Topic: A beautiful letter from C.T.G.'s Mom

Hello everyone,

   I received this letter this morning from CTG's mom. I know she would of wanted me to share it with everyone. On the top of the page is a picture of Laura when she was 1 day old and a picture a couple months previous to her death.  Here it is.....

"I started writing notes to each of you and found it too difficult so---"

" To everyone,

when I became a mother blest with children, John, Kitty, Laura and Maureen, I often gave thanks to God. Always I hoped I had given my children my love and my Irish Catholic Faith. I thought their father Jim and I had taught them all how to live good lives but never had I thought about....Were they ever taught how to die?.... Not until I learned that Laura had stage 4 cancer.... Oh how we all prayed for her to live!

 On Dec. 22, 2007 with my husband John Brusa's blessing, I went to Fl. to be with Laura. She was really weak and ended up in the hospital for a few days with great suffering. Scott was doing his best for her- always seeking and getting the best medical help for her. Scott knew her symptoms better than anyone. He was like a warrior angel always protecting and watching over her.

  Just after the new year, a large box arrived. She asked Marney to open it. In it was a large quilt with multi-style squares: each made by the women in the BC chat room. Also enclosed were over 50 notes from various women. They were in appreciation for the help, love, educational info and advice she had given each one of them. Her BC name was CTG (Clinical Trial Girl). As Maureen read each message to Laura, there were no dry eyes. In addition, she had tea for some of her Florida BC friends at the house. It was made lovely by Kitty, Maureen and Robyn (Scott's sister).

  I met the women, and they told me she has helped over 200 women through their illness. She calmed fears: gave encouragement: found out everything possible about their type of cancer. She helped to find clinical trials and treatment centers, as well as information on drugs, ect. Scott told me she spent many nights on line speaking with wonderful women who gave their love, prayers and hope to each other.

  For 5 weeks, I was with Laura, and all my children were with her for 3 weeks. Every night we shared our stories, our faith, laughs. and our love for each other and with Scott as well. Kitty and Maureen were like little angels of mercy as they took care of her.

  When I went to Mass, I was able to bring her Holy Eucharist. She was blest many times by many priests. Two hours before her demise on Jan. 19, 2008, she had the final annointing by Father Bryan Dalton. She was prepared for her journey to her new Eternal Life. Was she ready and prepared to die? Much as she wanted to live- Yes, she was ready.

  We as a family, had a great blessing for all of us to be together at this time to share the spiritual graces we had received throughout our lives and, most of all, the resounding affirmation of our Catholic Faith.

  How can we ever express to Scott the love and respect we have for him?.....He is a "Stand Up Guy".... He and Laura had and have a beautiful love for each other.......unselfish in giving of self.

   Thank you all for your prayers, comfort, words of love, the Mass Cards, donations to BCO, flowers and food. Thank you to Iris and Roger Fried for all the goodness: for the times we shared: all the food and the many pick ups at the airport. Especially I thank them for raisng Scott and his sister Robyn to be such loving caring people. Most of all, I thank Scott for his love and care for Laura. No one could of done more for her. WE LOVE YOU, SCOTT.

   To my children: John, Kitty, Jim and Maureen, I love each of you and thank God for you. All of your families are loved and thanked for allowing you to be with Laura and away from home for 3 weeks.

       "Be gentle with her Lord. Welcome her in. She is well and carefree now and praying for us. If we had a single flower for every time we think about Laura, we could walk forever in our garden. May God grant you His best my Dearest One."

      All my love, Mom.......

      Present at your birth and Present when you passed to Eternal Life."

                                             Love,

                                  Teresa McCarthy - Brusa

                                        (mom)

Thank you all again..............................................

I have been MIA in the chat rooms... sorry everyone, I miss and love you all. I think about you all often, but I sometimes feel I need a break. I will see all of you very soon. You are all in my prayers. I hope you could feel the love in Laura's family. They are such wonderful people.