In loving memory of Anne Chan, my mother

This is a video my little sister and I put together for our mom who has just recently passed away.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and fought it for about six years. After the first year of treatment, she was to go back to work but soon found out that the cancer was still there and was spreading. Eventually the cancer got into her lungs, causing her to cough A LOT. Several months ago, she was sent to the hospital in the middle of the night for a fractured rib due to all the coughing. Since then, her health had only gone downhill. She was soon unable to drive, cook and even walk around for so long before losing her breath. Eventually she began having a shortness of breath and had to stay in the hospital for a few nights to get her lungs drained of a fluid that had built up inside. She began taking morphine for the pain in her ribs which made her nauseas and she soon began losing a lot of weight as she was unable to keep food down. The trips to the hospital became more frequent and before long, the cancer had spread to her liver and her bones. She was sent to the hospital for the last time on March 12th, 2009. I was unable to visit her until three days later but by then, she was already really exhausted and sleepy from the drugs. She passed away later that week, March 20th at around 9:00am, before anybody could get to the hospital.

Ever since she was first diagnosed with cancer, she had never complained to me once about how much it was hurting her and how bad each day was and instead, continued to take care of my sisters and I until she was too weak to even take care of herself and for that, she is the strongest, most respectable person I know. Even after she became too weak to cook, she'd give my little sister and I money to buy food to make sure we weren't walking around hungry all the time. Despite her sickness, she always, always put us first. Anybody would hate life if they had to go through each day having to make such a great effort just to breathe properly.. but she continued to try new treatments, new medicine and go to endless doctor appointments just to stick around a little bit longer for us.

It hurts a lot to come home every day and not see her sitting on the couch or go to her room and not see her sleeping on her bed. It kills me that I can't tell her about what happened at school, take pictures with her at my grad ceremony in June or tell her about my first day at college. But despite how much I miss her and wish I could hug her one more time and feel her warmth, I'm glad to know she's not in pain anymore.. that she can now keep an eye on us and make sure we're always safe. Now she can smile and be happy.




Songs used:
Let it be - The Beatles
She believes in me - Kenny Rogers
I will take care of you - Amy Sky
Love will keep us together - Captain and Tennille
Seasons in the sun - Terry jacks
Home - Josh Verdes
Better together - Jack Johnson
Yesterday - The Beatles


I absolutely will not tolerate anything even remotely disrespectful.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• breast
• cancer
• in
• loving
• memory

[klau8888]

Very moving words (in your description). Although I've never met your mother, I admire her dedication to put others first before her. May she rest in peace.

And quoting your quote, "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

[ducki3z]

Mon, I don't think your mom could be any prouder of you 3 than she is right now. Her presence has touched the lives of many, and as Sandra mentioned, her courage and strength is something that the 3 of you will carry on forever. This video was beyond words. Best Wishes to you and your family.

Vee

[klambo85]

I'm sorry for your loss dude



[MissBettyBoop98]

i am so so so so so so sorry i am always very afraid that my mother will die when i am young and need my mother :/ i hope that you will be able to feel better :) i am sure that she is in a much better place and she loves her husband and children so much :)

[VideoArchives1964]

Sorry for your loss. Very nice photo/video tribute!

[loloioi]

i am sorry what has happened. I feel sorry for your loss. =/

[extinasntos]

Thanks for reminding me to slow down and respect the love mothers give us. It brought tears to my eyes. I admire all the love you have for each other.

Stay strong and best wishes.

[mom4education]

I feel that I know your mom and your loving family...just a little bit, from this poignant video.

Thank you for posting.

My prayers are with you, sweet daughters.

I lost my mom a long time ago. She's ALWAYS with me...in my heart.

Love and Hugs,

mom4education

Orange, California USA

[teryiake]

As October ends, but is not over yet, I still have the time to share you this little thought.

I just recently learned that October is the month of women history and guys should hug atleast one lady a day. Today, my hug goes not to one but to three strong ladies.

One for you, for your sister and your mother up there.

Strong women like you girls make the world go around. And without ladies like you, us men would be nothing!

[john9340]

holy, she died on my birthday. that sucks. prayers out to you.

[windywindy]

This is a very touching video, i know your mother is in a better place now and she'll watch over you forever.

[wwolverineeeee]

I was touched by your tribute memory to your mom.

She is watching over her family now.

She is now in a place of endless peace and happiness.