling cancer while pregnant–baby may not be well.
Every day we should pull for one another, for strength and hope!
Bossy is the queen of the written word. I especially loved: “we can quickly pull them out the other side into sunny days spent in pools with extended family.”
This is just what I wish we could all do!
Much strength to Bossy’s beloved cousin! I am pulling!
My mother. I’ve almost given up.
Parents, sister-in-law, all of the above, Bossy’s cousin.
Dad diagnosed with prostate cancer; prognosis good but still worried.
Husband
dreaded path of alcoholism.
family broken.
Parents coming
intervention.
Guitar Teen bad sophomore year, new start at a new school. (hoping it all works out.)
the boy i like.
doesn’t seem to make good decisions. =/
so many hurting people out there.
we all should pray.
I worry for what so many of you are facing.
There’s gotta be power in positive energy. Sending bossy’s cousin good juju.
My Dad. Alzheimer’s. My family has moved in with him.
I have just moved my infant and 3 year old and (wonderful) husband into my dad’s old farm to help take care of him. I am terrified. Your cousin seems strong, you’re all in my thoughts…
toddler son had cancer, started website, prayers of many…healed.
http://www.caringbridge.org/ca/andrew
Marriage failed. Paying for two houses & a car. Mom’s cancer.
My son Justin age 12 starting Junior Highschool in September.
mom in assisted living; sister with depression; brother with leukemia; bossy’s cousin. saying prayers.
Nephew, dad in prison (we’re glad), whole life’s been chaotic.
My young son for full
recovery from his lifechanging stroke.
My boy. New school is hard when you’re an Aspie.
Kim, uterine tumors, diagnosis pending surgery. My mom died similarly.
Daughter, dropped out of college, with a loser boyfriend….eek.
Boyfriend: unable to heal after sudden death of estranged father.
Baby girl in my belly Trisomy 18 isn’t your fate.
Everyone everything all the time but these comments provide * ** perspective
*11. much
**12. needed
My brother (Jason, who you know) his grandson, Brain surgery.
One Brother in Law, One brother. Both in need prayers.
9-yr-old son. Legs numb, unknown cause. Doctors baffled. Mom & Dad scared.
always praying for brother who had colon cancer at 42.
(almost two years ago, so far so good; I’ll pray for your cousin, too!)
Elderly father in law hospitalized with head injury after fall last night.
Daughter with peanut allergy – hope world becomes more informed!
Mother (early on-set Alzheimer’s) and her identical twin sister (same, but less severe as of now). Worry for their future; our ability to cope and to do the right thing – whatever the he*# that might be.
Love and best wishes to your cousin. Know that your readers are thinking about you and mentally sending you help to cope with your feelings about, and reactions to, this situation.
My aunt. Stage IV breast cancer. Love her. Hate cancer.
The list is too long. Now I’m worried about how much I worry!
Dad – Mom died two months ago – he’s very sad.
Husband, congestive heart failure, defibrillator, will he ever be safe?
Step-Dad has liver cancer. It grows and grows. I pray.
precious grandmother has staff infection…scary as hell. biddy = worried
My brother until reading all the other worries. Prayers to all.
My world is fine. I’m worried about Bossy’s sweet cousin.
My depressed husband; friend’s daughter; my sweet son; Elizabeth Edwards.
Uncle and cousins: terminally ill aunt died yesterday. Bittersweet good-bye.
Cancer back, lungs, kidneys, colon. Fight, don’t go yet Daddy.
Husband going to war, being left without my best friend…
Mum has myasthenia gravis, weak heart, failing kidneys. Still smokes.
brother:
Left deathbed of father, found wife screwing his best friend.
Aunt has terminal cancer, worried about uncle when she’s gone.
~~~~~
I’ll keep your cousin in my thoughts – that she’ll pull cleanly through whatever she has with strength, grace, and a surfeit of love.
Shade and Sweetwater,
K
all above – all below – all! Prayers to your higher powers.
Praying for your cousin, will send up a dozen. God hears.
Me. I can’t (still) feel my hands. But after reading all these comments, I feel like it’s just a blip. I wish everyone the best healing and prayers.
sister…bi-polar, doesn’t work, lives w/ mom…what happens when mom ‘goes’???
is 11 close enough???
Your cousin and my kids (afraid I will get that call one day)
Our beloved mayor’s heart attack. Thin, fit, healthy. Why him?
Selfish me: My 18 year old dog,and an episode of geriatric vestibular syndrome
Worry’s like a rocking chair: takes energy, gets you nowhere.
—
Life happens; people grow, learn what they are supposed to.
