Name: Heather
Age: 44
Number of Kids You Have: 1
Number of Kids You Want: I am thrilled with the one I DO have... I honestly never thought of how many.
Profession: Patient advocate and writer/ blogger ww.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather
What is your favorite memory as a parent? Seeing my daughter and my parents bond. Because of the circumstances that happened when she was just 3 months old, my parents and Lily have such an amazing bond...regardless of the miles and time between visits, that relationship is something beyond special, and is something I will always be in awe of and cherish. I was diagnosed with a rare and almost always fatal cancer when she was 3 months old, so My parents stepped in and raised her while I had surgery to save my life. She lived with them while I was 1800 miles away. Now, 7 years later, they are closer than ever. Just knowing what we've ALL been through, memories are something we hold close.
What is your favorite memory of your mom or dad? I don't know if I can pin down a favorite memory... I would maybe say, that over the years the relationship that has formed and grown from parent /child to mentors and protectors, and now, very dear dear friends. My mom is my best friend and so much more, my dad? I can't begin to put into words what he means to me.
We always say we're not going to be like our moms or dads. What is your "Oh my god, I'm like my Mom" moment? I think the first time I yelled "LILY ROSE!!!!" Using the first AND Middle name!! I always knew I was in trouble when she pulled out the middle name!!
What is your best parenting advise? You cannot be everything to everyone. You cannot do it ALL nor should you try. Pick 2. Be really good at 2, and the others? don't stack them so high on your list. Having it all means you have nothing left for those who love you most.
What is the funniest thing your child has said? One day she was eating an ice cream cone at home, and our cat Ruby, walked up and started licking it. The cat left, and Lily licked the ice cream cone where Ruby had, and exclaimed: It tastes like Kitty Licks!!!
What is your pet peeve? Inconsiderate people...
What is your favorite dessert and/or indulgence? Pie. I love pie. Strawberry Rhubarb is my absolute favorite... Mmmmmmm
What is your favorite thing to do (without the kids)? I love going to a good show, live Theater, or even a movie.
What is your favorite thing to do with your kids? I love to go on "adventures" I'll pick her up from school, or get in the car and say.. well??? what shall we do now?? We have no plan, we just wing it. We have had more fun and discovered really interesting places by doing this.
What is your favorite holiday? It's not a "traditional holiday" by any means. It is a holiday that is special to our family. It's called "Lungleavin Day" It is the anniversary of my surgery to remove my lung due to mesothelioma.. it is the day my lung left, hence the name Lungleavin.. We celebrate life on the first Saturday of February. We throw a huge party, invite everyone we know, have tons of food, and booze, and a huge bonfire in our back yard. We write our fears on a plate and smash the plate into the bonfire. It is really cathartic, and empowering. We are expecting a record turnout this year. :) http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/heather/throw-your-fears-to-the-fire.htm
What book are you reading? I'm currently reading the first book in The Game of Thrones series.. very deep.. but really really good.
List one random piece of information about yourself that you want to share: If I could, I would get many, many, many more tattoos... :D
Update 5/14/13: Heather has a video on her story with her fight with cancer.
Update 5/14/13: Heather has a video on her story with her fight with cancer.
These parent interviews are very interesting. I love Heather's. It comes through that she has been through a lot and has become very appreciative and positive about everything!! I am inspired by her!
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