"I’m not going anywhere until my children graduate from high school.”

That was Cherie Heiberg's answer to cancer. Any words from me would pale compared to her daughter Kellie's beautiful words about her Button of Mom.

My Mother by Kellie Allen

"Last summer I participated in a bike ride to raise money for cancer that was called “24 hours of Booty”.  During that ride I wore a button with my Mother’s picture, and the words “In loving memory of the best Mom ever”.  It was a tremendous feeling knowing she was with me in spirit during the ride as she has been for the last 29 years since her passing. 

My Mother died of cancer at the age of 50 when I was only 19 years old. Diagnosed with colon cancer at the age of 38 she had a tremendous amount of strength throughout her illness. She still had two young children to raise so as you can imagine it was a tremendous challenge for her and my Father to continue to maintain a normal household.

There is one story of many I would like to share that shows how strong her will was and how amazing people are who suffer with this horrible disease.  At the age of 42 after being in remission for four years the cancer reappeared and she spent several months in the hospital.  Thing were not looking good and the Doctors told my Mother and Father they needed to get her affairs in order.  Well, my Mother being the strong person she was looked at my Father and said, “Bud…..I’m not going anywhere until my children graduate from high school”.  At that time I was the youngest at 12, and she did in fact recover and lived until after my freshman year in college.  She continued to battle the disease until she passed but there was no way she was going to miss her children growing up.   

The “button of hope” that I wore during that ride was a great inspiration for me and I will continue to wear it proudly in these types of events and of course on Mother's Day.  I would encourage whoever has been through what I have to think about this as you participate in bike rides, walks, runs or any endeavor you do in honor of your Mother."

Kellie, is a friend of mine and I remember vividly the day I delivered those buttons to her -- her reaction? let's just say it's not just about the button!

ps. I make a lot of buttons and with each one I feel like in a way I know the person -- looking at this button and her smile ~ I have no doubt that "I'm not going anywhere....is exactly what Kellie's Mom would say! Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms out there..and up there.