This post is about Colton's mom.
Colton's mom is my big sister. I have always looked up to her in so many ways. I cannot begin to imagine how it felt the day she heard the news that Colton had a brain tumor. Her husband was in Japan and she was alone with Colton. She sat in a waiting room waiting for him to complete his MRI. She said it was like out of an episode of ER. Three white coats come around the corner, she looks up and sees them coming and knows the news is grim. They point to her and say "we need to talk." I am sure her heart was in her throat at this point. It is a vision she will never get out of her head, I can assure you of that.
My sister has always been a kind, loving and caring person. I remember for her 10th birthday she decided against a birthday party and gifts and wanted to feed the homeless people in Seattle. She was my hero. I loved standing by her side and meeting all the people that were so proud of her, especially the mayor of the city.
When my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer 3 1/2 years ago, Heidi did not even hesitate. She spoke with her daughter and husband and they picked up and moved to Seattle to help my dad. She was by my mother's side for the entire 6 months she battled cancer until the moment my mother took her last breath. She was truly amazing. It was not easy, she worked her tail off making sure my mom was comfortable and helping my dad with everything. Then, she moved back to New York and got back into caring for her family.
Colton was born 10 years after Madison. I can remember when my sister told me she was pregnant. I could not believe it. She had a 10 year old and 15 year old. She was done with the baby stuff, but God had other plans. Colton has always been such a joy in Heidi's life. Don't get me wrong, he was difficult, but as always, Heidi dealt with it in a loving, caring way. She figured out how to work with some of his quirks and he has grown into such a strong, polite and courageous boy. He has an old soul, as they say.
Heidi has been so strong for Colton during all of this. She is understanding and loving and supportive and forgiving, and so many other adjectives. She is treading through the depths of medical lingo and doctor's appointments and trying so hard to do what is in Colton's best interest. She explains things to him and tries hard to bring things to his level of understanding. I think there were times that she did not process what was going on, all she was focused on was Colton and making sure he was comfortable. When she was able to get away, it would hit her so hard. As her sister, my heart broke for her.
She has been so humbled by everyone's kindness and generosity. She is brought to tears easily these days. Kind words, prayers, donations, facebook prayers, all of them are so helpful to her. She is the type of person that would give you the coat off her back but never expects anyone to do the same.