BIL, ruptured hiatal hernia, practically fatal, addicted to pain meds.
Dad had the thing on his cheek checked today. Cancer.
My big stong dad now so frail and so old.
My Mother. She is mad at me for some nonsense. My Dad for having to put up with my Mother all these years!
Alcoholic daughter of friend I just lost to liver cancer.
My friend Julie lost her sixteen year old daughter recently.
Bossie’s cousin, Bossie’s reader, fate of our nation and world.
College roommate with newborn baby diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer.
My DH working three jobs so I can be mom.
Grandpa’s mind almost gone, hoping Mom and Grandma survive it.
Friend with low self-esteem, repeatedly being used by ex.
I’m fortunate today. I’ll worry for Bossy and her fans.
baby daughter. won’t eat. feeding tube. love of my life.
Mom…she gets all her cancerous lymph nodes removed next week. She’s also suffering from something going awfully wrong with her tongue. It’s swollen…they’ve ruled out a tumor…so we have NO CLUE what’s going on with that.
Sorry that was more than 10 words.
Daughter’s health, physical and mental, after several scares. (She’s 2).
My sister- age 50 – has terminal cancer – I love her.
A friend’s little boy, Collin, who has Devic’s Disease – devastating.
kids, family, everyone because life can change in an instant.
My internet friend Suzy, battling breast cancer, she’s very young.
It was me. Until I read list. Now it’s them.
Megan. Boyfriend’s daughter. 11. Leukemia. too young for so much.
Brother in Law, Roger. Surgery today for mass on lung.
I’m just feeling grateful. Nothing that we can’t manage together.
Worry about kids, bad father gone 3 years for best
Mary, 94. She can no longer find her front door.
My sister, finally (newly) pregnant after many years of trying.
Good thoughts and health to your cousin.
My worries:
My morbidly obese parents are eating themselves to death, too soon.
Big brother, lost wife to cancer, raising two little girls
I’m worried about Bossy’s Cousin, but healing thoughts will prevail.
My young cousin gets marrow transplant TODAY. Leukemia be gone!
My brother drinks too much; only he can fix it.
My thoughts are with your family.
Hearing Friday…much needed unemployment benfits dependent on fair trial.
Myself because I miss the boy who named me AG.
Son with mild autism and major anxiety causes my sleep-deprivation
My son doesn’t play like his friends, so I worry.
My best friend
Had breast cancer at 30
Rarely emails
My five year old son has juvenile polyposis, just diagnosed, bad.
All is fine here. Had surgery and no cancer found. Very good news.
I will pray and send good energy to all of you.
Blessings to all of you.
I am worried about the sick kid in bed two.
Thankfully no worries here; will focus healing thoughts on others.
Friend who is pregnant w/ very few resources. My mom.
Mom, Dad, Brother, sister-in-law, Nephew. All 1500 miles from me.
Am thinking on you and yours.
Dog Pip hit by car. Going to lose front leg.
Hubby is in Afghanistan. Sometimes he can’t talk for days.
Mom & her sister,cancer. Lauren,Cushings. Grant,mystery pain.
Nicely framed, Bossy. Good luck to all of our friends.
Old college roommate has brain tumor, won’t talk to me.
Parents falling apart. Lots of surgeries. Sucks to be old.
Dad – surgery again too soon after 4 bouts of c.diff
praying for your cousin…my troubles pale in comparison.
Our niece, because brain surgery is awfully scary for babies.
I am worried about Pepe, a 23 yo with cystic fibrosis and who just got a double lung transplant and is fighting to stay alive every day. http://www.friendsofpepe.blogspot.com
My son – how he will make it in this world
Friend. prostate cancer
Mother. aging, mental illness
Prayers for all.
Worry about niece who wants to grow up too quickly.
Wishing all of you in comments love, light, and peace.
Mom and her breast. Grandmother and aunt survived. Will she?
Dad’s got lung cancer. Worried about his caregiver, my mom.
My breast cancer could return-taking me from my family.
prayers for your cousin, Bossy.
Son- profoundly disabled; completely dependent. What happens when I’m gone?
Beloved hubby – defibrillator implanted today, friend’s son off to Iraq again soon, and Bossy’s dear cousin.
Son’s good friend is 15- Mother has cancer, daily struggle
lil brother: epilepsy. mom not living 4ever. selfish older bro.
my aunt has stage four lung cancer, just found out.
I worry about my friends and family who don’t know the Savior.
Praying for your cousin.
my children’s father. for his sake too, not just their’s.
Money, daughter not registered for school due to law suit.
