I remember the day that Paula called me and told me that a magazine wanted to publish a story about her ostomy and her cancer.  She had "gained fame" as a moderator on a forum that she loved dearly.  She inspired so many who had once felt hopeless until she gave them her famous pep talk.  So, here is a copy of the article written to shre her story.  Ironically, it was only days before we found out that she had primary cancer again.  And once she had her surgery (called a hemi-pelvectomy), she was never to walk again.  The tumor started growing back almost immediately after she went thru the operation from hell.  Doctors told us that it is right up there at the top of the list, as far as pain and healing.  They were so right, but Paula Rose faced it like a real trooper.  And I don't think I'll ever complain about the pains I have when I remember just how brave she was, and how she kept smiling and telling us it would be okay.  I think she possessed bravery that even she did not know she had.  She is my hero.  

IF SHE COULD, SHE WOULD STILL BE PREACHING TO ALL OF YOU TO GET A COLONOSCOPY IF YOU ARE AT LEAST 40 YEARS OLD, ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS A HISTORY OF COLON CANCER IN YOUR FAMILY.  (she says 50 years old in this interview, but she changed her opinion later to 40 years old!)

Now, here's the article:
    

While Paula Rose was receiving chemo therapy, I signed her up to have a card angel and a gift angel.  We really didn't know a lot about this organization.  A friend named Cathy who I met on another forum told me about it.    Here's the definition of the purpose of chemo angels per the description on their website:

Chemo Angels is a volunteer organization dedicated to adding a ray of sunshine to the lives of those undergoing IV chemotherapy treatment. We believe people going through the physical, emotional and mental rigors of chemotherapy deserve some encouragement. Many of our Chemo Angel volunteers are cancer survivors themselves, or people whose lives have been affected by cancer in some way. Our common denominator is a desire to brighten the lives of cancer patients while they are going through this challenging time.

Well, let me just tell you that this organization assigned us the most wonderful gift angel in this world.  Her name is De and she lives many hundreds on miles from us.  She is in CA and we are in Tennessee.  Every single week during Paula's chemo, she sent gifts and letters; sometimes even more than once per week.  Every gift had special significance to it and was a "perfect fit" for Paula.  De's letters were always cheerful and enlightening.  We ALL loved to read them.  At Christmastime she sent 12 separately wrapped gifts to represent the 12 days of Christmas.  They all arrived in the same box exactly 12 days before Christmas and they were numbered.  Paula Rose had a ball opening them, one a day, until all were unwrapped.  And the letters continued to come in just like clockwork.  Paula passed away in the wee hours of the morning on Feb. 7th and was laid to rest on Feb. 9th.  The 9th is De's birthday, but she did not tell us that until after the fact.  Then, on Valentine's Day, De sent all of us Valentine flowers to our homes with a sweet letter in each.  I have never met anyone who is more of an angel on earth than De.  We remain friends even now and we communicate on a regular basis.  She has another chemo buddy now; a little boy who is only four years old.  I can only imagine how much she is doing to encourage that loving family.
 

Paula's daughter (Terri) and I are both now chemo angels, doing what we can in memory of Paula.  We both angeled sweet ladies with breast cancer until they "graduated" from the program, and now we both have another buddy, each with breast cancer.  It is such a rewarding feeling to know that we have this rare opportunity to bring a little sunshine into the lives of someone who is fighting for their life to beat cancer.  It is the very least we can do to give back some of what Paula received.

If anyone out there is interested in angeling someone undergoing chemo therapy, or if you or someone you know would like to apply for an angel, please check out the following website.  It is run and operated by some outstanding folks.

http://www.chemoangels.net/

It is so very important for cancer patients to stay positive and to know they are not alone.  We highly recommend this program for anyone who is battling cancer, or who just wants to help someone who is. 

                                     

Paula had rectal colon cancer back in 2001 and as a result, wore a permanent colostomy bag.  Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she decided to find out more information about her new lifestyle.  In doing so, she found a wonderful website dedicated to people like herself.  Before she knew it, she was a moderator and found herself helping others with similar health issues.  Even when she was so sick she could not leave the house, she continued to go online and help others.  Most of them didn't even realize she was so sick because she never complained.  

We still stay in touch with some of those wonderful kindred spirits who we have grown to love.  A lovely lady named Shaz started this website and it has helped so many to cope with their health issues, as well as being a source of many new friendships.

Our special friends from that site who we got to meet in person are Mary, Kathy and Randy.  We will never forget your kindness and support.  Even with all your own problems, you always found time to pay tribute to our beloved Paula Rose.

If anyone would like to check out this wonderful website, here is the link:

http://www.ostomates.org/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl

They have already started a thread to remember Paula's 1st anniversary in heaven on Feb 7, 2007.  We absolutely love these folks!

My husband Don is a hit songwriter-in-training.  He's written dozens of songs, but tonight he surprised me by presenting me with this beautiful song to honor Paula.   It is my favorite song of his so far, and probably always will be.  He and Paula affectionately called each other "Gooberbutt" and "Gooberbutt II".  They clicked instantly when they met and consistently aggravated each other (I mean that in a loving way) for the past sixteen years.  
July 11, 2006

Here's the words to the song.  It will either be on the background music, or listed with the other songs.  You can click on any song at any time to hear it.  Enjoy!


Paula Rose


She was a good mother and a faithful wife
A friend to many, I know
Her laugh was a treasure, her smile contagious
And we called her Paula Rose.

Paula Rose, Paula Rose,
The rose in heaven above
Paula Rose, Paula Rose,
We send you all our love.

We cherish the memories that we had with her
And it hurt to see her go.
Her laugh was contagious
And we called her Paula Rose.

Paula Rose, Paula Rose,
The rose in Heaven above
Paula Rose, Paula Rose,
We send you all our love

The nights were long as we stayed by her side,
Knowing the door would soon close,
With all of her pain she beared the burden,
Then waited for us to doze.

I know she said a prayer for us all
And that's when Paula......rose.

In loving memory of my sister-in-law Paula Ford
who I grew to love so much.  We shared a special relationship, sense of humor,  and a common love for the family.  She will remain in our hearts forever.

As you listen to the music on Paula's site, please take a minute to hear the one written and performed from the heart by her grandson, Ryan Chesney.   "A Rose in Full Bloom"   
Here are the words to the song:

"You were beautiful, like a rose in full bloom
and even through the hardest times, the hardest nights
your faith would still shine through
you were wonderful, and I can hardly hold on
for the joy and the laughs, the tears and the pain seem so far away from home

and even though I can't look you in the eyes
I know you're up there, looking at me
and even though I can't hug you now
I know you're right here, holding me

cause you were beautiful, like a rose in full bloom
and on the hardest times, the hardest nights
I'll still look up for you
cause you were wonderful and I know I can hold on
cause I know you're here, comforting me like you have been all along"



It is a beautiful tribute, Ryan and your Nan would just love it...thank you!

Ryan, we are so very proud of you.  I know this song was written and sung from your heart and I know how very much you miss your nan.   She is definitely always up there looking at you, and don't ever forget that!  She is oh so proud of you I know!!!!

Ryan, this song is just beautiful!  I know your nan would absolutely love it. What can I say??  you are very talented.  I can tell the words are truly from the heart!

How Beautiful Ryan!  I know your nan is up there looking at you and she is so proud of you.  You have a beautiful voice.  God Bless You Always.