Children's / My Mommy Has Cancer (Analysis)

My Mommy has Cancer!
Book One

I am going to tell you a story about a little boy and his sister. Jo was 9 years old and his little sister Lynn was only 6. Jo and Lynn were always having fun, running through the house and playing with their puppy. Jo and Lynn were always making messes with their barbie dolls and legos.They always tried to help clean up their mess when they were done. Everyday, mommy would take Jo and Lynn for ice cream at the corner ice cream parlor after dinner. They always had so much fun when they went for ice cream. Sometimes they would even stop by the park, before they went home for Jo to start his home work, and Lynn to take her bath. Sometimes, Jo and Lynn would race mommy home.
Until, that one day mommy did not feel so good.

Mommy was so tired, she would try to cook dinner, but sometimes Jo and Lynn’s Nana would bring them dinner instead. Nana would help mommy take her bath and take her medicine. Jo and Lynn did not know why mommy was so sick.

“Nana?,”asked Jo. ” Why is mommy so sick, does she have the flu?” ” No sweetie, mommy has something called Cancer. Your mommy will be sick for a while, so we all need to help her. Okay?” replied Nana.
I started thinking, I always help mommy, I pick up my toys and my clothes, I even sometimes let mommy win when we race home from getting ice cream. “Help?” I asked myself. I layed in bed thinking, all night before I had to get up and go to school.
The next morning,
Mommy walked me and Lynn to the bus stop, she was still in her pajamas. I looked at my mommy who looked very tired, and she could not walk very fast. “Cancer.” That word was in my mind all day. I did not know what that was.
I decided to ask my teacher. Mr. Jenkins was always very helpful. Mr. Jenkins explained to me that Cancer was a disease, and that the body was made up all kinds of different parts. Cancer means that something is not healthy in a body part.  He told me that Cancer can make you very sick, you can feel tired and even throw up a lot. “YUCK!” I thought to myself for a minute.
Mr. Jenkins also told me “That having Cancer, can make you get the flu and colds faster than you usually do. He suggested, that we use hand sanitizer before we go home to mommy so she does not get sicker. Cancer can make you weak, until you feel better.” Mr. Jenkins also explained.
“I remember when Lynn had the flu and she stayed in bed for two whole weeks.” Jo exclaimed. Jo went on to tell Mr. Jenkins “Mommy fed her soup in bed, and Lynn slept a lot when she had the flu.”
Jo you do not need to worry about your mommy, but you and your sister can help her with chores, and this will help your mommy get the rest that she needs to  so she can begin to feel better.” replied Mr. Jenkins
When Lynn and I got home from school, we had a meeting outside by the  Big Oak Tree in our back yard. “Ok, Lynn”, I began. “Mommy is sick and we have to help her so she can get better fast”.
Lynn replied, “We can just go get her some chocolate chip ice cream and she will feel much better!”
No Lynn, I shouted. We have to help with chores. I know that we already pick up our toys and stuff, but we have to do mommy’s chores too!
Lynn sighed, “We have to do the dishes, and cook?”  ”I know!” Jo proclaimed. “Let’s cook dinner, tonight!”
Jo and Lynn ran in the house, very excited! “Mommy, Mommy!” Jo and Lynn yelled. “we are going to fix you dinner” Mommy had a sparkle in her eyes, and said in a soft voice, “Well then I would like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, with a glass of  milk.” So, Jo and Lynn hopped into the kitchen to begin dinner for their mommy. The whole family, including Nana enjoyed their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for dinner. Jo and Lynn kept a smile on their face all night. “Lynn, it feels real good helping mommy!” exclaimed Jo. Lynn just smiled.
After, dinner it was time for bed, Jo and Lynn kneeled by mommys bed. “mommy, do you feel any better?” Lynn questioned Mommy.
Mommy stated, ” I feel rested and that terrific dinner you and Jo made for me, just hit the spot, Thank you both!” Jo and Lynn just smiled and gave mommy kisses and hugs goodnight.
As Jo layed in bed waiting to fall asleep, he was very proud of himself and Lynn  for helping Mommy. Jo could see that sometimes just the small things mean so much.” I know Mommy will feel better soon,”thought Jo.
From that day forward Lynn and Jo continued to help mommy. They took out the garbage, folded laundry, and even took the puppy outside to play in the back yard. With a smile always on the children’s face, they never worried much about mommy, cause they knew that she would feel better soon.
Mommy was so proud of her little angels, “just the small things”, mommy thought as she rested comfortably in her bed. “Just the small things.”

Note:
Facing Cancer is a very tough time for everyone in the family. When there are small children involved, they need to know that they can help. The children can become consumed with fret and worry. When taking on small task to help mommy, Jo and Lynn were very pleased and kept their focus on helping mommy and not what will happen to mommy. Cancer comes in different forms and none to be taken lightly. Although, staying positive and focused there are many ways we can all help one another cope. Being a mother of 5, and a cancer survivor myself, it can be a task for a mom to help their children through the Cancer as well as your personal fight. I have found in my own personal battle that the children come through more gracefully if you are truthful yet given them things to do to help. The children place their effort on the small things rather than losing sleep over mommy being diagnosed cancer.
This book is dedicated to all the mothers out there that have been diagnosed with Cancer.

You need to log in to urbis or create an urbis account to review this writing.