DEAR MARCELA

posted Monday, 5 June 2006

I got a txt message last night from one of my two roommates from the Young Women's Breast Cancer Convention in Denver this past February. The txt message woke me from sleep - I picked up my phone to read those words... It said "call me about marcela". immediately I knew. When I returned Andrea's call, my fear was confirmed. Marcela Vargas died Thursday morning.

Marcela, our 3rd roommate was a ray of sunshine. She had booked a hotel room and offered it up to us on a message board for young women with breast cancer. Not knowing anyone at this conference, I responded to her email and decided to room with her at the conference.

Marcela and I bonded - Nov 17, 2005 marked the last day of chemo for both of us. We shared the same struggle of facing this battle alone, as a single young woman. Wondering if we would ever find someone who would look beyond our battle and join us on our journey. Dealing with friends who could not face our disease and so chose to turn away. Ultimately gracious for the friends and family who, despite how uncomfotable this whole thing made them, chose instead to lift us up and help us keep moving forward. Marcela and I lay awake our last night in Denver, in the dark, and talked openly and honestly, as if we had known each other for years. We cried for one another.

Marcela was diagnosed with metastisis to her hips, spine & left lung less than 2 weeks after we got home from Denver. She had been complaining of hip pain while we were there, but her dr had told it was only a pinched nerve. She was just about to finish her treatment, when all the rules changed. She had 4 more weeks of radiation for her bone mets and more chemo for her lungs. All this when she was just gearing up to celebrate the end of her initial treatment.

Marcela - I cried for you again today. This world is a lonelier place without you in it. You fought good girl. You inspired others. I know that you will be looking down on your sisters here - not only your sisters by birth... but your sisters by circumstance... praying for us as we continue on our journeys. Live BIG!

Marcela Vargas

February 18, 1975 - June 1, 2006







Miss Me, But Let Me Go
Author Unknown

When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room. Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little—but not too long, and not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that was once shared. Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the master’s plan, a step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know.
Bear your sorrow in good deeds. Miss me, but let me go.