Final Farewell

Wednesday May 13, 2:30am my beautiful sister-in-law Lina lost her battle with Cancer.  She was an incredibly vibrant lady with a determination that kicked us all into action.  She was not going to give in to this disease without the strongest battle possible.  November 2008 she was transferred into Pallative Care with the knowledge that she only had a couple short weeks left.  At this amazing place, the average patient stays 21 days.  Lina decided that she would beat that record.  Six months later, she knew her stay was over.

In December we had Christmas and her birthday celebration there.  (She's a Dec 25th baby!)  We brought games, specifically Pictionary.  It was the request for the evening.  She was a part of it and we celebrated Jesus birthday and precious Lina's birthday too.  My parents were also there which was a precious time. 

L's daughters and their partners, and her granddaughter

My parents praying with L

Lina continued to defy the law of Pallative care ... and then she started taking field trips to the mall, to breakfasts with the ENTIRE Antinozzi family and enjoyed time with family and friends.   This wasn't an easy road.  With pain medication to reduce her discomfort and having to rely on nurses and doctors for every little request, she continued the fight.

Lina, her hubby G and grandson X.

This past week, that fight ended.  Whether she had nothing left to fight with or the disease was just more powerful, or probably a little of both, she took her last breath.  Lina left behind a husband, two daughters and their partners, two grandchildren, parents, siblings and many other loved ones.  She will always be remembered as the life of the party.  The belle of the ball.  The one who always had more to give. 

And to me, she will always be remembered as "ma belle belle soeur" - "My beautiful sister-in-law".  Our fond greeting to each other each and every time we were graced with each other's presence.  Ma belle belle soeur ... Je t'aime.