Made It Through The First Anniversary

[DancingEyes63]

Hi everyone. Well I made it through the first anniversary of losing Jimmy. The entire week was a very hard one and very emotional. There was one wonderful event though. Andrea happened to be in my neck of the woods due to a speaking engagement. So we got to actually meet in person for the very first time after more than two years of video chats, emails and texts. I had a great time and really enjoyed our visit and hope we can do it again.

I'm afraid that starting on Wednesday I pretty much just threw a big ole "pity party" as Jimmy would say. Didn't even get dressed and hardly out of the bed until Friday. Friday was the actual "day" and our great-niece had a volleyball play off game. I've been to all of their games. Her Mom, our niece, is the Coach. I was trying to find excuses to stay in bed and cry some more when my best friend called me and told me that Jimmy would tell be to get my butt up, get dressed and stop feeling sorry for myself. And she was right because that's exactly what he would say. So I went to the ballgame and had a wonderful time and we won. So now we are the District Champions and the Bi-District Champs and play for area tomorrow night. I know Jimmy was up there cheering them on to that victory.

I had a research interview today on my experience with HCC and Jimmy's story. I love what the interviewer said when I shared that I do everything I can to raise awareness and be an advocate. She told me that I took those lemons that HCC gave me and used them to make lemonade to share with the world. ❤️❤️❤️

So we just gotta keep keeping on folks because it's all we can do.

Sharon ❤️

[AndreaWilson_Founder Partner Editor Caregiver]

You're amazing and I adore you! I apologize for getting the date wrong. I texted you on 10/26 instead of 10/27. I like to think Jimmy and Adrienne died during Liver Cancer Awareness Month to send a message.

P.S. One of my all-day pity parties including watching four Lifetime movies back-to-back. I only sat up to use the bathroom and eat ice cream. I remember it like it was yesterday!

[DancingEyes63 Moderator Caregiver in reply to AndreaWilson_Founder]

The feelings are mutual believe me. You are such a strong and amazing woman and I love you to pieces. I love that! I agree it's like it was meant for them to pass away then for a reason. After all they're both still raising awareness AFTER their deaths, why not do it by the date of their deaths. ❤️ Two very brave individuals even though years apart in age had the same spirit and determination and never gave up! ❤️ I had a research interview last week with an individual I'd never worked with before. She couldn't believe it that Jimmy was still involved in the advocacy even when he was on Hospice. I told her to go watch the One Liver To Love interviews that were done while he was on Hospice. I told her that he won the Adrienne Wilson Spirit Award the month we lost him and that he was even working on an advisory board at that time. Plus he was building fences and helping raise a garden and attending rodeos and street dances while all this was going on. LOL. A hell of a man and there will never be another like him. ❤️❤️❤️

Sharon ❤️

[AndreaWilson_Founder Partner Editor Caregiver in reply to DancingEyes63]

💙💙💙

[scbauer77 Caregiver]

Dear Sharon,

Thank you for sharing your experience, so candidly and openly. The year of firsts is so difficult, sometimes unexpectedly and sometimes anticipated. Your story has encouraged me, and in doing so, I hope I can encourage others. Your Jimmy continues to live and to give hope to others through you telling his story.

October 7 was my dad's birthday, the first without him. For my family, this has been a difficult month, even after his birthday. For me, these moments reading about others' experiences, listening to others who are walking through these difficult moments, perhaps they give me hope to continue to help others in my work and outside of it.

I haven't met you, Sharon, but you are a source of hope to me.

With deep gratitude,

Sarah

[DancingEyes63 Moderator Caregiver]

Hi Sarah. I lost my Father several years ago. He didn't pass from liver cancer but he did have liver disease. I was Daddy's girl so I can relate to the pain of losing that first man in our life that we loved so deeply. You and your family are in my prayers as especially as we come into the holidays. "Firsts" without our loved ones are so very hard. I'm glad that my sharing not only Jimmy's experience of HCC but my experience dealing with his loss has helped. I know it helped me so much that I had Bonnie, Wendy and others on here sharing their stories dealing with their loved ones HCC and also dealing with their loss. So I want to pay forward the love, support, and encouragement that I received. Sharing Jimmy's story not only raises awareness and helps others but it also honors his memory and keeps that memory alive. I was so Blessed to have that wonderful man and I want him to ALWAYS be remembered. ❤️ Thank you so much for your kind words. If I can help in any way I'm always here. Sharon ❤️

[bwpickard Caregiver]

Sharon All the firsts are so hard! You have honored Jimmy so well with his story and your commitment to advocacy. It’s encouraging to see all the research and new treatments for HCC that are emerging even since losing my husband in 2021 and all the work wonderful Andrea’s foundation is so tirelessly doing that is a source of hope for those battling HCC. Sending love and prayers your way!🩷🙏🏻