My Cousin Is Dying

[Mrs. Venation]

My cousin, Mayra Wallace, is one of the bravest people I've ever known. She was diagnosed with cancer last November, and she has faced this disease with courage, optimism and dignity. Now, the medical community has done its best, but the cancer has spread and there's no more to be done.

The cancer started in Mayra's lung, then spread to her brain, then to her spinal column, then to her liver and kidneys, then to her hip bone, and now it has spread to her skin.

To say my heart is broken is an understatement of the highest magnitude.

Mayra's daughter is 12 years old. Danielle's daddy died just about two years ago, and now she's having to watch her mother struggle with this illness, too. I am hurting to the core of my soul for this child.

We have stopped praying for Mayra's survival. We are now praying for her suffering to end.

Thank you for letting me pour my heart out to you.

[UrbScotty]

1. Many blessings to you, to Danielle, and to your entire family.

:hug:

[RevCheesehead]

2. I am so very sorry, Mrs. V.

Please know I am holding all of you in prayer. :hug:

[Divine Discontent]

3. my heart sunk...

a little bit hearing that.. I'm so sorry. May the suffering end. And it's so great of her to be so strong through this - what an AMAZING woman! That poor girl, but I'm glad she has you!


My brother is in the hospital suffering depression badly from his MS/neuro disease that they're NOT treating with love and dignity. He is so good to me, and I'd appreciate if you'd pray for the "Ace", he needs it so bad right now... please.

[lavenderdiva]

4. Mrs. Venation...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cousin, Mayra. I pray that while her body is so ill, her spirit is renewed, and is drawn closer to the Lord. I am praying that her suffering will end, and her spirit released.

Mayra's daughter, Danielle, is also in my prayers. I am praying that rather than anger and bitterness, her spirit would be one of loving kindness and admiration for all that her parents have been through. That her heart, mind, and spirit remain soft and lovely. That all her needs be met, and she would find her way into a loving family that loves, supports, and encourages her. That she would grow into a wonderful, strong young woman, whose past experiences with death make her stronger in spirit, but tender toward those who have also lost loved ones.

And I'm praying for you Mrs. V. It is so hard to watch someone you love suffer. Mayra is blessed to have you in her family, praying for her, and loving her and her daughter. :hug: :cry: :hug:

[SPKrazy]

5. I'm So Sorry For You And Your Cousin's Daughter

so sad to lose your parents together like that

Cancer can be such an unforgiving disease. What the disease doesn't damage, the treatments tend to.

God bless you in your time of need, and bless your cousin and her daughter, in that your cousin will find peace and pass without suffering more than she has.

Bless the daughter of your cousin and I pray that she will have good people like you to help her through this tragedy.

Peace

[Mrs. Venation]

6. Mayra Passed Away on May 27.

She was at her mother's home, surrounded by people who loved her, and although she fought for life until her last breath her passing was peaceful. One of her sisters told me that about 30 minutes before she died Mayra stopped struggling, and began softly humming a melody that was joyous. It comforts me to know she died with music.

My first thought when I learned of her passing was, "thank you, God" because her suffering was over. My second thought was that she got to meet our grandmother, who passed away when our mothers were children. It is impossible to describe the yearning to know our grandmother that all of us have experienced. I believe she met Mayra at the gates of heaven.

Danielle is living with Mayra's sister, and, given all she's been through, is doing okay. She's had a lot to deal with at such an early age, but I believe her Aunt Debbie will give her the love, stability and guidance she needs and she'll be just fine.

We all miss Mayra terribly. I still have my moments when I physically ache with grief. I am the eldest female of our generation, and I always thought I'd be spared this.

I thank all of you for your prayers and for your kindness. My family and I still need your prayers, especially Mayra's mom, my beloved Aunt Dean.

For all of you who have requested prayer for your loved ones, please know they are lifted up in love and solemn belief in the healing power of prayer.

Mrs. V.

[lavenderdiva]

7. oh, Mrs. V. I am so sorry to hear of Mayra's passing...

her suffering has ended, and your prayers were answered, for Mayra and for Danielle. The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking... I wish I could remember the exact verse this is so you could read it for yourself. However, it is what has come to my mind to share with you as I am writing this.

We will all continue to hold you and your family up in prayer. :hug: :cry: :hug:

[Mrs. Venation]

8. Thank You So Much

I miss Mayra a lot, but I wouldn't bring her back if she had to endure more suffering. The way I see it, God did answer our prayers for her healing -- it's just that her healing happened in heaven, not on earth.

This is Mayra on Christmas Day, 2005:




These are of Mayra, her mother and sisters, and another cousin. These were taken in April, about one month before she passed away.







The type of tumor that Mayra had, a Pancoast tumor, is caused by smoking. Mayra had all available treatment, yet nothing stopped this vicious disease. The difference in her appearance in less than six months is nothing short of astonishing.