Elderly parents both with dementia–fading away before our eyes.
Worried I’ll end up so sick and hurting again.
I’m so sorry to hear about your cousin. Prayers and thoughts are with you both.
My sister, does not have MS but still not good
god bless us, every one
(and for a total of 10…)
god bless us, every one
Son has Apraxia of Speech. Worried about his future. Sad.
Myself. Raising three girls with no daddy. Lord help me.
W C has breast cancer. Someone is very disconnected.
Cousin Mary and her 4 kids lost awesome husband to cancer.
The Irishman and his clan, their world is shattering before their eyes…can’t count to 10 through my tears. God, please help her.
My neighbour’s newborn is named Sage. Not convinced that’s wise.
My best friend’s brother who really wants to commit suicide.
For the moment, no one to worry about. Nice respite.
(Sending good wishes for Bossy’s Cousin!)
Not worrying – praying for cousin and all here. Trusting God.
Cousin broke ten ribs, punctured lung in bicycle accident; heart arrhythmia and surgery; MRSA in hospital.
Sorry, couldn’t do it in ten. Best wishes for your cousin.
I always worry about my children, it’s a mother’s way.
Worried about all of you. Pray things get better.
Husband: overweight couch potato, often depressed and/or cranky
My brother, who had a brain tumor removed in March. He made and astounding physical recovery, but has now somehow slipped into a dark well of anger and is in the process of destroying his marriage…
Just read all these again. Heart hurts. Perspective source. Thanks Bossy.
Maybe it’s less “worry” that we all do, and more a sharing of the deep concerns and pains that are around each of us, even in the midst of “keeping it silly, real silly.” A balance is good. I’m so thankful for each of you sharing your very rich 10 words this week.
Riana, see her blog… evicted from house by crazy MIL.
My mom – battling lung cancer. Not looking good at all.
I’m worried about my mother…her signs of memory loss.
My unborn child. Past pregnancy problems. Wishing for safe delivery.
Sister: Panics, undiagnosed illness
Nephew: Manic Depressive, auditory hallucinations
Mom: Old before time
Grateful that I have no worries at the present time.
Rachel: Reid died in a skydiving accident. (Still loves him.)
Grandma has colon cancer. I’m too upset to type more.
Sister. Breast biopsy today, hormone-related cancer runs in family.
Dad just died, Mom might not make it through this.
I’m so sorry about your cousin.
Mentally ill brother may be homeless soon; state selling home.
Friends, family, strangers, the world, adding my prayers to all.
Work colleague who buried his wife Monday, now alone.
Prayers for your cousin. Would a misheberach be appropriate? (her Hebrew name and her Mom’s needed).
Take care, p.j.
me, and the unknown territory of old age.
Mom died in June – Cancer ~ now worry ~ Dad so sad
Husband’s friend, dying quickly before his daughter marries in September.
My friends who lost their newborn. My brother.
So many people suffering around the world, praying for all.
So sorry about your cousin…and hope all gets better soon. My in laws are 90 and 91 and so you know the issues there. However, they are still able to live independently with hubby’s help from time to time…and mine, too. Her 90th is next weekend and I’m going to try to get her an appt. for hair and maybe some color on it. She has always been so particular about her hair color and it is just white as snow now.
Grandma on Hospice. Worry about mom taking care of her.
I hope your cousin will be okay.
My 12 year old son who is very small for his age and his endocrinologist wants to start growth hormone. Insurance said no to covering (times 3 appeals), costs $30,000 plus per year to do it without the insurance…can’t afford it…when will he start to grow?????? My heart hurts for him.
Will think positive thoughts for Bossy’s cousin.
Dad has cancer; grandma died recently; mom’s overwhelmed. Lots of worry.
This is going to be way too many words but I can’t think creatively right now.
Yesterday my Girlfriend’s mom was diagnosed with brain cancer. Multiple tumors. One is 3cm and pressing on her cerebellum. They don’t know where it started because evidently it had to have started somewhere else before spreading. I worry for my sweet sweet girl, her Mom, Dad, Sister and Brother. A wonderful family that doesn’t deserve the black cloud of cancer but really, who does deserve it?
Brother drinks too much, has no contact with his kids.
Niece raising younger siblings due to sudden death of mother.
Praying for your cousin and my sweet husband, who was very unexpectedly laid off yesterday.
I’m worried about me. I was just diagnosed with breast cancer and lost my job of 16 years at the same time. Sigh. Talk about being at loose ends.
I hope your cousin’s health crisis will pass soon.
My best friend Molly has breast cancer. In remission, though.