My time

I remember Amber calling me telling me shes pregnant and how excited her and Nick were to have another baby on the way. I was so excited and sad that I wasn’t going to be there like I was before. What none of us expected, Amber got diagnosed with breast cancer and the doctors advised her to terminate the pregnancy so she can get chemo and radiation. Amber, just like I would have, refused to terminate the baby. She knew the risks and she took it anyways. For that, I will have the most respect and love for my sister-in-law that brought her beautiful son to this world! 

Nick and Amber fighting her cancer and taking care of the kids 3 years after Carson was born. Until March of 2017, three years after I moved to Texas, got a called from my brother with bad news. Amber was in the hospital due to having a seizure. I took a flight up to visit and get the details on next steps. Doctor came to tell us the cancer had spread to her brain and will need to go home on hospice. This news crushed all of us, we didn’t want to believe it. I came home while she was still in the hospital. About a week went by when I got a late call from Nick, I couldn’t understand a word he was saying expect “I need you here” and that’s all I needed. I left the next morning, leaving my family, my job, my school, everything to be with my brother and sister-in law. Thankfully, my professors, boss, son and husband were understanding, like they had a choice. 

I spent the next week taking care of Amber, the kids, the house, whatever I could help with. I even made dinner one night for everyone. After the first few days of being there I knew I needed to get started on Amber’s arrangements for when she does pass away. Nick was not going to be able to think clearly and I wanted to help him through this. I made calls and appointments to speak with everyone about Amber’s visitation and funeral arrangements. Amber’s family found out and was angry at me for ‘‘wanting her dead” but they were in denial and I was helping my brother for the after effect. That day came 3/31/17 Amber passed away in my brothers arms just after midnight. 

During this time, I found out that something happened between my mom and Amber. I never really got all the information, but I knew how my brother felt about my mother and him NOT allowing her to speak at Ambers funeral. He also requested she not give a speech at his wedding, but that didn’t stop her nor would this.